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Mom ignores small puppy. Should I keep him with her or separate?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 8 days old | 0.5 lbs

This is the second litter momma has had, and she's paying adequate attention to all but one baby. His brothers are much larger than him, and we're bottle feeding him a supplement now, but I'm worried it won't be enough. Should I try to leave him with her between feelings or just keep him with me in a separate room?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2017

I think that the puppy would likely be best left with mom - unless she is actively rejecting him away from her, or showing any agression when he tries to nurse. Give him the best chance by helping him get attached to the nipple to nurse. You can supplement with a bottle, but he will grow best from his moms milk. Also make sure she has a calm quiet place to nurse and care for her pups - if she feels threatened or you are interferring too much she is more likely to reject the puppies. Using pheromones like ADAPTIL can help calm her and the pups and make nursing more successful. Very rarely and for reasons we dont always understand, some bitches will attack their pups. This can be hard to predict or prevent. Be guided by her interactions with the puppy and intervene if she seems cold or aggressive when the pup tries to nurse from her. Best of luck with your litter.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Interesting question, if the mother is actively removing him from the litter he is at risk of becoming cold and may be safest away with a hot water bottle. Survival rate and very poor in such abandoned pups, indeed the mothers intuition is normally an indication of internal birth defects etc. If he is just small but staying the others he may stay warmer with them

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