Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My female dog won't eat after giving birth. Why is she thin?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Female | 15 lbs

My female dog is not eating food after 2-3weeks of giving birth. She has become very thin.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on December 19th, 2017

Poor Lucy. She could be suffering from electrolyte imbalance after labor, an infection in her uterus or mammary glands, a puppy that she never delivered that is now infected or more. You could try to offer her some plain boiled chicken (no bones) and white rice or canned dog food to see if you can entice her to eat. If she won’t eat, I would strongly recommend to have a vet look at her. Your vet will be able to run blood work and even X-rays if needed. They will be able to recommend to best treatment plan for her and get her started on the proper meds (even appetite stimulants) to help her feel better. I hope this helps.

Vote icon

20Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2018

    You need to take her to a pet doctor. These are all general signs of severe illness. You should not let her run away as she may be associating with stray dogs and catch diseases from them. Please take her to a pet doctor as soon as she arrives at home again.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 9th, 2018

    Unfortunately, it would be impossible to recommend a product considering she has very vague (and a lot of) signs of illness. It is best that she be seen by a vet ASAP along with her puppies to try and figure out what is causing her to be so ill. Underlying illnesses, infections, malnutrition, parasites, and other issues are all possible causes, however, since the treatment plan will vary depending on what the problem is, we can't really recommend a product to "fix" it as there isn't one thing that will solve all of these issues.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored