It can be alarming when a mother dog refuses to feed her puppy, as nursing is critical for a puppy’s early growth and immune protection.
This behavior may indicate health issues, stress, or environmental problems that need attention to ensure the puppy’s survival and well-being.
This guide outlines the common reasons for a dog not feeding her puppy, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Not Feeding Puppy: Why It Happens
A dog not feeding her puppy may be dealing with pain, infection, stress, or behavioral challenges that interfere with nursing. Physical pain from mastitis, eclampsia, or injury can make nursing uncomfortable, while infections or low energy reduce interest in puppies.
Stressors such as new environments, excessive handling, or loud noises can also discourage feeding. Hormonal fluctuations and maternal inexperience, particularly in first-time mothers, can contribute.
Sometimes, maternal instincts are temporarily disrupted due to illness, hormonal imbalance, or external disturbances, leaving the puppy hungry.
Dog Not Feeding Puppy: Common Causes
Mammary Gland Infection
Mastitis, an infection or inflammation of the mammary glands, makes nursing painful. A mother dog may avoid her puppies to escape discomfort.
Swollen, red, or hot teats, sometimes with discharge, are signs of mastitis. Puppies may cry frequently or fail to gain weight if nursing is interrupted.
This condition is serious because untreated mastitis can worsen rapidly, risking systemic infection in the mother and depriving puppies of essential nutrition.
Read more: Dog only drinking water and not eating (Here’s why)
Eclampsia (Milk Fever)
Eclampsia, a dangerous drop in blood calcium, often occurs in nursing dogs, especially small breeds. Symptoms include restlessness, trembling, panting, and refusal to feed puppies.
Affected mothers may appear weak, lethargic, or disoriented. Eclampsia requires immediate veterinary care, as it can progress to seizures or collapse, threatening both mother and pups.
Pain or Injury
General pain or injury, whether from birth trauma, musculoskeletal strain, or other health issues, can make a mother dog reluctant to nurse.
Even minor discomfort in the back, abdomen, or hips may discourage the dog from lying down with puppies.
Signs include pacing, whimpering, or avoiding contact with her pups. Pain should be addressed promptly to prevent long-term nursing problems and ensure the mother’s well-being.
Stress
Stress and environmental changes often reduce maternal instincts. Noise, frequent handling of puppies, other pets, or changes in surroundings can create anxiety.
A stressed mother may leave puppies unattended or refuse to nurse. Signs include restlessness, hiding, vocalizing, or protective aggression.
Minimizing disturbances and creating a calm, secure space helps encourage feeding and bonding.
Inexperience or Behavioral Issues
First-time mothers or dogs with previous negative experiences may not instinctively nurse. Inexperienced mothers may accidentally reject or push away puppies, or fail to recognize hunger cues.
Close observation, gentle guidance, and sometimes temporary hand-feeding are necessary to ensure puppies receive adequate nutrition.
Illness or Weakness in the Mother
Underlying illness such as infections, anemia, metabolic disorders, or poor nutrition can decrease a mother dog’s energy and appetite, reducing her interest in nursing.
Symptoms may include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, or fever. Addressing maternal health is critical, as an unhealthy mother cannot adequately nourish her litter, placing puppies at risk.
Read more: Dog sick diarrhea and not eating (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Feeding Her Puppy
Begin by monitoring the mother and puppies closely. Provide a quiet, warm, and comfortable space free from disturbances, and ensure the mother has access to high-quality, nutrient-rich food and fresh water.
Gentle encouragement, such as guiding puppies to the teats or supporting the mother in a comfortable nursing position, can help.
If the mother continues to refuse feeding, supplement the puppies with a vet-approved puppy milk replacer. Hand-feeding may be necessary until the mother resumes nursing or if her health requires treatment.
Always handle puppies gently to avoid stress, and observe both the mother and pups for signs of improvement or worsening symptoms.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Immediate veterinary care is needed if the mother shows signs of mastitis, eclampsia, severe lethargy, vomiting, fever, or inability to move comfortably.
Any puppies not gaining weight, crying excessively, or showing signs of dehydration require urgent attention.
A veterinarian can evaluate maternal and puppy health, treat infections, provide calcium or supportive therapy, and guide safe feeding alternatives.
Prompt intervention is essential when behavioral issues persist despite a calm environment or when first-time mothers struggle to care for their litter.
Early assessment prevents complications and ensures the puppies receive proper nutrition during this critical stage of development.
Key Takeaway
A dog not feeding her puppy may be experiencing pain, illness, stress, inexperience, or environmental challenges. While some cases are temporary, persistent refusal to nurse can threaten the health of both mother and litter.
Providing a calm environment, monitoring health closely, and seeking veterinary guidance when necessary ensures puppies receive the nourishment they need and supports the mother’s recovery and well-being.