Canine neonatal mortality in four large breeds

The canine neonatal period refers to the first 2–3 weeks of life. The rate of stillbirth and neonatal death is known to be relatively high in dogs. The few studies that has been published indicate a mortality of 17–30% within the first 8 weeks of life [ 1 – 6 ]. Stillbirth and death within the first week post partum was responsible for the majority of the puppy losses in these studies.