Lactation in a nursing animal is a series of natural processes that involve milk production and milk let down. Immediately your bitch gives birth, the hormones involved with milk let down are released and milk will be available.
However, some conditions could make a mother dog not lactate. Some of them include:
- Poor nutrition.
- Dehydration.
- Stress.
- Heavy parasite infestation.
- Problems associated with the release and response to hormones.
When you notice your newly born puppies are always crying and not gaining weight (which they are supposed to do weekly), that implies that the mother is not lactating or they are not having access to milk. Puppies need to feed about every 2 hours to stay alive, if you suspect they are starving, you can get Milk replacers for puppies and hand raise them pending when you find help for the mother.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS NOT LACTATING
- Provide quality liquids. (Either freshwater or chicken broth).
- Provide highly nutritious food.
- Give vitamin supplements.
If there is no result after trying the above, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
