Can You Increase a Dam’s Milk Production? Expert Tips

If your dam is expecting puppies or you are researching the stages of breeding your dog, milk production is vital as it nourishes puppies until they transition to solid food.

Usually, milk production happens naturally without intervention, but sometimes issues occur such as milk not descending, insufficient quantity, or poor milk quality. These can impact both dam and puppy health, making corrective steps essential. Let’s explore how you can support and increase a dam’s milk supply effectively.

Understanding Causes of Low Milk Production

Several factors can reduce milk production or cause it to stop altogether, including:

• Malnutrition or inadequate diet
• Dehydration
• High parasite (worm) burden
• Uterine infections
• Hormonal imbalances affecting maternal hormone levels
• Stress or anxiety
• Premature delivery of puppies
• Mammary gland infections (mastitis)

Step 1: Ensure Proper Nutrition and Hydration

Supporting your dam’s nutrition with energy-rich and nutrient-dense food helps maintain and boost milk production. Adding cooked oatmeal (regular oats, not instant) is a great carbohydrate source, increasing energy available for lactation. Some breeders recommend "mother's pudding," a homemade mix containing fats, calcium, eggs, and fenugreek tea to enhance milk volume and quality.

Hydration is equally critical. Always ensure fresh, clean water is accessible. Offering warm or cool water, or even homemade chicken broth or dog-appropriate warmed milk, can encourage drinking, especially if your dam is reluctant.

Step 2: Manage Stress and Provide a Comfortable Environment

A calm quiet space minimizes stress, which can negatively affect milk production. Avoid excessive handling and loud noises. A peaceful environment encourages better nursing behaviour and supports hormonal balance essential for milk let-down, particularly the hormone oxytocin.

Step 3: Encourage Nursing and Puppies’ Natural Stimulus

Allowing the puppies to nurse stimulates milk production naturally. If puppies struggle to latch, gently help by guiding them to the teats. This physical stimulation prompts the dam’s body to increase supply. Sometimes, just the act of nursing can jump-start milk flow.

Step 4: Vet Consultation and Medical Assistance

If milk still does not descend, or your dam refuses to eat or drink, consult your vet promptly. A vet may administer hormone injections or prescribe medications such as metoclopramide to stimulate prolactin secretion, boosting milk production.

Address infections or worm infestations promptly, as these conditions directly impair milk supply and health.

Step 5: Supplement Feeding Puppies if Necessary

If despite best efforts milk is insufficient, you will need to hand-feed the puppies with a vet-recommended puppy milk replacer—not cow’s milk, which is nutritionally unsuitable.

Hand-feeding is demanding as puppies feed frequently round the clock. Your vet can demonstrate appropriate feeding techniques including how to stimulate their toileting reflex post feeding.

Step 6: Use of Natural Supplements with Vet Guidance

Certain herbal supplements like fenugreek capsules, milk thistle, and zinc can support milk production. Commercial herbal blends exist to encourage lactation and help maternal recovery post-whelping.

However, always discuss any supplements with your vet before use to ensure safety for your dam and puppies.

Step 7: Be Patient and Monitor Closely

Milk production typically increases steadily over the first few days after birth. Keep monitoring your dam and puppies closely, provide plenty of support, and seek veterinary advice for any signs of distress or illness.

Remember, responsible breeding and puppy care hinges on careful observation and prompt intervention as needed.

How to Find the Right Puppy Breeder

If you are researching breeds or looking to find puppies, always choose reputable breeders who prioritise health, welfare, and responsible breeding practices. Ethical breeders ensure the dam and puppies receive excellent care through all breeding and whelping stages.

Conclusion

Increasing a dam’s milk production involves a combination of good nutrition, hydration, stress management, encouragement of natural nursing, and sometimes veterinary assistance. If problems occur, supplementation and veterinary consultation are essential for healthy puppies and dam welfare. By following these expert tips, you can help ensure a successful and healthy start for your litter.