How to Dry Up a Dog’s Milk Production Safely

When a pregnant dam nears delivery, she produces colostrum to nourish her newborn puppies, which then turns into vital milk for the first weeks. Normally, this natural process of starting and eventually drying up milk happens without intervention, as it has for centuries. However, sometimes human help is needed, particularly when the puppies are ready for solid food but the dam continues to nurse.

We’ve covered how to increase a dam’s milk production, but this guide focuses on how to safely dry up the milk supply when it’s no longer needed, preventing health issues and discomfort. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Milk Production: Supply and Demand

Milk production in dogs works on a supply and demand basis. The more the pups suckle, the more milk the dam produces. If the puppies keep demanding milk and the dam allows nursing, milk production will continue. Most dams instinctively wean at the right age, usually around 5-6 weeks when pups’ teeth and claws develop, making nursing uncomfortable. Some dams may still nurse beyond this, or pups may persist in suckling.

The most effective way to reduce milk supply is to reduce demand from the puppies—offer plenty of appealing quality puppy food and encourage them to choose it over milk. As demand diminishes, so will milk production, gradually drying up.

Recommended Weaning Age for Puppies

Typically, pups start the weaning process at about 5-6 weeks old. The dam may begin to discourage nursing due to discomfort caused by developing teeth and claws. This natural behaviour encourages pups to move onto solid foods. Observing these signs is key to supporting a successful weaning journey.

Adjusting the Dam’s Food Intake

As the dam nurses, her nutritional needs are significantly higher to support milk production. Toward the end of nursing, as pups begin to eat solid food, the dam’s appetite should decrease. Gradually reducing her food and water intake to about half for a couple of days helps lower milk supply safely, taking care not to stress her. Then, foods can be resumed to normal after this period.

Meanwhile, maintain consistent feeding routines for the pups, offering several small meals daily rather than free-feeding to encourage their adjustment to solid food.

Gradual Process of Weaning and Milk Drying

Weaning and drying up milk production is gradual, spanning a couple of weeks. As puppy demand lessens, the dam’s milk production naturally decreases. Usually, milk stops completely within a week after full weaning.

If milk production persists beyond this, consult your vet to rule out mastitis or other health concerns. Medical options like prescribed medications can help safely halt milk production if needed.

Additional Safe Methods to Dry Up Milk Production

If you need to assist drying up milk, try these methods carefully:

• Separate the dam from her puppies for periods to reduce suckling and milk demand naturally.
• Use rinsed cabbage leaves applied gently to her mammary glands to relieve discomfort from engorgement.
• Hand express milk only when necessary to prevent painful engorgement, but avoid overstimulation which may prolong production.
• Speak to your vet about medication such as Cabergoline, which can block prolactin to stop milk production in stubborn cases.

Always prioritise your dam’s comfort and health throughout this gradual weaning and drying process, monitoring for signs of infection or pain.

Conclusion

Drying up a dog’s milk production is best achieved by gradual weaning, reducing puppy demand, and adjusting the dam’s diet safely. Using natural and veterinary-recommended methods helps prevent complications like mastitis and nipple soreness. If in doubt, always seek professional veterinary advice to ensure your dam’s wellbeing during this important transition.