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My dog won't feed her newborn puppies. What if she rejects them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 45 lbs

Myndog wont feed her newborn puppies. She had them yesterday. And since then she hasn't fed the puppies. When I checked on them today she had them buried in the bottom of the dog house. And she refused to be with them. I dont know how what to do. Oh she also doesnt have enough nipples to feed all 9 puppies.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2019

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Some mom dogs are just not good mom dogs. In the circumstances where the mother dog won't feed the puppies you can either try to make Bella lie down and attach the puppies to her nipples (check first that she is producing milk), or if she is refusing the puppies all together you will need to feed and nurse them yourself with a bottle. This involves bottle feeding a puppy replacer (not just milk or 'puppy milk') as well as wiping their penis/vagina and anus so that they will pee and poop. I recommend a visit with the vet for both mom and babies to make sure Bella isn't sick, and to check on the puppies and be shown how to properly bottle feed. Best of luck with Bella and the puppies!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 27th, 2017

    It sounds like the puppies may need to be bottle fed. This can be very labor intensive as they need to be fed every two hours at first, but some dogs are not good mothers and will not care for the pups. You would need to separate the pups from her completely and offer a puppy milk replacer like Esbilac. This article has information about caring for orphaned puppies and kittens, but I would also recommend talking to your veterinarian for advice since you may need ongoing help. I also would not recommend breeding Zuri again since she may reject future litters as well - you should consider having her spayed. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A

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