My female dog won't eat after giving birth. Why is she thin?

If Ladi recently had puppies and isn't eating or drinking, I would be concerned that she either has a puppy stuck (dystocia) or that she needs fluids, or may have low calcium. I recommend taking her to her veterinarian to be evaluated. Sometimes they just need a calcium supplement, but she may also need x-rays to make sure all of the puppies are out. Also, anytime a dog is pregnant and lactating, it is recommended to feed them puppy food due to the higher nutritional values. If she isn't on this, I recommend switching her.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Adorable picture! Lucy should be eating puppy food. Any brand is fine, I like Purina, Hill's and Royal Canin, You can feed her dry, dry mixed with canned or all canned. Whatever she will eat. Be sure she is feeling ok and doesn't have a fever or abnormal vaginal discharge. If she is refusing to eat she should see a vet to be sure she doesn't have an infection. I hope this helps and I wish Lucy the best!

I am very sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues with Gretal. There are many conditions which can affect the recently postpartum female dog including exhaustion, infection, trauma, hypoglycaemia, severe blood loss causing anemia, and mastitis. Watch for collapse, lethargy, pale gums, dry gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, Loss of blood, complete loss of appetite or the signs of mastitis. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of one, or sometimes more then one, of the milk producing glands in the breasts. Other clinical signs would be; Swelling Firm Warm Discharge (other then milk) painful to the touch Loss of appetite Lethargy Neglect of puppies If you notice any of the above clinical signs, or suspect that Gretal could have mastitis, based on the above clinical signs I would suggest that you take her to see a veterinarian. The vet will be able to prescribe an antibiotics antiinflamatory medications and pain relief. In the meantime you can apply a cool compress to the affected area. Do not attempt any over the counter medications or ointments as they may cause pain or delay healing. It is fine for Gretal to eat only wet food as this will rehydrate her. Low sodium broth should be used. Try a bland diet of boiled boneless chicken breast and steamed white rice. The broth that the chicken is cooked with can be added to her food for extra hydration. I hope this was helpful and more importantly that Gretal starts to feel better soon.

If the puppy died or is stuck in the birth canal, you suspect there are other puppies still in the birth canal, or Lulu is acting very ill post labor, it is best to seek emergency care as these can all be serious and concerning signs that require immediate treatment.

I recommend getting her seen by your vet for an exam and bloodwork. She could have parasites, also, voracious appetite without weight gain or weight loss is a sign of diabetes. It could be that the pups have worn her out. She should have been eating puppy food the whole time she was pregnant and nursing. If she was not, this could be partly responsible for her thin condition. Your vet will give you a treatment plan, based on the findings.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding ICE. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. I worry that nursing the pups has placed a huge toll on her body. If this is the case, eclampsia or low blood calcium can result. This can be very serious and requires prompt care. Her veterinarian will be able to diagnose this with a blood sample. I hope this information helps!

Poor Princess! She could be pregnant but she could also have something else going on like parasites, eating something she shouldn’t, a bacterial infection or even a viral infection. You can try to offer her some plain chicken (no bones) and white rice to see if you can entice her to eat. If she doesn’t perk up soon, I would have your vet take a look at her. I worry she is going to get dehydrated. Your vet will be able do a fecal, blood work and even X-rays if needed. Your vet will be able to assess her hydration and give her fluids if needed. Your vet will be able to get her started on some meds that are safe for puppies in case she is pregnant to help make her feel better. I hope this helps!