What to Do If a Newborn Puppy Won’t Nurse?
If a newborn puppy won’t nurse, it’s a critical situation requiring immediate attention. The initial focus should be on ensuring the puppy is warm, checking the mother’s milk supply, and carefully assisting with latching; if these steps fail, consult a veterinarian for alternative feeding options.
The Crucial First Days of a Puppy’s Life
The first few days and weeks of a newborn puppy’s life are critical for survival and development. During this period, puppies rely entirely on their mother’s milk (colostrum initially, then milk) for essential nutrients, antibodies, and hydration. Failure to nurse can quickly lead to dehydration, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and hypothermia (low body temperature), all of which are life-threatening in neonates. Understanding the importance of nursing is the first step in addressing what to do if a newborn puppy won’t nurse?
Assessing the Situation: Why Isn’t the Puppy Nursing?
Several factors can contribute to a newborn puppy’s inability or unwillingness to nurse. A thorough assessment is crucial for determining the underlying cause and implementing the appropriate intervention. Consider these possibilities:
- Puppy-Related Issues:
- Illness or Weakness: A puppy may be too weak or sick to latch and suckle effectively. This can be due to congenital defects, infections, or injuries sustained during birth.
- Physical Abnormalities: Cleft palate or other physical deformities can prevent proper nursing.
- Neurological Issues: Neurological problems can affect the puppy’s coordination and ability to nurse.
- Mother-Related Issues:
- Mastitis: Inflammation or infection of the mammary glands can make nursing painful for the mother and reduce milk production.
- Milk Production Problems: Hormonal imbalances, stress, or previous health conditions can lead to insufficient milk supply.
- Rejection: In rare cases, a mother may reject a puppy, preventing it from nursing. This can be due to inexperience, stress, or the puppy’s scent.
- Environmental Issues:
- Temperature: Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature. A cold environment can lead to hypothermia and decreased nursing drive.
- Competition: In large litters, weaker puppies may struggle to compete with stronger siblings for access to the mother’s teats.
- Stressful Environment: Loud noises, disturbances, or a lack of privacy can stress the mother and affect her ability to care for her puppies.
Initial Steps: Encouraging Nursing
Before considering more drastic measures, try these initial steps to encourage nursing:
- Ensure the Puppy is Warm:
- Use a heat lamp or heating pad (wrapped in a towel) to maintain a safe and comfortable temperature (85-90°F for the first few days). Avoid direct contact with the heating source to prevent burns.
- Check the puppy’s temperature rectally with a digital thermometer. A normal temperature for a newborn puppy is between 95°F and 99°F.
- Assist with Latching:
- Gently guide the puppy to the mother’s teat, ensuring a proper latch.
- Express a small amount of milk onto the teat to encourage the puppy to suckle.
- Stimulate the Puppy:
- Gently rub the puppy’s body to stimulate circulation and alertness.
- Tickle the puppy’s feet to encourage movement.
- Create a Calm Environment:
- Minimize noise and distractions.
- Ensure the mother feels safe and secure.
- Check the Mother’s Milk Supply:
- Gently palpate the mother’s mammary glands to check for milk production.
- Look for signs of mastitis (redness, swelling, pain).
Supplemental Feeding: When Nursing Fails
If the puppy still refuses to nurse after attempting the above steps, supplemental feeding is crucial to prevent dehydration and hypoglycemia. Consult with a veterinarian immediately for guidance, but here are some common options:
- Puppy Milk Replacer (PMR): Use a commercially available PMR specifically formulated for puppies. Cow’s milk is NOT suitable and can cause digestive problems.
- Feeding Methods:
- Bottle Feeding: Use a small puppy bottle with a nipple. Ensure the puppy is held at a 45-degree angle to prevent aspiration.
- Syringe Feeding: A syringe (without the needle) can be used to deliver small amounts of PMR into the puppy’s mouth. Be very careful not to force the liquid, as this can lead to aspiration.
- Tube Feeding: A veterinarian can demonstrate how to safely tube feed a puppy. This method delivers the PMR directly into the puppy’s stomach and is often necessary for weak or very young puppies. This must be done correctly to avoid aspiration and potential injury.
- Feeding Schedule:
- Newborn puppies typically need to be fed every 2-3 hours during the first week of life.
- Calculate the appropriate amount of PMR based on the puppy’s weight and the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Weigh the puppy daily to monitor its growth and adjust the feeding amount accordingly.
Preventative Measures and Monitoring
Prevention is always better than cure. Take the following steps to proactively help newborn puppies in their first days of life.
- Prenatal Care: Ensure the mother receives proper prenatal care, including a balanced diet and regular veterinary checkups.
- Proper Whelping Environment: Provide a clean, warm, and quiet whelping box for the mother to give birth in.
- Postnatal Care: Monitor the mother and puppies closely after birth. Check for signs of illness or complications.
- Daily Weighing: Weigh each puppy daily to track its growth and identify potential problems early.
- Early Veterinary Examination: Schedule a veterinary checkup for the puppies within the first 24-48 hours of life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Addressing what to do if a newborn puppy won’t nurse? Requires precision and knowledge. These are common mistakes people make when caring for newborn puppies, and avoiding them will greatly improve outcomes.
- Using Cow’s Milk: Cow’s milk is not nutritionally adequate for puppies and can cause digestive upset.
- Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to diarrhea and other health problems.
- Forcing the Puppy to Nurse: Forcing a puppy to nurse can be stressful for both the mother and the puppy.
- Neglecting Hygiene: Maintain a clean and sanitary environment to prevent infections.
- Delaying Veterinary Care: Don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice if you are concerned about a puppy’s health.
Supplemental Feeding Options
| Feeding Method | Pros | Cons | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| —————– | —————————————————————————– | ————————————————————————————— | ——————————————————- |
| Bottle Feeding | Relatively easy to administer; Allows puppy to suckle naturally | Can be difficult if puppy is weak or has difficulty latching; Risk of aspiration | Puppies with a good suckling reflex |
| Syringe Feeding | Can deliver small amounts of PMR slowly and carefully | Requires careful attention to prevent aspiration; Can be time-consuming | Weak puppies or those with difficulty latching |
| Tube Feeding | Delivers PMR directly into the stomach; Useful for very weak puppies | Requires training and experience; High risk of aspiration and injury if done incorrectly | Severely weak puppies or those unable to suckle at all |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my puppy is getting enough milk?
A puppy that is getting enough milk will appear content and will gain weight steadily. Monitor the puppy’s weight daily. A healthy puppy should gain approximately 1-2 grams per day per pound of expected adult weight (e.g., a puppy expected to be 10 lbs as an adult should gain 10-20 grams per day). Lack of weight gain is the most important signal that your puppy is not getting enough nutrition. Other things to watch for are constant crying/whining, and if the puppy appears bloated or uncomfortable.
What is colostrum, and why is it important?
Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother after giving birth. It is rich in antibodies that provide crucial passive immunity to the puppies, protecting them from infections. It is the most vital element in keeping newborn puppies healthy, and it can only be obtained by nursing during the first 24-48 hours of life.
How often should a newborn puppy be nursing?
Newborn puppies should nurse frequently, typically every 2-3 hours during the first week of life. After the first week, the frequency can gradually decrease to every 3-4 hours.
Can I use goat’s milk as a substitute for puppy milk replacer?
While goat’s milk is sometimes used as a temporary substitute, it is not ideal as a long-term solution. It is best to use a commercially available puppy milk replacer (PMR) specifically formulated for puppies. If goat’s milk is used, supplementing with taurine is recommended, as puppy’s have a high need for taurine, and goat milk is not as high as mother’s milk.
What are the signs of hypoglycemia in a newborn puppy?
Signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in a newborn puppy include weakness, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemia can quickly become fatal, so prompt intervention is essential.
What temperature should I keep the whelping box?
The whelping box should be kept warm, especially during the first week of life. A temperature of 85-90°F is recommended for the first few days, gradually decreasing to 80-85°F by the end of the first week.
How do I stimulate a newborn puppy to urinate and defecate?
Newborn puppies cannot urinate or defecate on their own. The mother typically stimulates them by licking their perineal area. If the mother is not doing this, you will need to gently stimulate the puppy with a warm, damp cloth after each feeding.
What can I do if the mother is rejecting one or more of her puppies?
If the mother is rejecting a puppy, it’s crucial to separate the puppy from the litter and provide supplemental care. If the mother is rejecting all puppies, seek a vet immediately as this could be a symptom of a larger issue. Ensure the rejected puppy is kept warm and fed according to the guidelines above. In some cases, with veterinary consultation, and slow re-introduction under supervision, the mother may accept the puppy.
How do I know if my puppy is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in a newborn puppy include dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. If you gently pinch the skin on the back of the puppy’s neck, it should quickly return to its original position. If it stays tented, the puppy is likely dehydrated.
Is it normal for newborn puppies to sleep a lot?
Yes, it is normal for newborn puppies to sleep a lot. They spend most of their time sleeping and nursing during the first few weeks of life. However, they should be active and alert during feeding times.
When should I start weaning the puppies onto solid food?
Weaning typically begins around 3-4 weeks of age. You can start by offering the puppies a gruel made from puppy milk replacer and a high-quality puppy food.
Where can I find the most accurate information about caring for newborn puppies?
The best source of information is your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on the specific needs of your puppies and the mother. Always consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about a puppy’s health or well-being. What to do if a newborn puppy won’t nurse? The best response is a quick phone call to a trusted veterinarian.