How do you care for a mother who has lost all of her pups?

Answer 1

Oh, this is so sad! I'm sorry she lost all of her pups. She will have to go through a grieving process. She will usually get over it quick. If she has good milk and she was not the reason for the pups to die, then you might see if there is a rescue or shelter in your area that have orphaned pups needing a mom. Sometimes it works out that way. If not, give her plenty of attention. Do not give her too much food. If her milk does not dry up then she could get a very bad and painful infection. Many breeders will drastically cut the dog's food at this time. I think that is too much. In my experience, just cut back to adult food (not puppy food), and give her just a little less than her normal (non-pregnant, non nursing) food would be. For example, if she normally ate about 3 cups of dry food a day before she was pregnant, then try giving her two. I would not go lower than two unless she is really full with milk and uncomfortable and the 2 cups did not help. You can also try calling to see if the vet would want to give her a shot that can help her get through this a little faster. Watch for signs of infection -- infection in the milk glands is the main concern. Feel every day, twice a day at least, to look for signs of infection: heat, redness, swelling, lumps. Sometimes all there is is a hard lump, other times the dog's teats will feel very hot all over or in certain places -- she can get an infection in just one gland, not usually in all of them. Other times she may have a fever. YOu can take her temperature with a normal (human) rectal thermometer. Use a little vaseline or K-Y jelly to make it easier for your dog, and have someone hold her still so she cannot hurt herself or you. Don't do this if your dog is not gentle with being handled in delicate places. Her temperature is normal at around 101., anywhere between 100.5 and 101.5 -- I would call the vet if it goes up to 102 at home. A fever indicates an infection and must be treated by a veterinarian asap.

Your love and attention is what she needs to get over the loss of the pups, but your nursing care is very important to be sure she doesn't get very sick from making too much milk that isn't being used by her pups, or by having a uterine infection.

Amy (thedogshrink)

Answer 2

Keep the dog active by going walks or playing fetch with a ball. Do not let the dog sleep on the same blanket the pups have been on. If you have to then spray on a neutralizing spray to hide the pups scent.

Answer 3

Oh, that poor thing! And bless you for giving her a good home. She will need a lot of love, patience and understanding. She will likely be scared of almost everything, and may be afraid of people, noise and movement. She may even be afraid of simple things like grass.

Far, far too often, puppy mill moms are treated very badly, living in deplorable conditions, and many of them never even get to leave their cage. Most have never even walked on grass! They have had no human interaction, nor have they been socialized. They are usually quite malnourished and in poor physical condition.

The first thing she will need is to be checked by a vet. Having one litter of puppies after another, as well as the horrible conditions under which they live can take a toll on their body. She will need to be put on a good, nutritionally balanced diet, which your vet can advise you on.

Give her lots of time to adjust to her new surroundings and living conditions. If she acts afraid, or if she snaps or snarls, just be patient, and give her time to realize she is in no danger. Go slowly with her if she is reluctant; she is scared. If possible, try not to shut her up in any kind of small, enclosed space, such as a crate or a small bathroom, unless your vet advises you to do so.

Take your cue from her; she will let you know as she warms up to you. It may take a few weeks or even longer, or it may take only a few days, but with lots of love, patience and understanding, she will realize she is safe. She will also realize how much she loves her new life and settle in (hopefully), but may have flashbacks with certain things, such as being confined to small spaces.

Give her her own "space", such as her own bed in a corner of the living room. She needs to have a place that she knows is hers, and where she can go when she does feel scared, nervous, etc., but not so far away from you that she's isolated. She needs to be able to see you for comfort and assurance when she does become scared or feels threatened. But she may also perfer to be alone at times, especially in the beginning. Again, take your cue from her. Dogs tell us so much about their needs with their body language.

Also, a stuffed toy (made just for dogs) can be a great comfort to her, but you may actually have to teach her how to play with it. Remember, she's never seen, or even had a toy, so she has no clue what to do with it. And I would also give her a tee shirt of yours with your scent on it, which will help her adjust more quickly to you. Most of all, give her lots and lots of love and patience.