What should I do if my dog rejects her puppies?

If your dog rejects her puppies, it is a serious situation that requires immediate attention and intervention. Maternal rejection can occur for various reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is crucial to addressing the issue effectively. Below is a detailed guide on what to do if your dog rejects her puppies, including explanations, practical steps, and long-term care considerations.

1. Assess the situation and identify the cause
The first step is to determine why your dog is rejecting her puppies. Maternal rejection can stem from physical, emotional, or environmental factors. Common causes include:
- Health issues in the mother, such as mastitis, pain, or illness.
- Stress or anxiety due to a noisy or unfamiliar environment.
- Lack of maternal instincts, which is more common in first-time mothers.
- Overwhelming litter size or difficulty managing the puppies.
- Puppies with health problems or congenital defects that the mother senses.

Observe your dog's behavior closely. Signs of rejection may include ignoring the puppies, refusing to nurse, growling or snapping at them, or moving away from the whelping area. If you notice any of these behaviors, take action immediately.

2. Provide immediate care for the puppies
If the mother is not caring for her puppies, you will need to step in to ensure their survival. Puppies are highly vulnerable in their first few weeks of life and require constant attention. Here are the steps to take:
- Keep the puppies warm. Use a heating pad or heat lamp to maintain a temperature of around 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first week, gradually reducing it as they grow.
- Feed the puppies with a high-quality puppy milk replacer. Use a bottle or syringe designed for puppies, and feed them every 2-3 hours, including overnight.
- Stimulate urination and defecation. After each feeding, gently rub the puppies' genital area with a warm, damp cloth to mimic the mother's licking.
- Monitor their weight daily. Puppies should gain weight consistently. If they are not gaining or are losing weight, consult a veterinarian immediately.

3. Address the mother's health and well-being
If the mother is rejecting her puppies due to health issues, seek veterinary care promptly. Conditions like mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands) or postpartum complications can cause pain and discomfort, making her reluctant to nurse. A veterinarian can diagnose and treat these issues, which may improve her willingness to care for her puppies.

If stress or environmental factors are contributing to the rejection, create a calm and quiet space for the mother and her puppies. Reduce noise and disturbances, and provide a comfortable, secure whelping area. In some cases, reintroducing the puppies gradually and under supervision may help the mother accept them.

4. Consider fostering or hand-rearing
If the mother continues to reject her puppies despite your efforts, you may need to consider alternative care options. Fostering the puppies with another lactating dog is an ideal solution if available. Many breeders or rescue organizations can assist in finding a suitable foster mother.

If fostering is not an option, you will need to hand-rear the puppies. This is a time-intensive process that requires dedication and attention to detail. Follow the feeding and care guidelines mentioned earlier, and consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder for additional support.

5. Monitor long-term development
Puppies that are rejected by their mother may face developmental challenges, particularly in socialization and behavior. Without the mother's guidance, they may miss out on critical lessons in canine communication and bite inhibition. To mitigate this:
- Handle the puppies frequently to promote human bonding and socialization.
- Introduce them to other well-socialized dogs once they are old enough and vaccinated.
- Provide plenty of enrichment and positive experiences to support their emotional development.

6. Seek professional help when needed
If you are unsure how to proceed or if the puppies' health is at risk, consult a veterinarian or a professional breeder immediately. They can provide guidance on feeding, medical care, and behavioral interventions. Additionally, if the mother's rejection is due to severe behavioral issues, a veterinary behaviorist may be able to help.

In conclusion, maternal rejection in dogs is a challenging situation that requires prompt and careful intervention. By addressing the underlying cause, providing immediate care for the puppies, and seeking professional support when necessary, you can improve the chances of a positive outcome for both the mother and her litter.