The First Full Day

Maddie with half of the puppies (before their new colored spots)

The puppies have had a very good day today. After the expected loss of an ounce or two most of the puppies are back to their birth weight or have even gained a bit. I am watching two of the girls as they are still below their initial weight, they nurse well but just haven't gained as fast as the others. I do have some formula that I might give them tomorrow if they have not caught up yet but for now they are just getting some extra time alone with Maddie as I think it is better for them to get as much of her milk as possible for the first few days.

 

Maddie with some of the puppies.

Maddie is also doing great. She is eating really well, although the rotisserie chicken and liver gravy might be helping make her food a bit more appetizing! She is very attentive to the puppies but does get a bit worried when it is almost time to switch the puppies and the hungry ones are getting a bit vocal.

 

 

Below is a video of some of the puppies (females - spot on the bum, tail and hip and males - spot on the back and bum) sleeping in the box. There are rare moments when they are all quiet at the same time but usually someone is cooing. It is also common that they twitch as they sleep and dream. There is a heat lamp above the box to help ensure the puppies stay warm but it distorts the color in the video.

 

 

I also got some new nail polish for the puppies' spots today. You will notice in the photos from this point forward that the girls have pink spots and the boys blue.