Cross Breeds

Newborn Golden Retriever puppies with constipation. How to treat?

My neighbor's golden retriever just had a litter of puppies. They are 5 days old today. All but two have not pooped in about 30 hours. Prior to this time, they were pooping regularly. They are going to the vet today, but she is worried. Do you have any suggestions? Some one told us to give them an enema, but we are not sure that is such a great idea. Thank you in advance for your help. I forgot to mention that the puppies are nursing, but that mom isn't licking them. So the family is doing that. They are urinating all the time, just not pooping. Well, the family is not "licking" the puppies. They are massaging the puppies after each meal to stimulate them to go to the bathroom.

Public Comments

1. The vet's advice is better than anything you'll get here. I would NOT try an enema unless advised and trained by the vet.
2. Let the vet handle this. Usually the pups are fine and the owner just doesn't notice that the pups are going to the bathroom. Mom usually does a pretty good job cleaning up after the pups. sometime too good a job! I would not recommend anything to be done to 5 day old pups. They are still too young and fragile to put them through any stress! Let the vet handle this and I personally would not do anything to them at all with out a vets guidance!
3. Wait for the vet's advice.
4. LEAVE THEM ALONE. If they are eating from mom they are fine. Mom is just licking it up and you don't see it. Please don't give them anything that could hurt them.