hi, a friend of a friend had a litter yesterday, her bitch was fine yesterday but wont go near them today, apparently she has been hiding under a tree all day. i have only met this lady once so not sure what sort of set up she has or anything, it is a large breed. any advice?

Was mum checked over after whelping?  sometimes not wanting to be with their babies is a sign some things not quite right.  The only time my girl did this was when she had retained a dead pup :(

Can't really advise, just hope everthing's ok with Mum, and pups

The bitch should be checked over by a vet; this is not normal post-whelping behaviour. She should also be in a restricted area otherwise her puppies are unlikely to survive.

It's a bit early, but my first worry would be eclampsia. Definitely needs a vet check ASAP.

I once had a bitch do this years ago when I was new to breeding. I took her to the vet as I thought it was eclampsia but my then vet said it was too early and to just keep an eye on her. After speaking to my mentor I gave her some liquid calcium and she picked up and was a great mother. I always have that to hand now just incase.

She needs to be checked by a vet.

Hope she is ok.

Your friend needs to put the bitch with her puppies in a place she has to stay with them. Can she block the front of the whelping box so mum has to be in with the pups?