One of the important and often overlooked reasons for losing puppies a few weeks after whelping is "nipple guarding". This behavior involves dominant pups guarding the best milk-producing nipples of their mother. Even if they are not nursing, some of these pups simply hang on to a nipple to stake their claim and to eliminate competition.

Puppies that are born healthy and die in the weeks following whelping are called "fading puppies". To protect puppies from this state of malnutrition, many breeders give milk supplement to the small pup, however, there is still no better substitute for a mother's milk.

By weighing the newborn pups regularly during the first few weeks, you will be able to monitor whether they are gaining weight and which ones need to be given special care and attention. When you are able to establish which pups are constantly "nipple guarding", try separating them in a warm box while the tiny ones suckle milk from the best nipples. Have your newborn puppies checked by a veterinarian Willis.