Whether they are humans, dogs, or any other species, mothers have very strong instincts. A female dog instinctively knows how to care for her litter, including cleaning and feeding her puppies. However, unfortunately, sometimes a mother dog can do the unthinkable and eat her own puppies. While rare, this is a very distressing occurrence. Here’s why it happens and how you can prevent it.
A dog can sometimes eat its own puppy. Cannibalism in dogs is rare but can sometimes happen immediately after birth or a few days later.
Female dogs of all breeds, including purebred dogs and mixed breeds, have been known to eat their puppies. So, this is not a breed-specific phenomenon. Also, it is not an inherited or recurrent trait. If a dog’s mama ate her puppies, it is not necessary her offspring will do the same. And if a female dog ate her puppies in the past, she will not necessarily do it again with her next litter.
Animal behavior experts have several theories as to why dogs eat their puppies.
A dog eating her puppies can be instinctive. We have to understand that dogs retain many of the characteristics of their wild ancestors. For wild animals, the survival instinct reigns supreme. So, if a wild animal feels that one baby is putting the others at risk, they will not hesitate to get rid of it, even if it means eating their own offspring. An example is a bleating baby who has lost its mother in the herd. Wild animals are known to trample the baby to death because its bleating could give away their location to predators.
While eating puppies is rare among dogs, female dogs are known to routinely sever their umbilical cord after giving birth and eat the afterbirth. This is just a dog’s way of responding to a deeply ingrained need to deter predators and protect herself and her litter. Unfortunately, sometimes the instinct can carry as far as eating her puppies.
Female dogs sometimes eat a puppy that is born sick. This is a way for the new mother to ensure the wellbeing of the rest of the litter. Mama dogs are very good at sensing sickness in their puppies. They sometimes have to make the hard decision that caring for a sick puppy is not worth it because it can endanger the others babies. For example, a mommy dog might feel like she does not have the milk and/or energy to care for a puppy who might not survive anyway. It is also a way for dogs to instinctively protect the litter from spread of infectious diseases.
Some dogs eat their puppies by accident. This is especially true if it is her first litter. While removing the umbilical cord and birthing sac, she can accidentally injure or kill a puppy. She may then eat the puppy because, as hard as it is to hear, it is a source of nutrition.
Most dogs recognize their pups, but sometimes, the material instinct can take a few days to kick in. This can happen, for instance, when a dog has given birth by cesarean section. A dog who fails to recognize her offspring may eat her puppies out of frustration. If you notice your new dog mama struggling with caring for her babies, try feeding them by hand and re-introducing them to mom one by one so she doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
Some dogs eat their puppies because of medical problems like mastitis (an inflammation of the nipples and breast tissue). This can cause excruciating pain when the puppies suckle. A mother dog can lash out in pain and inadvertently injure or kill her puppies in such cases. Some mama dogs will drive the puppies away. Abandonment can also lead to the puppies dying. If your dog is having trouble feeding her babies, look for signs such as red and swollen private parts or inflamed nipples. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call the vet right away. Do not put anything on your dog’s sore bum or private parts without checking with the vet first.
The process of giving birth can leave your dog feeling physically exhausted. Caring for a bunch of rowdy puppies can also be harrowing mental ordeal, leaving her tired, frustrated, angry, or anxious. Some female dogs eat their puppies because of the strong emotions they experience in the days after giving birth. Try to remove any source of stress and make sure your dog is happy and relaxed to the extent possible. For instance, if you feel like the father is stressing her out, remove him from the litter.
You should keep a close eye on your dog in the days after she has birthed a litter. If you notice any problems, such as difficulty nursing or undue anxiety or frustration while caring for the pups, remove the pups from her and get medical attention from a vet.
For example, you should remove a visibly sick puppy from the litter and take it to the vet. You can re-introduce the puppy to the family later when he or she is better.
If your dog has birthed a stillborn pup, remove it as soon as possible. Also remove the birth sac, afterbirth, etc., to discourage your dog from eating anything related to her delivery.
In general, you should leave your dog undisturbed during and immediately after she gives birth. However, if she is having difficulties and looks like she needs a hand, go ahead and help. It could prevent her from accidentally killing a puppy (which she might later eat).
Dogs eating their puppies is a rare phenomenon. But when it does happen, it can be deeply distressing. Just keep in mind that a dog who eats her puppies is not a monster. She is simply following an instinct and doing what she thinks is best for her puppies.
13 January, 2023