Why Do Some Dogs Eat Their Newborn Puppies?
Quick Answer
Dogs eat their newborn puppies when they do not recognize the puppies as their own, because the pain from mastitis and suckling provokes aggression, or because a puppy is stillborn or unhealthy. However, cannibalism rarely occurs among canines. Some breeders theorize that cannibalism is an inherited trait that may pass from one litter to the next.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Dogs that give birth through Caesarean sections are less likely to recognize their offspring due to the lack of birth hormones. The high-pitched noises emitted by puppies and their erratic movements often trigger a predator instinct, causing dogs to kill and eat their young.
Another common issue is mastitis, a condition in which the teats become infected or inflamed. If the condition is severe enough, milk production stops entirely, and the entire litter can starve to death in less than 48 hours. To prevent any tragedies during the whelping process, it is necessary to keep the mother as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Some anxious dogs seek to remain close to their owners, while others hide their puppies. Plump, contented puppies indicate that the mother and the litter are both healthy. Puppies should be weighed daily to ensure that they are gaining adequate weight. Owners may need to supplement the diets of any underweight puppies.
Learn more about DogsRelated Questions
-
Q:
Where Can I Sell My Puppies?
A: Most puppy breeders sell their puppies through the classified section of the local newspaper, although online puppy sales have blossomed over the past few ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where Can You Buy Puppies for $50?
A: The best way to find a puppy for $50 or less is by checking with a local animal shelter. This is an ideal way to adopt pets as they are already vaccinated ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do You Buy a Puppy From Greenfield Puppies?
A: Visit Greenfieldpuppies.com and choose a puppy by breed, state and price range. You can also click the New Arrivals tab to browse for new puppies. If you s... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
When Do Puppies Stop Biting?
A: The duration of puppy biting depends largely on a puppy's training. Owners must be patient and consistent in teaching puppies not to bite. Puppies can lear... Full Answer >Filed Under:
