Help, what do I do? My dog just had her first litter five weeks ago, and I'm unsure if I should be giving her a break from the puppies or not. She's been such a great mom, but lately she's been acting restless, pacing around the house and sometimes even snapping at the pups when they all swarm her at once. I’ve been trying to latch on to any advice I can find, but everything seems so conflicting. During the day, she gets this look like she just needs some space. I'm torn because I don’t want to stress her out, but I also want her puppies to be well-cared for. It’s so confusing, and I just want to do the right thing. Has anyone else gone through this? Any advice or suggestions would be so appreciated!
Appreciate the question — let's unpack this. In terms of timing, it’s usually best to keep the mother with her puppies for at least 8 to 12 weeks. During this period, the puppies are still nursing, and the mother provides essential nutrients and teaches them important social skills.
Separating them too early can lead to issues like poor health and behavioral problems in the puppies. Wherever possible, ensure they are all kept in a calm, safe space where the mother can care for her young without stress.
At home, keep an eye out for signs that the puppies might need more time with their mom. For instance, if they seem overly anxious, are not eating solid food well, or are not socializing correctly, these could be signs they're not ready for separation. Also, monitor the mother for any signs of stress or aggression, as these might indicate she's either not ready for the separation or that she might be feeling overwhelmed.
Ultimately, it’s important not to rush the process. If you have concerns about the welfare of the mother or her puppies or are unsure about the right timing, booking a video consult with Dial A Vet could provide you with tailored advice and guidance specific to your situation.
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