My black labrador's given birth to 11 pups, but she's lost her appetite. How can I motivate her to eat more?

Question

She'll need lots of nutrients to feed her brood. It's her first litter. We worry about her and the puppies. Help!

Answer 1

Sometimes a mother dog can refuse to eat because she does not want to be separated from her puppies long enough to eat. If you have offered her food while she is with her puppies, the anorexia is an alarming symptom and could indicate that she has a mammary or uterine infection.

Make sure she has adequate milk in her teats. Please check her body temperature with a rectal thermometer...normal is 101-102 degrees. Watch out for a vaginal discharge that is putrid and infected looking. Check her gums....they should be a healthy pink color. Watch her for seizures that could indicate a calcium deficiency. There are many complications that could arise from from giving birth.

This is a large litter of puppies, despite the fact that she is a young and large breed of dog. She needs adequate nutrition to feed this brood and if she can't the puppies can die or her own health will suffer.

If she were my dog, I would not want to take any chances. I would load up the entire family and take them to a vet and have a him/her take a look at her and the puppies. The vet can show you how to supplement help her feed the puppies and determine if the mother is ill. If you lose the mother, the chances are you will lose at least some of the pups too.

Better safe than sorry.

Answer 2

The only reason she would lose her appetite is if she isn't feeling well. How long ago did she have pups? Is she still having a discharge? Is she producing milk? Has she seen the vet? Take her temperature with a regular thermometer. It should be between 101 and 102.5. If it's higher than that you need to take her to the vet. She could have an infection, or a dead puppy in her. She should also be eating a good quality puppy food until she has weaned the puppies.

Answer 3

well my old dog had pups before she not going to eat right after having pups she may not eat for a day or 2 and it's fine just put food and water down for her she will eat when she is ready try can dog food and make sure she gets some time away from the pups to stretch her legs even a dog needs some time to herself and think about getting her fixed it gets tiring having babies all the time and it's not good for the mom dog either imagine popping out 11 babies all the time you wouldn't wanna do it neither does a dog or cat or any animal
good luck with the new pups and momma
and if she don't eat by day 2 call a vet

Answer 4

Taken from http://Pet-Comfort-Products.com

"A dog not eating food can be a minor issue or a serious problem. This article explores dog behavior problems, dogs eating too much, and dogs not eating."

1. She's not feeling well.
2. She's recently learned the behavior (to be picky).
3. She's getting food from another source.

Here's the whole article:

http://www.pet-comfort-products.com/dog-not-eating-food.html

It is also possible that you saw an increase in eating before the puppies were born. Some dogs will double their food intake for the puppies! Now, after birth, she's returning to normal. So, it might be a "contrast effect" where you're comparing before and after. Maybe everything is back to normal?

If you are really worried, contact the vet. Don't let it go too long!

Answer 5

She's a bit pooped out but try giving her small amounts of ground meat with rice. Hamburger, chicken, turkey, etc. Cook the rice for about 15 minutes and add the ground meat for the last 5 to 10 mins. of cooking...cool it down and keep in the fridge....take out about 1/2 cup for 5-`10 minutes to get it to room temp for her....do this about 4 - 6 times a day so she will consume 2-3 cups a day and she will be better in no time

Answer 6

It really depends when she gave birth.If it has happen in the past 12 hours its normal, she doesn't want to leave her puppies. If she lets u near them try to give her the food in the basket (or whatever you are keeping them in) . Give her grilled chicken without the skin and red meat. Also give her yoghurt and unsalted white cheese, cause she is in serious need for calcium, but for a big dog you should buy some supplements. Consult your vet for the best chiose.
My doggy gave birth 3 weeks ago so I know how scary it might be. Don't worry so much everything is going to be alright :)

Answer 7

You haven't specified when she gave birth. Not to be gross but she has eaten 11 afterbirths and still may be full from that. Encourage her with cooked chicken, turkey, ground beef. Plus she's probably exhausted too. If she doesn't eat by this afternoon, call your Vet. Good luck and have fun with all of those puppies!!

Answer 8

My jack Russel had six puppies. The vets told us that for a few days she would be very tired. She probably wouldn't eat or even get up to go the toilet. All we did was make sure she was taking fluids and put her food where she could reach without moving. Good luck its a lot of hard work!

Answer 9

I would try to get her to eat something she likes. Maybe canned dog food or people food. I know they say not to give a dog people food but I think that's just silly I had a little pug dog that only ate people food and he lived longer than he was supposed to. They say they only live like 10 years and he lived all the way from my being in kinder garden until I was 20 years old so I dont think people food will hurt her. All dogs love people food.

Answer 10

have you been rotating the puppies to mmake sure they are all getting enough milk? have you tried a tin of puppy food or maybe some ovened chicken with the mum? have you been putting some glucose powder in her water? she will need that for energy, she wont survive on no food with that many puppies draining her. try giveing her some chicken or tinned puppy food if she doesnt eat that then ring the vet before its to late. goodluck with them all