Why Do Dogs Eat Their Puppies?  5 Common Reasons

Hormones

Hormones might not kick in immediately after the puppies are born and the female dog might not understand she became a mother.

Stress

A bad environment can make a female dog feel as if the puppies are nothing but trouble.

First Time Mom

If the mother dog was mated while she was too young, she might not be prepared for parenthood.

Health Condition

Some health issues can make the dog's teats feel so painful to the touch that nursing will be almost impossible.

Natural Selection

Some health issues can make the dog's teats feel so painful to the touch that nursing will be almost impossible.