What should I do if my dog is not nursing her puppies?

If your dog is not nursing her puppies, it is a serious situation that requires immediate attention. Puppies rely entirely on their mother's milk for the first few weeks of life, as it provides essential nutrients and antibodies crucial for their survival and development. Here is a detailed guide on what to do, why this might be happening, and how to address the issue effectively.

1. Assess the situation
First, observe the mother and puppies closely. Is the mother completely refusing to nurse, or is she nursing some puppies but not others? Are the puppies crying excessively, appearing weak, or losing weight? These observations will help you determine the severity of the problem.

2. Check for underlying health issues
A mother dog may refuse to nurse due to health problems. Mastitis, an infection of the mammary glands, can make nursing painful. Other issues like eclampsia (low blood calcium), uterine infection, or general illness can also affect her ability or willingness to nurse. If you notice signs of illness in the mother, such as lethargy, fever, or unusual discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately.

3. Ensure the environment is suitable
Stress or discomfort can cause a mother dog to neglect her puppies. Make sure the whelping area is quiet, warm, and free from disturbances. Provide a comfortable nesting box with soft bedding and ensure the temperature is appropriate for newborn puppies (around 85-90°F for the first week).

4. Assist with nursing
If the mother is physically able but reluctant to nurse, you may need to gently encourage her. Place the puppies near her nipples and hold her calmly to allow them to latch. Be patient and avoid forcing her, as this could increase her stress. If she continues to refuse, you will need to step in and provide alternative nutrition for the puppies.

5. Provide supplemental feeding
If the mother cannot or will not nurse, you will need to feed the puppies yourself. Use a commercial puppy milk replacer, as cow's milk or other substitutes are not suitable. Feed the puppies every 2-3 hours using a small bottle or syringe designed for puppies. Follow the instructions on the milk replacer carefully, as overfeeding or improper preparation can harm the puppies.

6. Monitor the puppies closely
Weigh the puppies daily to ensure they are gaining weight. Healthy puppies should gain about 10-15% of their birth weight each day. If a puppy is not gaining weight or appears weak, consult your veterinarian immediately. Dehydration and hypoglycemia are serious risks for newborn puppies.

7. Stimulate elimination
Newborn puppies cannot urinate or defecate on their own. Normally, the mother licks them to stimulate elimination. If she is not doing this, you will need to gently rub their genital area with a warm, damp cloth after each feeding to encourage elimination.

8. Seek veterinary assistance
If the mother continues to refuse nursing or shows signs of illness, or if the puppies are not thriving despite your efforts, seek professional help immediately. Your veterinarian can provide medical treatment for the mother, assess the puppies' health, and offer guidance on proper care.

9. Long-term considerations
If the mother is unable to nurse due to a chronic condition, you may need to continue bottle-feeding the puppies until they are old enough to transition to solid food (around 3-4 weeks of age). Ensure they receive proper socialization and care during this critical period.

10. Prevention for future litters
If this issue arises repeatedly, consult your veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying health or behavioral problem with the mother. Spaying may be recommended if she is not suitable for breeding.

In summary, a mother dog not nursing her puppies is a critical situation that requires prompt action. Assess the mother's health, provide a suitable environment, and be prepared to step in with supplemental feeding if necessary. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance and support to ensure the health and survival of both the mother and her puppies.