Newborn Puppy Attack Awareness and Prevention

by Laura E. Huber

Occasionally a dam will attack one or all of her newborn pups. Often the veterinary community will site this phenomenon as the result as the dam's innate ability to recognize a sick, weak, or defective puppy. While I do not dispute this natural, intuitive maternal ability, I believe some attacks occur for other reasons. Recognizing the warnings and risks are key to preventing these horrific tragedies.

A particular high-risk time is immediately following a C-Section. Proper maternal hormones have not been triggered, thus normal maternal emotions and behaviors are not yet fully functioning. Other possibilities to consider are hypocalcemia (eclampsia), side effects of anesthesia, and pain from major surgery or a difficult/traumatic delivery. Regardless of the reason, here are some guidelines to prevent puppy attacks.

Never leave a dam unsupervised with her pups for at least 24 hours following a C-Section. A bitch is quite capable of maiming or mortally wounding a pup even as you assist your dam with their care. A bitch on the attack is lightening fast. Your response and reaction time will never be able to prevent the attack. For this very reason, I recommend purchasing a muzzle prior to delivery, making sure the fit is appropriate.

While at the veterinarians office immediately following the C-Section. and stabilization of the pups, muzzle your bitch. If she is still unconscious, place the pups to breast. Allow them to suckle the all-important colostrum. As the bitch begins to awaken, quickly remove the whelps. A bitch coming up from anesthesia in an unfamiliar environment, coupled by pups on or near a painful surgical incision, is asking for trouble. Another nursing should take place prior to leaving for home. This should be done when the dam is completely alert. She should be muzzled and supervised in the presence of the vet and you. Pay close attention to the dam's reaction. Look at her eyes, are they wild and crazed? Is she gritting her teeth? Is she rough or excessively licking the pups? Is she attempting to pull the umbilical cord? Is she trembling, panting, stressed or anxious? If so, you may want to consider having a calcium level drawn and/or treatment of hypocalcemia. Make sure your bitch has received an oxytocin (pitocin) injection.

Pain management should be discussed with your vet. Most likely, the medication will infiltrate the milk. You and your vet can make an educated decision concerning the risks and benefits. C-Sections are major abdominal surgery and undoubtedly painful. The mere fact that pups suckle on or near the incision should be reason enough to take pause.

I recommend an X-pen or other containment devices surrounding the puppies' box. Encourage mother to sleep or rest at your side. Every 1-1/2 to 2 hours, muzzle her and place the pups at breast. She may not want to nurse, or may act indifferent. Light restraint may be necessary. When the pups are done nursing, hold the pups and allow the dam to lick them though the muzzle, making sure each pups bowel and bladder has been stimulated. Remove her from the area, secure the containment, and remove her muzzle.

After the dam's milk is completely in, your bitch should begin to act more motherly and can probably be trusted. Advance her puppy visitations and maternal privileges with great care. Relinquish your duties slowly and with great caution.

As a breeder, these added precautions and responsibilities are a heavy burden. A mere 24 hours can seem eternal adhering to these guidelines. Soon your bitch will provide you with the evidence and confidence that she can take over all her normal mothering responsibilities.