Caring For Unthrifty And Premature Shih Tzu Puppies

Title: Caring For Unthrifty And Premature Shih Tzu Puppies
Author: Connie Limon

If this is your Shih Tzu matron's first litter she may become
nervous or even terrified. Your attitude at this time is very
important. The manner in which a Shih Tzu matron accepts or
rejects her offspring is often in direct response to your
attitude or even the whelping box site.

Normal Shih Tzu puppies are plump and firm at birth. They have
good muscle and skin tones. The skin on the abdomen, feet and
mouth is pink. If Shih Tzu puppies cry continuously or
constantly squirm and crawl, these are signs of infant distress.
Well-nourished, healthy Shih Tzu puppies are warm, quiet and
sleep most of the time. They yawn at awakening. Do not
excessively handle newborn Shih Tzu puppies. Do not allow
others to handle newborn Shih Tzu puppies. Only the breeder or
caretaker should handle newborn Shih Tzu puppies. Excessive
handling of more than one person increases the chance of
transmission of infections to the newborns.

Unthrifty Puppies

Unthrifty Shih Tzu puppies have poor muscle tone. Obvious
signs of discomfort are constant crying and initially high
levels of activity. Unthrifty Shih Tzu puppies appear thinner
than siblings and are limp to touch because of poor muscle and
skin tones. Unthrifty Shih Tzu puppies may feel cold to your
touch or cooler than their siblings. The skin over the abdomen,
feet and mouth interiors may appear reddish purple or paled when
compared to other siblings.

An unthrifty Shih Tzu puppy is usually incapable of sustained
nursing and readily loses nipple contact with the dam. They
become easily chilled. Such unthrifty Shih Tzu puppies may
respond positively to a few milliliters of raw liver juice fed
daily for their first few weeks. Supplementary tube or bottle
feeding for three or four days every four hours around the clock
may be necessary. If you notice a weak, unthrifty Shih Tzu
puppy, remove it from the litter and maintain it in the puppy
box. You can place the Shih Tzu puppy back on the dam at
regular intervals under your close supervision. This way the
dam is able to stay in touch with the weak unthrifty Shih Tzu
puppy. She will stimulate elimination, clean and nurture them
at this time. This regular periodic tactile time helps avoid
failure-to-thrive syndrome. Many weak and unthrifty Shih Tzu
puppies can be successfully saved.

Premature Puppies

The first 24 hours are critical to premature Shih Tzu puppies.
They must be maintained on an hourly schedule. The next 48
hours requires an every 2 hour schedule around the clock. The
following 48 hours can be stretched to a 3-hour schedule around
the clock. By the fifth day, premature Shih Tzu puppies, can be
changed to 4-hour intervals. At one week, the night feedings
only can be set to a 6-hour schedule, resuming 4-hour intervals
during the day. This is a highly intense schedule for a breeder
or Shih Tzu puppy mid-wife. It must be maintained until the
premature Shih Tzu puppies are ready for their first semisolid
foods at about 13 days of age and after their eyes have opened.
Many premature Shih Tzu puppies can be saved on this routine.

About The Author: Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She
publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and
wellness for you and your pets. Designer pet clothing is
offered on the website. Sign up at:
http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

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