Why is my new mom dog biting her 1-month-old puppies so harshly?

Question

A golden retriever gave birth to 8 puppies. The mom is about 3 years old and this is her first birth. She nurses puppies well, they are now 1 month old. But she bites them harshly. She bites and doesn't let them go. They cry in pain, still she doesn't until her owner yells at her. Owner says she is just jealous. But i am worried for puppies.

Jenny, DVM · Accepted Answer

At 4 weeks they should be started in puppy food to start weaning them. They should be fully weaned by 6 weeks. If she is too rough and they are eating food and nursing less then keep them separate to give her a break from taking care of them so she won’t do that. Moms teach several lessons and they may be crying out if scared or just not being able to do what they want instead of pain.

Why is my new mom dog biting her 1-month-old puppies so harshly?

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