Maternal Behavior Problems in Dogs are solely up to female dogs. It’s a condition that usually has one of two distinct forms.
- Your dog may show excessive maternal behavior even though she has no pups.
- Your dog may lack maternal behavior when she already has pups.
The condition can also be called mismothering in dogs.
Symptoms of Maternal Behavior Problems in Dogs
A female dog that shows maternal behavior problems will show a range of symptoms that vary based on the type of condition present.
For example, common symptoms of excessive maternal behavior include:
- Guarding stuffed animals or toys
- Mammary glands becoming bigger
- Attempting to nurse another dog’s pups
However, if your dog lacks maternal behavior, she may abandon pups, not clean pups, may not nurse pups, and will attack her pups.
What Causes Maternal Behavior Problems in Dogs
This condition can occur in female dogs if the progesterone level increases or else if the oxytocin level decreases. If your dog shows excessive maternal behavior, that shows your female dog has increased progesterone levels, and if she lacks maternal behavior, it indicates a decrease in oxytocin. If your dog has delivered pups through a C-Section, she is at higher risk of the condition.
Furthermore, Hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism can indirectly affect a dog’s behavior, including maternal instincts. If she hesitates to approach her pups, it can be because of the persistent stress or anxiety in the mother dog.
Sometimes female dogs suffer from mastitis, uterine infections, or complications from delivery which make them reluctant to nurse their pups. In the meantime, if the female dog labor lasts for a long period, it can exhaust the mother. So that she will pay less attention to her litter.
Your doggy can be a first-time mother. In that case, she may not know how to care for their puppies, especially if they didn’t observe maternal behavior growing up.
How To Treat Maternal Behavior Problems in Dogs
When you take your female dog to the vet, firstly he may ask about your dog’s symptoms. Then, he will take a full record of your dog’s medical history including the issues during pregnancy. Once the first two steps are 100% completed, a full physical examination will be carried out. Blood and urine tests will be taken.
Maternal behavior problems in dogs can be treated with appropriate management and care. If your dog shows poor maternal care you can work on increasing lactation in their body. Also, you may provide her with a quiet, dark, and relaxed environment.
But, if it’s the other way around that means your dog shows excessive maternal behavior, separates her from the pups, and restricts food for a short period.
If she refuses her pups you may desensitize them – reintroduce the mother to her puppies in a calm and controlled manner. If there is no change still, you may work with a professional animal behaviorist to overcome the condition.
You can also counter-condition your female dog by teaching her that being around her puppies is a positive experience.
Hence, With timely intervention, patience, and proper care, most maternal behavior problems in dogs can be resolved or managed effectively.
