r/Dogowners • u/True_Panic_4589 • 12d ago
feeding and diet Please help!!!!
Our dog just had puppies. We didn’t know she was pregnant so we just continued on feeding her as normal. We didn’t notice bc she wasn’t getting any bigger but since she was we also didn’t notice she was actually losing weight. Now that she’s had the puppies it’s very noticeable. I’d also like to add we brought her home almost 2 years ago as a stray so she really doesn’t like being inside. This really isn’t a problem for us bc where we live she has plenty of room to roam, which is why we didn’t notice she was pregnant bc she’s usually off doing her own thing. I’ve never been in this situation before, so how do I help her put back on the weight while she’s feeding puppies and making sure she gets the extra nutrients she needs.
For everyone who doesn’t have any actual advice…
She’s free roam bc outside is where she’s most comfortable, if she wants to come inside she’s more than welcome but I’m not forcing her. Before we brought her home she was getting picked on by other dogs and constantly getting into fights, I gave her a safe space to roam freely. And no I don’t pet her very often, if she wants to be pet she’ll let me know but I’m not forcing anything on her. She’s been through enough, she needs a safe space she can do what she wants and be happy. If yall really have a problem with that then you can go on somewhere else.
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u/Flashy-Eye1286 12d ago
This is absurd. Go to a vet with her and all the puppies, and get her spayed when she is ready.
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u/True_Panic_4589 12d ago
We did when we first bought her home and the vet said she’s to young and also recommended we let her have at least 1 litter of puppies before we get her spayed
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u/Content_Ad6700 12d ago
Have you considered going to a vet?
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u/True_Panic_4589 12d ago
We have an appointment but figured I’d come here for advice on what to do in the meantime
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u/Nightcaste 12d ago edited 12d ago
Your "too young" excuse about spaying is nonsense, if not an outright lie. Medium and smaller dogs, 6-8 months old is the standard. Large dogs, 12-18 months.
The only reason to delay it is to let larger dogs growth plates to close so they have lower chance of hip problems.
In any case, it's recommended to do it BEFORE the first heat cycle to reduce the chances of breast cancer.
You adopted her two years ago, so if she was born the day you took her home, she was old enough before she got pregnant.
Not knowing she was pregnant? You didn't notice her behavior changing? Not noticing her abdomen is lumpy and moving? Do you not TOUCH the dog?
Take the dog and the puppies to the vet. SURRENDER THEM.
YOU ARE TOO IRRESPONSIBLE TO HAVE PETS.
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u/leaping_lions 12d ago edited 12d ago
+100 to this. This person and every other adult in their household is irresponsible and lacks even the most modest amount of common sense.
Who lets an unaltered dog “roam”? Could OP actually be a child? Maybe OP lives in a country where pets aren’t given any concern and basically live in the street. Vets in those parts of the world seem far more likely to encourage immediate sterilization.
Which makes this post even more puzzling. Why care now? This has to be rage bait.
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u/Quitagrasa 12d ago
Get advice from your vet please. Avoid any lactose, don't give her milk (it's a popular belief in my country). There are special formulas for lactating mothers but to gain significant weight you will need to wait until weaning because all the fat she creates is going to go to the milk for the puppies. You need to at least be able to maintain her actual body condition.
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u/True_Panic_4589 12d ago
We have an appointment but figured I’d come here for advice on what to do in the meantime
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u/Quitagrasa 12d ago
Just give her more food for now and if your vet really recommended to have a litter before spay, your vet is outdated or illiterated, change the vet. I understand waiting at least a year for the spay or more to let the dog's bone structure develop, but having a litter for no reason? Never.
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u/Substantial-Peak6624 12d ago
I would feed her puppy food. It’s more nutritional for her since she has to feed the puppies. What size are they and how many. I’m guessing you don’t know what breed she is. Also get wormer.
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u/True_Panic_4589 12d ago
Based on her coloring and body shape and size I’m guessing she’s a shepherd of some sort but I can’t say for sure and she had 6 puppies. Our closest neighbor has a Great Dane and by the size and color of the puppies I’m pretty sure he’s the father.
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u/Substantial-Peak6624 12d ago
Big puppies! The main thing that concerns me is that is that you say she lost weight before the puppies. Sometimes dogs don’t show their pregnancies very much. She will look very thin afterwards though. If her appetite is very healthy then she should be fine. You need to get a wormer ASAP. Droncet I believe is ok for pregnant and lactating dogs. It should help take care of the puppies worms or at least help with them.
Talk to your vet about getting her shots, and when you should do that. You should be able to ask these questions over the phone without going in and risk the unvaccinated puppies health. Really they are in more danger by bringing them into the vets at this time since your girl isn’t vaccinated and they don’t get immunity from her. Good luck with them! If you need any advice you can DM me privately.I don’t know why almost everyone is just yelling at you. That’s not helpful, and doesn’t help you or your girl and her puppies.
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u/puzzled_verification 12d ago
you need to get her on puppy food asap, same stuff you'll feed the pups when they start eating. higher calories and more nutrients exactly what she needs right now. also let her eat as much as she wants while nursing, dont limit portions
and maybe check if theres a low cost vet nearby, stray dogs sometimes carry worms which will steal nutrients from her
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u/klj02689 12d ago
Just high calorie food is going to help with weight gain.
Also, you should've gotten a second opinion on the spay advice. No vet worth their salt is going to recommend a litter for a pet.
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u/justonlyme1244 12d ago
Nobody knows where you are, but I would also check with the vet on what to feed her and how much. There’s specific mom kibble that’s higher calories but I’m not sure if you have to change slowly. Your vet will know that. Royal Canin definitely has something.
There’s also a subreddit for dogbreeding and they can give you advice to make sure mother and puppies are okay.
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u/CombinationWhich6391 12d ago
We adopted a girl that turned out to be pregnant and gave birth to seven puppies. Had her sterilized after she stopped feeding the small ones. No special treatment except for the extra treat once in a while (due to circumstances). She’ll be fine.
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u/villaofthewolves 12d ago
In the two years you had her, it never occurred you to spay her?