first time mom behaviour

Question
my 5 1/2 yr old pug has just given birth to 3 pups, 2 alive.  This is her second day & she is very attentive & feeding well, but she seems to want to pick on the one pup and move it & seems quite ruff.  Licking and mouthing, picking it up - but she does not do this with the other, she is more gentel.  I'm concerned she will hurt, or kill it.  What should I do?

Answer
Hi Kathie

Occasionally there will be a pup in the litter that a first time mother will seek out.  It can be a weaker pup or the first pup born.

She needs to be corrected with a strong "No!" and watched closely.  

You may also want to supplement your dam with vitamins, fish oils and St. John's Wort or Vitamin B to help keep her settled.

Good luck