Cross Breeds

my shih tzu had 7 puppies how can i reduce her swollen breast ?

hello my shih tzu just had 7 puppies and all are well and the mother is very active, but I am a little concerned because her breast are a swallon. She (the mother) has burses from the puppies and their only 4 days old and their active her breast have milk and the dont cry much should i let her rest and feed the puppies a replacement for a while.

Public Comments

1. the breasts are swollen because they are full of milk! No, do not give the pups a replacement.. she needs to feed them.. otherwise she will dry up and wont be able to feed the pups.. that's also a good way to cause mastitis.
2. She is just fine. But, please get her spayed when she is fully healed. Please.
3. Of course her teats are swollen, they are full of milk to feed her puppies. Don't interfere, it sounds like she's doing a good job and the puppies are healthy and content. What are burses?? She has had a large litter for a shih tzu, I thought they normally had 2 or 3 pups....but I haven't owned the breed and I don't breed dogs, I leave the breeding to the ethical registered experts.
4. 2 words. Breast reduction. All the celebrities are getting them. Sorry but this one was too easy.
5. Leave her be and make sure she stays with her babies at this age as much as possible. I am assuming her milk came in. Meaning it is switching from colostrum to milk, which she will make in greater quantities and the pups need to drain so she does not get mastitis. Yes she will be swollen and may even appear hard for the next few days. Mom boobs are never cute...on a dog! Yes that is a pretty good sized litter too. Try trimming toenails so they are not scratching her while fighting to get a nipple or get the milk to let down. DO NOT GIVE THE PUPS A REPLACER! Let mama do her job, it is the best for her and the babies!
6. Her breasts are supposed to be swollen - they are full of milk for the puppies! Let the puppies nurse,but feed the mother dog a high-quality puppy food and add some cottage cheese or yogurt to her food every day to make sure she gets enough calcium.And PLEASE get the dog spayed.There are so many unwanted Shih-Tzus in shelters now it's pitiful.
7. she is okay, do not do anything.