Dog Rejecting Puppies: Warning Signs and Care Solutions

Most mother dogs care for their puppies instinctively, dedicating themselves fully during those vital early weeks. However, it is unfortunately not common for every dam to nurture her litter, and some may reject one or more puppies. Understanding this difficult situation is important for any responsible breeder or pet owner to safeguard the health and survival of the pups.

If a dam rejects her litter or even a single pup, early intervention can be lifesaving. Mothers may reject pups for multiple reasons, and recognising the early warning signs allows prompt action to ensure the wellbeing of both the dam and her puppies.

Why does a dam reject her litter?

It can be unsettling to consider, but maternal rejection in dogs is caused by various health, psychological, and environmental factors. The reasons often involve:

• Illness or poor health in the mother dog, including painful conditions like mastitis.
• The quality and health of the litter; a weak or sickly pup may be rejected, sometimes as an instinct to ensure survival of the stronger siblings.
• Delivery by caesarean section, which may interrupt natural hormonal triggers for maternal behaviour, common in breeds such as the French bulldog puppies.
• Excessive or improper handling of the puppies by unfamiliar people causing stress to the mother.
• Breeding from an immature or very young dam who may lack maternal experience.
• Stress or anxiety from living conditions, disturbances by other animals or people, and other environmental stressors.

While these factors increase risks, most dams will still care for their puppies adequately. Awareness and careful monitoring are key when any risk factors are present.

Warning signs your dog may reject her puppies

Rejection usually occurs soon after birth, often within the first week, though a dam may also reject at a later stage if health issues develop.

Important signs to watch for include:

• Little or no interest in the pups; no grooming, moving, or feeding attempts.
• Leaving the nest for long periods, ignoring puppies’ distress signals such as whining or crying.
• Refusing to let puppies nurse or moving away when they try to feed.
• Consistently pushing away a particular pup, often the weakest or runt.
• Growling, snapping, or being rough with pups, which can escalate to attacking behaviour and requires immediate separation of the affected pup or pups.
• Apparent illness or poor condition of the dam, including refusal to eat, weight loss, or signs of pain.

What to do if your dog rejects her litter or a puppy

Immediate intervention is critical if the dam becomes aggressive towards her puppies or shows clear rejection behaviour. Remove the threatened pup or pups promptly to prevent injury or death.

If mastitis or other health problems exist, consult a vet urgently for treatment to alleviate pain and encourage maternal care.

In cases where the dam refuses to feed her pups, hand-rearing or partial hand-rearing may be required. Veterinarian guidance on feeding schedules, formula selection, and hygiene is essential to improve pup survival.

Patience and gentle encouragement can sometimes help first-time or anxious mothers to accept their litter. Gradual reintroduction might aid rebuilding the bond, but always maintain close supervision to ensure safety.

Promoting responsible breeding and care

Preventing rejection starts with responsible breeding practices: selecting healthy dams of appropriate age, minimising stress around whelping, and ensuring a calm, hygienic environment.

Regular health checks for the mother and careful observation of the litter’s health will help catch issues early. Educate yourself on breed-specific needs, especially for breeds prone to caesarean births or maternal challenges.

Should rejection occur despite best efforts, professional advice and support can dramatically improve outcomes.