My dog isn't caring for her 1-week-old puppies. What should I do?

Question

I have 1 week old puppies and a lot of the time the mother won't help the puppies got to the bathroom or clean them when their dirty. She gets up a lot and always wants to go outside. She doesn't seem to mind leaving them at all and never seems anxious to get back. Sometimes she just gets up and sleeps on the other side of the room. What should I do? Is this a problem? Thanks. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 55 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some dogs are just not great mothers. A lot of times this behavior is repetitive with subsequent litters so I would consider spaying her after the puppies are weaned. She could start to improve in her habits but she may not. Sadly you will have to do more work if she won't cleaning them, etc. Hopefully she is at least letting them nurse. You can encourage her to lay in the whelping box with them more. It is ok for her to leave them for periods of time. Be sure Loki is eating high quality puppy food and that all of her mammary glands feel normal. Also be sure the puppies are having normal stool. I hope this helps and I wish Loki and her pups the best!

My dog isn't caring for her 1-week-old puppies. What should I do?

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