Small dog + Big pups

Never had to deal with this but here is the AI advice for what it's worth - from Gemini:
(NB - Only copied and pasted)

First off, please take a deep breath and go easy on yourself. Dogs are notoriously clever escape artists when they are in season, and it happens to the best and most attentive owners. What matters right now is that you got her through a tough delivery, she has two healthy puppies, and you are actively looking out for her well-being.
A Lakeland terrier nursing two "huge" puppies is essentially running a metabolic marathon. Producing milk drains a mother dog's body of protein, fat, and vital minerals (especially calcium) at an alarming rate. It is completely normal for her to look thin and act famished right now, but we definitely need to supercharge her diet to help her keep up.

Here is a breakdown of how to fuel her recovery and milk production, what to watch out for, and resources to help you through this.

## 1. High-Octane Diet Adjustments
Right now, standard adult dog food won't cut it. She needs nutrient-dense, easily digestible calories.
* *Switch to Puppy Food:* If you haven't already, gradually transition her to a high-quality *premium puppy food* (kibble and wet). Puppy formulas are much higher in protein, fat, and crucial minerals like calcium and phosphorus than standard adult food.
* *Free-Choice Feeding (All You Can Eat):* Do not stick to standard meal times. Leave a bowl of dry puppy kibble out for her *24/7*. Nursing mothers should generally eat two to three times their normal caloric intake. She should be allowed to eat whenever she finds a spare moment away from the pups.
* *Boost the Calories:* Mix high-calorie wet puppy food, plain cooked chicken, scrambled eggs, or a little bit of full-fat cottage cheese into her meals to entice her appetite and give her an extra protein punch.
* *Hydration is Critical:* Milk is mostly water. If she’s dehydrated, her milk supply drops and she will feel even more exhausted. Keep multiple water bowls topped up with fresh water right next to her whelping box. Some breeders offer warm, low-sodium chicken broth to encourage drinking.

## 2. Crucial Red Flags to Avoid
There are a few specific medical and dietary dangers to keep on your radar over the next few weeks.
### Watch for Eclampsia (Milk Fever)
This is a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels caused by the heavy demands of nursing. Because her puppies are so large, they are drawing a massive amount of calcium from her.
* *Symptoms to watch for:* Restlessness, pacing, whining, muscle tremors, stiff joints, unsteadiness on her feet, or a high fever.
* *What to do:* If you see any twitching or stiffness, it is a veterinary emergency. They will need to give her intravenous calcium.
> *CRITICAL WARNING:* *Do not give her calcium supplements (like Tums or bone meal) without an explicit instruction and dosage from your vet.* Counterintuitively, giving oral calcium supplements can cause her body to stop mobilizing its own natural calcium stores, which can actually trigger or worsen eclampsia. Stick to the calcium naturally found in high-quality puppy food.
>
### Avoid Sudden Diet Overloads
While she needs calories, don't introduce incredibly rich or fatty foods (like pure butter, heavy cream, or large amounts of oil) all at once. Her digestive system is already stressed, and sudden massive fat increases can trigger pancreatitis (severe inflammation of the pancreas). Stick to high-quality proteins and puppy formulas.

## 3. Recommended Reading & Next Steps
To help you navigate the next few weeks of puppy growth and weaning, here are some excellent, reputable resources:
* *The Kennel Club (UK) / American Kennel Club (AKC):* Search for their guides on "Feeding the Breeding Bitch" and "Whelp Advice." They offer great operational timelines for when the mom's energy peaks and how to safely start weaning the pups.
* *VCA Animal Hospitals / PDSA Articles:* Look up their online leaflets on "Feeding the Nursing Dog" and "Eclampsia in Dogs." They provide excellent, vet-reviewed checklists of exact caloric calculations and symptom tracking.
### A Note on Her Incision
Since she had a C-section just a week ago, keep a close eye on her surgical line. The puppies will be kicking and scratching at her belly while they nurse. Check the incision daily for any redness, swelling, or discharge, and make sure the puppies' tiny claws are kept trimmed so they don't scratch her healing skin.
By week 3 or 4, the puppies will start getting teeth and showing interest in solid food. Once you begin weaning them onto puppy mush, your sweet Lakeland will finally get a break, and her body can start focusing entirely on her own recovery.
How is her energy level otherwise—is she alert and attentive to the pups, or does she seem completely lethargic? Let me know if you are seeing any specific behaviors that worry you.

*

"Let me know if you are seeing any specific behaviors that worry you."

Worth looking at maybe though ExDancer
🤞

I really think your vet should be more 'hands on' with your situation, offering advice about nutrition, and supplements after her pregnancy and subsequent surgery! They need a kick up the ***! Hope all goes well and you get the support you need.

NSpaghitti We have no idea what the father is like.

I should have mentioned, the vet doesn't seem concerned (£25 for this piece of advice - please make payment to the practise by bacs).
Those of us who breast fed our own children will remember how exhausting it is which is why I'm looking for some high calorie/high protein dog food and have also considered raw liver and such ..... for Mum ..... ?
I do think supplementing the pups is a good idea too

What was the father like?
Just wondering how big and how quickly her pups are likely to grow?
😬

There may be a useful supplement for mum too - who must still be recovering from her operation.

Don't beat yourself up Exdancer bitches in season are so unpredictable. I agree with NotSpaghetti talk to your vet about puppy formula. Good luck with your new family.

How worrying.
Puppy formula fed by you?

I'd call the vet and say she's exhausted. Sorry you are in this situation.