I would appreciate some guidance from experienced dog breeders please.

Our lovely Shih Tzu surprised us by having her pups approx 7 days early yesterday. It was a very emotional day as the 1st pup had deformed front legs and a hair lip and cleft palate and the 5th was stillborn (also cleft palate), She has 3 healthy pups who are feeding well though, and she is being a BRILLIANT mum.

I'm a bit concerned because she is panting quite a lot - it is a hot day here, but not sure if she needs taking to the vet. She wants to be left alone though, so I would prefer not to take her unless its necessary.

Can anyone offer advice please?
Many thanks
Maggie

Hi sorry for your loss,did all the placenta`s come out?is she content to lay and feed or is she restless,uncomfortable?if you are at all in doubt that something is not right you should take her to the vet,if something happens and you didnt take her you will be racked with guilthope it goes well,dont forget pics

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Hi Clare

Many thanks for your response.

She is not at all restless, and is lying on her side suckling the pups. Do you know of any other reason for the panting please. Is it anything to do with the milk flow for instance. ps ~ I'm new to this, although I tried to be as prepared as possible, I can't find anything on the internet.

With thanks
Maggie

It all sounds pretty normal to me,if she's feeding well and drinking and eating ok,I don't really think there is any cause for concern.If you are concerned at all call the vet and ask advice.

She's not distressed at all is she?

Some bitches do like to be left on there own,we had one that wouldn't let us near,but as soon as the pups were 3 weeks old she was fine.

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Hi SallyAnne

Thanks for your response.

No, not distressed at all. She is feeding well and drinking, but not willing to leave the pups to do this yet. I’m passing the food and water to her. I’ve lifted her a few times to take to the garden, where she’s quickly done the necessary, and then legged it back. We’ve really respected her wishes, and not handled the pups etc ~ I feel she is being a really diligent mum.

With thanks
Maggie

She could just be hot the weather has purked up at the wrong time for her , i guess she may need a bit of fresh air good ventilation but without getting the pups cold , just make sure she has plenty to eat and drink and if at all worried get her to the vets or ask for them to visit you if she wont leave the pups for too long .

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Many thanks to all for your kind help.

Just to let you know that Mollie is absolutely fine now , and her 3 remaining pups are thriving. I will try and post a picture, if I can find out how to do that.

Thanks
Maggie

so glad all is going well,,,,,and looking forward to pictures when you have the time,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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good news about mum and pups, looking forward so the pics

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ANGEL

Hi, I have shih tzus and the mums tend to pant when the pups are suckling, its quite normal in short-nosed breeds. I would n't worry unless of course she becomes distressed and that is a different matter. Good luck