Expert: Christine Puetz - 5/28/2009

Question
I have 6 English bulldog puppies which are 3 weeks and 2 days old. my father mistakenly fed their mother menudo. she had diarrea and i was not aware of this so i continued to allow her puppies to feed not too long after they began throwing up milk and they had diarea its been 3 days ever since and they still have diarea..what can i do to help them?
so i deworm them?
and i also i want to know what is the best way to wean them off the mothers milk?


Answer
Jesenia,

The most important thing to do, is make sure your puppies don't get dehydrated.  If you pinch the back of their neck, the skin should go back down and not stand up.

If they are dehydrated, you should see a vet.  They can go downhill quickly if they get dehydrated.

If you don't think they are dehydrated, then I would just keep an eye on them.  They still need mama's milk.  This is a little early to start them on puppy food.  Normally you would start them on puppy food around 4 to 5 weeks old.

As they start eating puppy food, take them away from mama for longer periods of time.  They should be weaned between 6 and 7 weeks old.

Hope that helps,
Christine Puetz