Chihuahua pregnancy: homemade litter tips

Throughout previous articles, we have highlighted the importance of choosing where the puppy comes from, carefully weighing the pros and cons of various solutions.

In the course of carrying out my profession, I often come across owners, who are looking for a partner for their chihuahua, thinking to give them this “satisfaction” at least once in a lifetime. Still others believe that a pregnancy, will miraculously solve the problem of hysterical pregnancies (pseudopregnancy), or more simply wish to experience the excitement of home birth thinking that since it is a natural event, anyone can do it.

But are we really sure that this is the case? Let’s have some clarity:

1. Childbirth, although a natural event, can result in complications, and a cesarean is often necessary in Chihuahuas. But even if everything goes smoothly, the first-time bitch is not always able to do everything on her own, and while a trained breeder, is able to help her and assess if there is any problem, the owner is not always. Needless to say, in this case the consequences can even be fatal for the mother.
2. Raising a litter is a big commitment. During the first two weeks of life usually the bitch, after suckling, stimulates the perineum of her puppies with her tongue, who at birth are incapable of eliminating pee and poop independently. If the mother is unable to do so, it will be up to the owner to stimulate the puppies’ perineum after each meal (i.e., every 2 to 3 hours) with a moistened cotton pad.
3. At the end of this period, the cubs will begin to be independent, and at that point, in addition to the joyful atmosphere and contemplative observation of the cubs, the owner will find himself cleaning up the droppings that the puppies will make at an almost continuous rate, while the mother will gradually begin to carve out spaces for herself.
4. Raising a litter of puppies is expensive! Let’s see together what the main costs might be:

   FOR THE MOTHER
   – Examinations for the prevention of genetic disorders
   – Feeding first quality and in adequate quantity to ensure milk production.
   – Any supplements and vitamins
   – Medical expenses: ultrasound at 25 days – rx after 50th day of pregnancy – possible cesarean section – postpartum echo

   FOR PUPPIES.
   – Weaning feed
   – Worming
   – Vaccinations
   – Enci Membership
   – Microchip

5. And to top it off, the owner will have to find a suitable home for each puppy, which is anything but easy if you want all the good you can for your “godchildren.”

That said, if in spite of everything, you are still of the mind to have this magical experience, I look forward to seeing you next week with the article:
A Chihuahua in the family: how to properly prepare for the arrival of puppies!

Carla Beard
Sing To The Moon Dog Center