bitch behaviot

Question
My Bichon Frise gave birth to 5 pups 3 days ago.  The largest was 8oz, 3 were 5-6 oz and a tiny 3 oz female.  Yesterday the mom started picking up and/or carrying the little one in her mouth (I think to move her). She has gained 2 oz and seems fine and yet the mom carried her in her mouth to me in bed this morning as if she wanted ME to care for the puppy.  Does anyone have any idea about this behavior?

Answer
It sounds as if she's simply noticing something is different about the small puppy. I would urge you to keep a VERY close eye on this situation. Sadly, some bitches will actually eat a small or sickly puppy -- this is not an aggressive trait on her part, simply instinct telling her to rid her litter of a puppy & a desire to keep the area where the puppies are housed clean. As to why she's bringing the puppy to you is anyone's guess. You might try placing a baby monitor near the whelping box so that you can hear what's occurring when you're in your bedroom, etc. It's possible in a few more days your bitch will cease to notice anything different about the small puppy. Thank goodness she's gaining good weight already! If you're not already doing so, be sure to place the runt on a nipple at least several times a day to ensure she'll continue to thrive. And if you haven't already done so, have your vet give both the pups & Mom an exam to be sure there is no obvious problem with any of them. Also try to discourage her handling the small puppy as much as possible in case she accidently hurts her during all the movement. Best of luck!