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Newborn puppy has a lip problem and won't eat, what should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 2 months old | 9 lbs

My Chihuahua/weaner dog had pups today & the 1st born has something wrong with his top lip & he wont eat

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 20th, 2018

It looks like this puppy has a cleft palate. This is a genetic abnormality, and can only be corrected by surgery when he is older. You need to take him into a vet immediately as he cannot feed with this, and will need to be fed in a special manner if he's to survive long enough to get the surgery. Please take him, his mother, and her other puppies into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

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