Panting After Birth

Question
Hello.  Thank you for this service. My shih tzu whelped 5 babies 5 days ago and I've noticed that she is panting fairly frequently in her whelping box.  The box temperature is about 100 degrees.  She's eating very well, the pups have almost doubled their birth weight already and she seems to be regaining a little energy and interest in things outside her box for a few minutes at a time.  I'm wondering why she is panting a few days after birth.

Her normal weight is 10 lbs. and she has five good size thriving pups.  Just want to be sure she isn't being depleted.  Thinking of supplementing their food with a little formula for the next couple of weeks until they are eating on their own.

Thanks very much for whatever response you may have.
Judith

Answer
Hi Judith

I think you're female is overheating.   5 warm babies and a 100 degrees is a bit much.  The pups can now regulate their temperature so if you have a heating device operating, you may want to turn it off.  As long as the pups are not in a direct draft, they'll keep each other nice and toasty.  

My other question is did she expel all her afterbirth and placenta's?  Does she have any bleeding or discharge still?

5 days is young to start supplementing, instead try rotating the pups.  Take 2 out at a time for an hour or two and let the others eat and then do it again with the others.  

Good luck.