New Mother

Question
QUESTION: Hi, My Shih Tzu just had puppies about 48 hours ago for the first time.  For the first few hours, she was snapping at them, but now she is afraid of them.  She carries a little stuffed dog around every where she goes and is constantly digging in the carpet, sofa, etc.  She will let the puppies nurse when she lies down next to me. Do you have any advice?

ANSWER: Hi Laura

Do you have a whelping box for her and the pups?  You want to encourage her to stay in one place to feed and care for her pups.   

Vitamin B complex or Bach's Rescue Remedy will help calm her down.  What brand of food is she on now? And how old is she?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Joyce,
Thanks for getting back with me so soon.  Yes, the mother and pups have a whelping box but she won't stay in there with them.  She seems to be afraid to get in it.

She is a very picky eater.  I have tried all kinds, but she seems to like Mighty Dog and canned Pedigree.  She also loves boiled chicken.

She is 15 months old.

Also, since she has given birth, she has just about pulled all the hair out of her tail.

Answer
Picky eaters are tougher to deal with because they may not be getting what they need.

There are some excellent products on the market that would be a better quality but what can you do if she won't eat?

Any organ meats, (heart, kidney or liver) will be a bonus and supplements like Missing Link or Bio Vites will help.   Any fish oil is a must as with a double dose of the Rescue Remedy it will help calm her nerves.  Once her nerves are settled she may want to spend more time with the pups.

Good luck