Why do dogs eat their puppies?

While the sight of a mother dog caring for her newborn pups is heartwarming, the disturbing reality is that sometimes, mothers eat their puppies.
This behaviour, thankfully uncommon, can be quite distressing for pet owners.
Let’s delve into the reasons behind why this might happen.

Survival Instincts in the Wild: Protecting the Stronger Puppies

Our canine companions descend from wild wolves, where harsh environments and limited resources were a constant challenge.
In such situations, a mother wolf might instinctively kill and eat a weak or sickly pup to ensure the survival of the stronger ones in the litter.
This behaviour, while unsettling, can be understood as a way to conserve resources for the puppies more likely to thrive.

Hormonal Imbalances and Lack of Puppy Bonding

Hormonal fluctuations after giving birth can affect a mother dog’s behaviour.
Issues like thyroid problems or low levels of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” can lead to a lack of maternal instincts.
This, in turn, might cause the mother to see her puppies as prey or simply not recognize them as her own.

Stress and Anxiety Can Lead to Accidental Puppy Injury

New mothers, especially first-time mothers, can experience stress and anxiety.
A noisy environment, unfamiliar surroundings, or excessive handling of the puppies by humans can contribute to this.
Feeling overwhelmed, the mother might accidentally injure a pup or even resort to eating it in a misplaced attempt to protect the litter.

Undetected Health Issues in Puppies

Sadly, some puppies might be born with severe health problems or birth defects.
In such cases, the mother’s natural instinct might be to remove the non-viable pup from the litter, and sometimes, this can involve eating them.

Preventing Puppy Loss

While not always avoidable, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of a mother dog eating her puppies:

• Provide a quiet and secure whelping box in a familiar location.
• Minimize disruptions during the first few weeks after birth.
• Allow the mother dog to bond with her puppies without interference.
• Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to ensure both mother and puppies are healthy.
• Consult your vet if you notice any signs of stress, anxiety, or abnormal behaviour in the mother dog.

By understanding the reasons behind this behaviour and taking preventative measures, you can help ensure the survival and well-being of your furry newborns.
Remember, if you witness a mother dog harming her puppies, seeking immediate veterinary advice is crucial.

Artificial Intelligence assisted in compiling this article