You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/Caring for chihuahua puppies

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/8/2009


Question
My chihuahua had 3 puppies approx 6 months ago and over the course of 3-4 days killed all of the puppies.  It appeared that she punctured them with her teeth when picking them up in her mouth.  She is in heat again and I need to find out what I should do if she has more puppies.  Specifically, should I separate her from the puupies after they're born and, if so, how do I care for them (ensuring they get needed food, warmth, etc.)?  Any information you can provide would be much apprecaited.

Answer
Most importantly, you should keep her from getting pregnant. There are so many problems that can happen with pregnancy. She can need an expensive C-Section. Puppies can have the cord wrapped around their necks. If she does not know how to tend to puppies, there could be more deaths. I have never seen a mother accidently puncture puppies, so maybe she did not want them. We really have no idea how to prevent unless you hand feed the puppies and keep them away from her and this is a very time consuming job. Please have her spayed right away. If you cannot afford it, there are shelters who will do it for less money than it would cost you to take care of the pups even if all goes well. There are way too many dogs who are killed at shelters every day - millions - so we each need to stop letting females have more puppies until all dogs have loving homes like you give your Chihuahua.

I am so sorry you had to have this sad experience, so again, I suggest you have her spayed right now. Most veterinarians can do the slightly more difficult surgery when they are in heat, or make an appointment for right after.

In sympathy,
Dr. Chambreau

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.