Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, here's the deal, I have a friend who's 40lbs or so dog gave birth about a week ago (i just found out today) anyways theres 9 pups in all, they all look good so far. The mom on the other hand, well, she seems a little lethargic, is -hot- to the touch, not the normal warm, but hot, and she doesnt look like she's eating right. The people that have her, in my opinion really shouldnt own a dog, but they do. I know they cannot afford to feed themselves, nevermind a vet, and that credit card vet care thing wont work here either. The humane soc/dog warden wont work either, i've had no luck with them. I have my own critters and just started to work, so i cant afford a vet either, but what i can do, is try my best to take care of whats here. I have access to antibiotics (injectable and taken by mouth) i can get IV set ups and such, what can i do to help this momma dog? I would hate to see her pass on since these ppl would not be able to take care of the pups, and i would probably end up with them all, but wow.. hand raising 9 pups is gonna be a lot. Any hints or ideas to what i can do? Holistic or not im looking for anything.

Does the bitch have a fever. Use a rectal thermometer to measure her temperature; it should be between 101 and 102.5 degrees F. If it is higher, she has a fever, likely due to an infection. If so, try an antibiotic, as well as echinacea and golden seal from a health food store. Make sure the mother is getting enough to eat, especially fats and protein. Cheap hamburger and bones are very good. Slso give some cod liver oil or sardines. If she doesn't pick up, she should be seen by a vet.

Thanks for the info, looks like mom is doing better, sadly though these ppl cant really care for the poor dear. they are feeding her, but i bet its the absolute cheapest stuff they can find! i doing what I can, you can see pics of the animals http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2070097&id=1407475911&l=dab665f69a

Thank you so much, will let you know what happens!

Well, mama made it. The ppl eventually moved, and left her and the pups behind. I took them in. Mom is gaining weight like crazy, and the pups are doing good too. Mom has no manners, but that can be worked on, along with the house training thing. It took 2 flea baths to get rid of all the fleas, but it was well worth it. I've had mom for about 2weeks now. What i find odd however, she's still dripping blood a little. Not nearly as much as she was, her temp is normal, i just wonder how long this will go on for. I've got a home lined up for her when the pups are off of her. As stated before, pics located at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2070097&id=1407475911&l=dab665f69a and if anyone here is from Florida, please pass the word around, I'm looking to get these pups homed, though I am charging $25 per pup to cover food, shots, wormings, and flea meds. Thanks for the advice on the Mama ^_^

Pups and Mama Pictures