Problem with Weaning Puppies

by Mary
(AL)

I have 9 8-week old pit pups. I slowly started weaning them at 4 weeks. By 5 weeks they were eating solid foods 3 times a day & LOVING IT!! But they would still nurse.

I have tried to keep them separated from the mom & cut her food down to hopefully have her milk dry up. I have kept them separated for as long as 2 days when weather permits it. But her milk just won't dry up! When she does get to have contact with them again, they attack her in a crazy frenzy.

Being that there's nine of them fighting to get a hold of a nipple, it is hard for her to even hold her balance. As they are scrambling for the nipples she is struggling to hold her ground & not be knocked over. She looks so miserable!! You can see it in her face & eyes. Yet she still is willing to do it most of the time.

I feel so bad for her. I don't know what to do!! I try to cut them off and keep them separated, but they want her as much as she wants them! I need them weaned in order for them to be ready to go to new homes. The idea of completely separating them for 3-7 days knowing that they are leaving soon is KILLING ME!!

It hurts my Heart to even think about keeping them separated knowing that they don't have many days left together as it is. When I do separate them she is MAD about it, she knows they're there & I am keeping her from them!

PLEASE HELP ME I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO!!! I FEEL LIKE I AM FAILING BOTH THE MOTHER & THE BABIES!!!

PS
I forgot to also include that I have put her in clothes, altered them so they were tightly fastened (with layers as well) & the little Beasts still manage to get to her nipples!

Gale's Reply:

Hi Mary

The only solutions I'm aware of are things you've already tried--cutting back on mom's food, separating her from the litter, using a weaning bra or t-shirt to protect the nipples.

Since you've already tried the usual remedies, I would suggest this:

1. There is no law that says pups have to go out the door at 8 weeks. Give yourself some flexibility here. If you have prospective owners waiting to take them, explain that for the pups' own good, they need to stay with you a little longer. To my mind, anyone who doesn't understand that disqualifies themselves responsible owner anyway.

2. Once you've removed the pressure of having a deadline for them to be ready to go to new homes, talk with your vet about structuring a plan for weaning them over the next few weeks. Let him or her guide you on what is best for the pups and mom.

Good luck. Please feel free to write back and let us know how things work out.