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In most instances, mothers will do the latter. Killing and eating the puppy removes that health risk for the rest of the litter. It's a mercy killing that ends the pup's suffering and ensures the survival of the rest of the group.
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They eat it because they think it is waste material. If we see that a mother dog has eaten their puppy, it is likely because it has died. ... A sick puppy might make the rest of the litter sick and weaken the chances of the group's survival. The mother may eat the puppy they perceive as sick to save the rest of the group.

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