When Milk Fails to come in: Recognising and Managing Agalactia in Dogs

Recognising and Managing Agalactia in Dogs

Learn how to identify, treat, and support dogs with agalactia — when milk fails to come in after whelping.

When a litter arrives, one of the first things breeders look for is whether the mother is producing milk. But sometimes, milk production doesn’t start as it should — a condition known as agalactia. For newborn puppies, even a short delay in milk availability can be life-threatening. Understanding the causes, signs, and management of agalactia helps breeders act quickly and confidently.

What Is Agalactia?

Agalactia is the failure of the mammary glands to produce or release milk. It can occur right after whelping or within the first 24 hours postpartum. There are two types:

• Primary agalactia – the mammary glands never begin lactation.
• Secondary agalactia – milk starts but then stops due to stress, hormonal imbalance, or illness.

This condition is most often linked to hormonal issues, particularly low oxytocin or prolactin levels, or as a result of severe anxiety, pain, or poor nutrition.

Recognising the Signs

Early recognition is critical. Watch for these key signs in both the dam and her puppies:

• Puppies cry constantly or fail to settle after nursing attempts
• No visible milk when gently expressing a teat
• Puppies lose weight or appear dehydrated (dry gums, skin tenting)
• Mammary glands are soft, cool, and non-productive
• The mother appears anxious, disinterested, or restless

Breeders should weigh puppies on accurate Scales at least once daily during the first few days to confirm they are gaining weight. For accurate weighing, the pups should be weighed at the same time each day. Weighing both before and after a feed can help confirm if the puppies are getting enough milk.  If weight remains static or drops, supplement feeding of pups may be required. To make supplement feeding simple, we provide an extensive selection of Neonate Nutrition products.

Common Causes of Agalactia

Several factors can interfere with milk let-down or production:

• Hormonal imbalances – low oxytocin or prolactin
• Stress or anxiety – often after a difficult whelping or C-section
• Retained placenta or metritis – uterine infection suppresses lactation
• Poor nutrition or dehydration
• Lack of stimulation – no suckling or bonding after delivery

Sometimes agalactia occurs in maiden bitches who haven’t yet fully developed maternal instincts or physical readiness to nurse.

Management and Support

Early intervention saves puppies. Here’s what breeders can do:

1. Encourage Calm and Comfort

• Keep mum in a quiet, warm whelping area. Stress directly inhibits oxytocin release, preventing milk let-down. To ensure mum and pups stay warm and stable, we provide a wide range of Heating & Critical Care products.
• Use gentle handling and calm voices
• Minimise visitors or other dogs nearby

2. Stimulate Milk Let-Down

Encourage puppies to suckle frequently — their rooting and nuzzling help trigger oxytocin. In some cases, a vet may prescribe oxytocin injections to stimulate let-down or metoclopramide to boost prolactin.

3. Provide Nutritional Support

Offer mum high-quality food formulated for lactating dogs and ensure constant access to water. Calcium supplementation can also help if levels are borderline. We have a full range of Calcium & Supplements available for the whelping room.

4. Supplemental Feeding for Puppies

Hand-feeding puppies is essential if milk is still unavailable. Use a colostrum substitute first, such Impact Colostrum, and then switch to a suitable milk substitute, like Wombaroo, Divetelact, or Leerburgh Formula. To keep puppies hydrated and energized, feed them with a bottle, a tube, or a syringe feeder like a Miracle Nipple. All of these product can be found in our Syringe, Bottle & Tube Feeding and Neonate Nutrition collections. Feed the pups every 2–3 hours around the clock until natural feeding resumes.

When to See the Vet

If there’s no improvement within 6–8 hours of whelping, or if the dam shows fever, pain, or discharge, seek veterinary care immediately. Untreated agalactia can lead to puppy dehydration, hypothermia, or death.

Final Thoughts

Agalactia can be stressful for both breeder and dam, but with quick action and proper support, most mothers recover well. Calm handling, warmth, and supplemental feeding are often all it takes to bridge the gap. By knowing what to look for and having the right supplies ready, you’ll give your puppies the best possible start, even when nature needs a little help.