I really have to say I am impressed with the way the pups are turning out. I'd never dreamed they'd look this good. They are 4wks 3days today and I almost do want to keep them all. They are big little hunks, weighing from just under 6 lbs to right at 7 lbs! I kno they are still young, but they are wide chested, heavyboned, big footed little fellers. Also each pup has clear eyes, and ears, bright pink gums and tongues, and a wet nose. I have seen so many litter of APBT with thin skinned, pale gumed, bloated bellied, dazed expressioned pups. Most often these litters looked wormy, but I've had the breeder swear they wormed them regularly and that it was just a "puppy stage" Honestly, it's no stage I want my pups to endure.
Also, on the topic of worming, I started them on pyrantel pamoate. It takes care of hook worms and round worms. I gave them their first dose on the friday during their third week. And their second dose Sunday of their fourth week. The directions say worm weeks: 2,3,4,6,8,10... I also have some other wormer that is supposed to take care of seven types of worm I believe. Not sure what all species, I know round, hook, and tape atleast though. I am thinking of starting it in two weeks for their sixth week worming. I was told to give 1cc per 10lbs, and to actually only give half of that amount to the pup. So a 10lb pup would get 1/4 cc. It is supposed to be call Albenzol? I think, I do not remember, something with an A. The bottle only has the dosage instructions with an "A" on the lid. I purchased it from the vet.
Ive also started giving them about thirty minutes with a pan of puppy food. It is dry and pretty hard, they can't eat it well, but I figure they are still a bit young. The pups have a good appetite for it, just do not injest much at a time, mostly sniff it around the pan, and mouth it. I have heard its hard to get them to eat dry food again once you start adding water, and that canned puppy foods give them the runs. I am feeding Diamond.
They are a bit hesitant when it comes to handling. I tried to handle them as little as possible until about three weeks, where I started to hold em and pet em for small amounts of time. Now, I can get a few of the bolder pups to approach me, but when I reach out to touch them, they shrink back. I guess it will take patience. Suggestions?
Goodness, I sound like I've never had a puppy before, much less a litter. This is my first litter without the physical guidence of an educated breeder (or an accidental breeding between my childhood yard mutts and the neighbors' roaming Cassinovas)....And, it is my first APBT litter.
I will appreciate any advice and tips. I want to raise them healthy and right.
Thanx
Aint Pit, Aint **it, Association (APASA)