We may have trouble, unwanted pregnancy?

[Shepherd]

It seems our male and female have been mating. Normally the female wont tolerate his company at all. Today I look out into the yard and they are gettin it on. She has never allowed him to "mount up" during previous heats. The female is 6yo and the male is 1.5yo

I just weighed them both and the female weighed in at 5lbs 11ozs and the male 8lbs 1oz
I inspected the vulva of female it is very swollen and I found traces of semen. The two are inseperable. He goes nuts if we take her to the other room and she even lets him sleep next to her. Previously she wouldnt let him within a few feet of her without attacking him. The male has become agressive towards anyone who comes too close to her. He even bit me and has never shown any sort of agressive behavior towards me before. Im worried the female is too small to give birth to his pups.
What should I do about this potential problem? Is the size difference to great to chance her having pups? I dont really want pups if its going to risk her health.

On the brighter side of things, if she is able to have pups they are both champion bloodlines with great temperments. Two of the best Chi's Ive ever met. If she were to have puppies they would all stay with the family, without a doubt! Anyhow if someone could shed some light on my situation that would be great.


~In Love and Light~

Shepherd

[DragonLady]

The size of the dogs are not as important as the size pups the lines throw. She might have to have a c section, it all depends on the size of the pups. The male is way over standard for a Chihuahua. The max weight should be just 6 pounds according to AKC.

Champions in the background doesn't mean they will be high quality pup or with out defects. Do either of the adults limp or hop on a back leg? This could be subluxating patellas and can be passed to the pups. It tends to get worse over time until it cripples the dog.

An older female is less likely to have her hips spread or open to pass the pups as her bones have set. This could lead to needing a c section. Many females will reject her pups after a section and you may have to bottle feed the litter. There is also the possiblity of a ruptured uterus during pregnancy that could result in the loss of both pups and mother.

If all goes well and the pups do not need a c cestion, she could have as many as 6 pups. If you do not keep her calcium levels up high enough she can get preclampsia and have seisures and even possible die. Make sure to feed her puppy food and add cottage cheese or even yogurt to keep her levels up.

Once the pups are born make sure to weigh them daily as they may not be getting enough milk. A pup that does not gain in two or three days or looses weight could have cleft palate. You will have to have this pup put down. Pups should have their dew claws removed at 2-4 days old, or it can become a surgical procedure after that.

You also need to keep the pups area clean as the mom will stop cleaning up after them at 3-5 weeks depending on when they start eating solid foods. They will need nail trimming, baths, and a clean area to play. What a lot of work this is as they will potty several times a day each! They will need chew toys for teething and toys to entertain themselves, and always have food at the ready.

If the pups play too hard and do not eat enough they can get hypoglycemia. This is a drop in their blood sugar that can be fatal. Watch for a pup that looks or acts drunk, or limp. This pup should have sugar water, syrup or honey placed into it's mouth as soon as possible to bring up the sugar levels. If no change in 10 minutes go to the vet immediatly.

I hope all turns out well for you and you will let us know when the pups arrive!

Teresa

[Sophies mommy]

My chi was 1 of 8 in the litter and shes really pushing the 6lb limit.

[DragonLady]

Wow, I have heard of litters as big as 12. Ususally they do not all survive. :(

Teresa

[Sophies mommy]

Yeah all 8 survived!:o And I still keep in contact with the lady whom I got Sophie from nice lady she held Sophie for me when others were offering money for her when they came to look at the other litter mates.

[DragonLady]

That is so nice! I love hearing about my babies after they have gone to new homes!