[SweetAsChocolate]

Okay I have a chihuahua and her name is Toodlelou, I got her and two other Chihauhua's about a month ago. She will be 3 years old in october. She is 4 lbs. Acording to the lady i got her from she has had one litter before. She is also registered, and the male that she is pregnant with is registered too. I did not breed her (before I get flamed) she had to have gotten pregnant before I got her. So she must have gotten bred on March 23rd, so she would be 35 days pregnant tomorow. She is thin (shes not severly underweight but I would say she is a bit underweight) and I think she needs to be gaining more. My question is what kind of supplements can I give her so that she gains weight, and has healthy puppies?

ETA: I have been trying to do as much research as I can so that I am properly prepared for what is to come. I have not ever assisted a dog giving birth. But I do have expierance with cats, and horses in labor/delivery.
Thankyou.

 

[Kymcole25]

Usually a dam doesn't gain much weight until 2-3 weeks before giving birth. We try to stay away from supplements, but tend to increase the amount of food per feeding for momma'.

 

[SweetAsChocolate]

But does this apply if the female was thin to begin with? I understand not wanting to over feed in the first few weeks of pregnancy on a dog that was at a good weight to begin with. You dont want to end up with big puppies.

 

[Keechak]

saddly with two non-health tested dogs there is a good chance the puppies will never be healthy no matter how well you care for the momma. They may suffer from some of the common chihuahua problems, like knee problems.

 

[SweetAsChocolate]

saddly with two non-health tested dogs there is a good chance the puppies will never be healthy no matter how well you care for the momma. They may suffer from some of the common chihuahua problems, like knee problems.

Yes that is true. But I am still going to to everything in my power to help insure that she has healthy puppies.

 

[Keechak]

If the momma dog is very underwieght she could be sick have you brought her in for a vet check?

 

[briteday]

With a dog that small I'd get in to see a vet, pronto. They will probably do some xrays to see how many puppies she has and monitor her until whelp. They can usually tell if the dog will need a c-section. And in any case you need to know if this dog is generally in good health and have someone to call in case she ends up needing help whelping.

 

[SweetAsChocolate]

If the momma dog is very underwieght she could be sick have you brought her in for a vet check?

The vet says shes healthy, and she is up to date on all vaccinations and wormings. She also just had her teeth cleaned.

 

[RRM_Mom08]

If you want you can give a good quality vitamin supplement you can ook here they are very good (I was recommened this at our last dog show by some fellow handlers.)

http://www.naturesfarmacy.com/store/index.php

Also food should be down all day and at night we always give canned food mixed with kibble to make sure they eat enough.

 

[Corteo]

As to the underweight statement, do you have a pic? The majority of pets in the US, are overweight. If your vet says she is fine, I would believe her.