Mismothering in Female Dogs
Behavioral issues related to mothering in female dogs can be categorized into two types: excessive maternal behavior when there are no newborn pups present, or insufficient maternal behavior towards the mother’s own offspring. While other types of maternal behavior problems exist, they remain less clearly defined. Although there hasn’t been an identified genetic factor associated with these behavioral problems, the inclination of Jack Russell terriers towards such behavior suggests a potential genetic component.
Symptoms and Types
Insufficient Maternal Behavior
- Desertion of her own newborn puppies, most frequently observed after a caesarean section
- Preventing her offspring from nursing
- Inadequate cleaning of the newborns
- Failing to retrieve the young properly
- Neglecting to stimulate elimination in the pups
- Attacking or killing some or all of the newborns, particularly if they possess a different odor or appearance
- If disturbed by humans or other animals, may redirect aggression towards her offspring
Excessive Maternal Behavior
- Unmated mother may try to nurse unfamiliar puppies
- Guarding inanimate objects like stuffed animals
- Enlargement of mammary glands
Causes
The diminished maternal behavior exhibited by mothers with newborn puppies, particularly post-caesarean section, has been linked to a gradual reduction in oxytocin levels, crucial during the sensitive phase of accepting the dam’s own neonates. Conversely, excessive maternal behavior in the absence of newborns stems from elevated progesterone levels resulting from estrus in unmated female dogs, followed by a sudden and steep decline in progesterone levels.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the condition, provide your veterinarian with a comprehensive overview of your dog’s health, detailing the onset and characteristics of the symptoms. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination along with a biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and complete blood count. However, the results typically appear normal unless an underlying disease is present.
Treatment
While medical intervention may be necessary for certain females, most behavioral problems can be resolved through proper care and management. It’s advisable to postpone spaying until at least four months after estrus to mitigate abnormal behavior. Nevertheless, spaying has been recommended as a measure to prevent future occurrences of excessive maternal behavior.
Living and Management
For females exhibiting inadequate maternal behavior, it’s essential to provide ample food to encourage lactation and meet their energy requirements. Nursing mothers should be placed in a quiet, comfortable, and dimly lit area to minimize disturbances from other individuals or animals. If the mother dog displays aggression towards her neonates, a muzzle may be necessary, or she may need to be temporarily removed from the room. If aggression persists, separation for several weeks may be required until the aggression diminishes.
Conversely, for females displaying excessive maternal behavior, separation from the unrelated puppies and their biological mother is recommended. Additionally, objects such as stuffed animals that the female has adopted as her own should be removed from her environment. These females should have their food intake restricted for a few days to prevent lactation.
Many experts advise against breeding females with a history of maternal behavioral issues, as these problems may recur in subsequent pregnancies.