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zambrtp · Oct 19, 2006, 07:32 AM

My friend picked up a stray boxer mix. She recently gave birth but has become very paranoid, panicky and is acting concerned when my friend helps her with the puppies.
During the birthing the dog laid on my friends lap and needed help with every pup. WHY the change in attitude? My friend sees her acting weird and is concerned that she won't properly care for the pups.. is this normal for a stray dog? She went to the vet and they say she is healthy and about 18months old.

lgehner · Oct 19, 2006, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by zambrtp

My friend picked up a stray boxer mix. She recently gave birth but has become very paranoid, panicky and is acting concerned when my friend helps her with the puppies.
During the birthing the dog laid on my friends lap and needed help with every pup. WHY the change in attitude? My friend sees her acting weird and is concerned that she wont properly care for the pups ..is this normal for a stray dog? She went to the vet and they say she is healthy and about 18months old.

I raised Shelties for 10 years and I had one that acted like this the first time she had pups. She, too, gave birth practically on my lap and needed all kinds of help. Then, she would get defensive when I messed with her babies. She turned out to be one of the best moms I had.

I have a Boxer, too, and they just seem to need LOTS of positive reassurances. Boxers have a tendency to get separation anxiety and just plain anxious about new things and change.

So, I would say considering this was the gal's first birthing and this is all new to her, your friend should continue to reassure her, but be careful with her babies... she's protecting them - a sign of a GREAT mother!

labman · Oct 19, 2006, 08:13 AM

A dog needs the support of its similar pack when it whelps. For a female to be dumped by less than the best owner when in season or already pregnant, and then be taken in by a stranger would be very upsetting. During birth, she may have felt she had no choice but to accept help. Now she is in a position to have a little more control and be more protective. Your friend needs to continue to do as much as the dogs lets her. Do not push her too far. Talk to her in a friendly happy voice. Relax and try not to be stressed which she will sense making things worse.

Your friend sounds like a fine person, thekind we need more of. It might be better if I don't post what I think of the people that dumped the dog. I am not going to struggle to try to do so within the rules of this board.

zambrtp · Oct 19, 2006, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the information... vets and other shelters haven't been able to tell her anything... all she wants is just some information on behavior she isn't trying to pawn the pups off... although she is looking for happy homes...
Ok she will feel much better knowing it isn't anything she is doing or not doing..
ONE MORE QUESTION...

One of the pups has what appears to be a clef lip/palete My friend fears this dog will not survive even with her feeding it.. any thoughts on saving this pup... and if it dies how to remove it without causing anxiety to the mom...

labman · Oct 19, 2006, 10:38 AM

The clef lip/palete is a difficult problem. It will not be able to suck. Get some milk replacer and a bottle from the pet supply. Puppies can't digest the lactose in cows' milk. Then force the milk in. After feeding, return it to the mother so she can lick it to stimulate relieving its self. Note how she does the others if you have to help.