Cross Breeds

Are there are any reasons for a chihuahua to have dead premature puppies?

My chihuahua had her puppies today and they were all really tiny and dead. It looks like they were premature. This is her 3rd litter and the previous two litters all the puppies were ok and healthy. What could be the problem? Yeah, this is her third litter in 3 consecutive cycles. I guess I will be taking her to the vet ASAP. How far apart should I space out her pregnancies, how many cycles? Sorry, I forgot to mention that she is 4.5 years old.

Public Comments

1. Have you had her tested for brucellosis? This can cause dogs to whelp prematurly resulting in very weak pups or even dead pups.
2. Have you bred her in 3 consecutive cycles? What's her general health like? Is she run down at all? Has she been checked by a vet? You should be having your vet check her out.
3. The first thing that comes to mind is Brucellosis..It is a sexually transmitted disease in dogs, that causes early whelping and death of puppies..Very simple to have your dog tested at the vet's, and if so, the male dog requires testing too, as he will transmit it to all of his 'relationships' Here is all about it> http://www.wildsidekennels.com/articles/brucellosis.html all breeding dogs should be tested for this before breeding..
4. I am so sorry your babies died. It sounds like she just went into premature labor. It can happen in dogs just like with people. You don't really know what causes it. Were the puppies all born on consecutive heat cycles, by that I mean without a break between cycles? If so, that could be the cause. Her body was just too tired after being pregnant so much.
5. first off sorry for the loss. As a breeder there may be numerous problems that may arise it is difficult to pin it down to one thing with out aking your dog to the vet. i have included a link that may help.
6. Miscarriages and stillbirths occur frequently in the mammalian populations. Many reasons point to genetically poor outcomes that nature takes care of. Space out your breeding and consider the age of the mother before contemplating another litter. Consult a veterinarian for advice for the future. Have a nice day.
7. Many reasons. First...Brucellosis...is an STD she might have gotten from the litter's sire. If so, their breeding careers should be over. Or.......Pyometria, a uterine infection, which causes dead or malformed preemies. This infection will ultimately kill your dog, if left untreated. In any event, it's time for a visit to the vet and some bloodwork.
8. You didn't say how old she is. Breeding a 6 mo old is like breeding a child. They are old enough to have babies, but are not really mature enough, physically, to do it. Three litters in a row have taken a heavy toll on her physically also. Most reputable breeders only breed every other heat.