02/02/2022
So. Let's learn a little about Singleton puppies.
Only having one pup isn't quite rare, but it isnt super common, and there are some challenges that come along with it.
As the pup is the only one growing in the uterus, he gets all the nutrients - and space - from mom, which very often means they grow bigger than usual pups of larger litters. We had xrays done on Friday, and saw there was only 1. After doing some measurements of his head, we decided that since he only "might" fit through the birth canal, we wouldn't take the chance and we set up a c-section.
The 2nd thing that often happens is that there isn't enough hormones to even trigger the mom into labor at all. And that would lead to a c-section anyway, and other potential complications.
Thirdly, speaking of hormones, the mom might not even produce colostrum or milk for the baby either. Thankfully Dot was building milk supplies and has had no issue with feeding the boy.
So now we've had a successful csection, and Dot is nursing well, but as with csections, mom's don't walk through the birthing process, which triggers the instincts, and so Dot is going through a bit of difficulty with understanding what she's supposed to do with this little wiggly whining thing. She trusts us, so she listens as we get her to lay down, and doesn't struggle when we put the pup on her to nurse. But she isn't sure what next. She doesn't (yet) clean him up, or let him cuddle much. She isn't bad with him, but she'd rather make "nests" with the blankets than give him attention. And she isn't really careful when she's doing it, so her time with the baby is always supervised.
There are actually other challenges that come with only one pup. Rip doesn't have any littermates to snuggle and sleep with, and since Dot doesn't (yet) like to snuggle with him, that poses a problem. Puppies can't regulate their own body heat. So? We have a space heater in the nursery to keep that room warm (without heating me out of the house!) And we also have a bottle of warm water in the basket with him to cuddle.
Not having littermates to crawl over and under also is a disadvantage when it comes to muscle growth and development. So to help him, we have a couple stuffed animals for him to crawl over and under. Thankfully we already have a pack of dogs to help him later when it comes to socialization, so not too much fear of that aspect needing special attention!
So as it's only Day 3, this is what I've learned already, so I thought I'd share!
~Char
