Mother Dog Not Producing Milk

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When it comes to breastfeeding, human moms worry about low milk supply, but lady canines also suffer from the same issues.

As dog mommies may have more than ten babies at a time, it is a top priority to have adequate milk for many lives that depend on that milk.

Mainly, when your mama dog has a litter of pups, those furry newborns will put a high demand on their mom’s system, thereby draining her nutrition.

Many questions arise in mind: What can I give my dog to produce more milk? How to Help a Dog Produce More Milk for Her Puppies?

Here are the six ways to improve dog milk production that can help your dog supply lots of quality milk for her babies to answer these questions.

If the female is not producing any milk at all, the puppies need to be fed a supplement immediately. You should also weigh the puppies. If they are not gaining weight, she is not producing enough milk. If the female is producing some, but not enough, you need to supplement feed the puppies.

What is Prolactin in Dogs? Prolactin is the hormonal stimulant that initiates lactation at birth. Females who have plenty of glands but no milk lack the prolactin stimulation to start producing milk. This is common in moms who have C-sections, as there is no birthing process to stimulate prolactin release. Bulldogs in particular struggle with this, as the puppies’ large heads often preclude them from free whelping.

Still need help? Contact one of our Pet Care Pros.

What To Do If Your Nursing Dog Is Not Producing Enough Milk

If your nursing dog isn’t producing enough milk, the newborn puppies can find it difficult to satisfy their needs in a crucial moment of their lives.

There are many ways to get around this problem, but we’ll start from the most obvious and then explore some alternatives.

First and foremost, ask a veterinary professional.

Online resources are great nowadays, but you can never be too sure with your puppies’ lives on the line.

Make sure you use the right treatments and always follow the instructions of your veterinary clinic without deviating from them.

Once you’ve done that, you can explore some of the solutions below.

Use Fenugreek Capsules

Fenugreek capsules are readily available in health food stores or chemists. They are also used for nursing humans too. You can mix it with your dog’s food or use it in a single form.

FAQ

Why would a mother dog not produce milk?

Milk thistle is one natural supplement known to help nursing mothers with their milk-making. Other dogs benefit from taking zinc while providing for their pups. In small doses, apricot can also increase milk production. Whatever you decide, it’s always best to run it by your vet before you begin supplementing.

How do I know if my mother dog is producing milk?

Some stop producing milk because they can’t cope with raising a litter in such surroundings. Lack of bonding can also be a problem for first-time mothers. Mothers who don’t allow their puppies to nurse will not release the hormones needed to produce milk.

Why is my dog not giving milk to her puppies?

How to Know if a Mom Dog Has Milk
  1. Examine your female’s teats. Look for round, puffy areas under the teats. …
  2. Watch and listen while the puppies nurse. If you hear them swallowing, this is a sign they are getting milk. …
  3. Squeeze her teat gently by pressing each side with your thumb and first finger.