[Africater]

I have a one week old Pekingese puppy (one of 5 pups) and she doesn't want to drink from the mother since yesterday. She had milk at around 12:00 in the afternoon, but wasn't interested in any other feedings thereafter. We've found some answers on the web, where we were suggested to stimulate her anal area with a warm cloth and her stomach as she might be constipated. She looks better this morning, but still doesn't want to drink any milk. I give her a few drops of sugar water (as the vet previously recommended glucose is good for them) about every 15 to 30 minutes to prevent her from dehydrating. Don't know what else to do to get her to drink milk? MOther is weening, but doesn't feed her either. She is much smaller than the rest of the litter. If anyone has previously experienced this, would you please be so kind and advise what to do?

[Catsmine]

Mom may know something that isn't obvious to humans. Dogs have always culled their litters, although one week seems early to start weaning.

Have you tried baby formula with the runt? Sometimes that can save them if nothing is seriously wrong.

[Africater]

Thanks for your concern and prompt response. Puppy started drinking on mother about an hour after I posted my thread / question. It's a huge relief!! I washed my hands and took mom away from the rest of her litter. Took puppy and forced my finger just far enough to open her mouth and placed it over the nipple, she immediately started sucking. Her heart rate is much better, she is less bloated after rubbing and stimulating her tummy and anal area. Hopefully she will pull through, but still keeping a close eye on her and feeding few drops of sterilized, bottled water in between feedings. Thanks again.

[Catsmine]

Thanks for your concern and prompt response. Puppy started drinking on mother about an hour after I posted my thread / question. It's a huge relief!!!! I washed my hands and took mom away from the rest of her litter. Took puppy and forced my finger just far enough to open her mouth and placed it over the nipple, she immediately started sucking. Her heart rate is much better, she is less bloated after rubbing and stimulating her tummy and anal area. Hopefully she will pull through, but still keeping a close eye on her and feeding few drops of sterilized, bottled water in between feedings. Thanks again.

Good news. There is a "Pictures of our Pets" thread when you take some.

[shazamataz]

That is very good news.
It sounds like you have been doing everything possible to give this pup a good chance at life.

Glucose is a handy trick for both newborns and older dogs to raise blood sugar levels and rehydrate them.

Just keep an eye on her as like Catsmine said mum might know (or think) there is something wrong with the puppy and is purposefully discouraging it from suckling. We have had runts before that had to be bottle fed the entire time because the mother refused to let them drink.

[Aurora_Bell]

Great news to hear! Please keep us posted. Looking forward to those pics!