Babes had 12 puppies a week ago nine of them have died from stillborn to starving to bring laid on and one is in the process of dying right now pretty sure of starvation because I have no means of taking it to the vet. Nor is taking babes to the vet an option. I have no money n no credit or debit cards I don't qualify for care credit or whatever it's called. So taking either to the vet is not an option. Momma dog has had stinky blow up diarrhea ever since giving birth and there is evidence of blood on her tail. She has a huge extremely hard lump on her stomach a little closer to the front than the middle. It looks as though she is breathing fast and it just seems to me like she is in pain. She will go outside to potty if someone is home to let her out n she has been eating a little. My friend that I live with has been feeding her family pet brand canned dog food with beef cuts and gravy is what the can says. I personally do not think this is a smart or healthy thing to feed her but I have no money and am out of town 4 days out of the week. Other than taking her and the puppy to the vet what are some options I have to help them
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenging situation you're facing with both the mother dog and her puppies. It sounds like they are in urgent need of care, and I want to help guide you through some important steps you can take to support them.
For the Mother Dog
It's crucial to ensure that Babes has constant access to fresh water. Dehydration can significantly worsen her condition.
While canned dog food isn't ideal, it's better than nothing. If possible, try to provide her with high-calorie, nutrient-dense food. Adding plain boiled chicken and rice to her diet can also help manage her diarrhea.
The hard lump on her stomach could indicate mastitis (an infection of the mammary glands) or another serious condition. While warm compresses can sometimes help with mastitis, they are not a substitute for veterinary care.
For the Puppies:
If Babes is not producing enough milk, you'll need to bottle-feed the puppies with a puppy milk replacer, which you can find at pet stores or online. Follow the instructions on the packaging for proper feeding.
Keep the puppies warm, as they cannot regulate their body temperature well. You can use a heating pad set on low or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel.
After feeding, gently rub the puppies' genital area with a warm, damp cloth to stimulate urination and defecation, mimicking the mother’s licking.
### Immediate Steps:
- **Reach Out for Help**: Contact local animal shelters, rescue groups, or veterinary schools. They may offer low-cost or emergency assistance.
- **Community Assistance**: Sometimes local community groups or social media platforms can provide immediate help or resources.
- **Payment Plans**: Some veterinary clinics offer payment plans or sliding scale fees based on income.
Given the severity of Babes' symptoms, especially the hard lump and bloody diarrhea, she urgently needs veterinary attention. The puppies also require immediate care to survive. Please try to find a way to get them to a vet as soon as possible, even if it means reaching out to multiple sources for help.
If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you for your dedication to their well-being.