Dogs usually live with their mother and littermates during their first weeks of life, which guarantees them proper development both physically and psychologically. But, on occasions, this relationship is truncated for different reasons, as we will see in this article on our site.
A separation will not only affect the welfare and even the future behavior of the puppy, but we can detect that the dog misses her puppies.
When puppies die at birth
The most extreme case in which a dog misses her puppies is when they die. The dog's body has been preparing for about two months to gestate, give birth and breastfeed. For all this, changes occur in her bodyin which the role played by hormones stands out
When, for some reason, the puppies are stillborn or the puppies die after being born, the relationship established at the hormonal level is not suddenly interrupted. In other words, instinctively, the bitch knows that her puppies are missing, not to mention that she will have milk and lochia, just as if the little ones were alive. The stress of the situation can make her look down. We must take care of her with love and watch that she remits her bleeding and that mastitis does not occur. Sometimes it is necessary to administer a drug, always prescribed by the veterinarian.
To help your dog, we leave you this other article on How to help a dog get over the death of another?, where we will give you tips to cheer up your pet.
Complications after giving birth to a bitch
Unfortunately, various problems can occur during the delivery of the bitch, as well as during the postpartum period, which force the temporary separation of the puppies. Let's look at some of the more common problems.
Postpartum problems in the bitch
Sometimes the puppies are fine, but it is her mother who has an illness, such as eclampsia, which prevents her from taking care of her litter. In these cases, if so determined by the veterinarian, we will be forced to feed them ourselves with bottles, using milk specially formulated for puppies, as we see in this another article on Feeding premature puppies.
Whenever possible, we will keep the little ones together and with their mother, even if the milk is provided by us. In the most serious cases in which the dog's condition recommends her admission, once back home, the family can reunite and even resume lactation, unless the veterinarian tells us otherwise.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site on Why does my dog pant a lot after giving birth?
Caesarean Delivery in Dogs
Another case of early separation occurs when the birth is by caesarean section. It is known that if the operation is started before any birth has occurred or, after it, the puppies are returned to the dog when she has already woken up from anesthesia. As the cascade of hormones has been interrupted, it is possible that, at least during the first 24 hours, the bitch misses her puppies, in this case with the sense that she does not recognize themFortunately, the link can be established again.
To take care of your dog after a caesarean section, you will find more information here: Caring for a dog after a caesarean section.
Temporary separation of a puppy
Finally, when the veterinarian determines that a puppy, due to force majeure, such as a serious illness, must be separated from the bitch, once recovered, the puppy can be returned to the mother her. She usually notices that she is missing some small, we may see how she looks for it, and, luckily, when she returns she usually recognizes it immediately.
What happens if a puppy is separated from its mother?
We all know that the family formed by a dog and her puppies, sooner or later, will have to separate. But we must do it always in due time, to ensure maximum balance for the developing puppy and prevent our bitch from missing her puppies. For this reason, and to prevent the mother from suffering from mastitis due to accumulation of milk in the teats, it is recommended that the puppies go to their new homes in a staggered manner
But early separation can not only have repercussions on the mother's physical and mental he alth, it can also be detrimental to the little ones. First, because breast milk is the food of choice during the first weeks of life. Not only does it provide them with nutrition, but it also passes on their mother's defenses, which is very helpful considering the immaturity of the puppy's immune system.
On the other hand, the relationship that each puppy establishes with its mother and siblings is essential to lay the foundations for a balanced characterthat we can enjoy in the future. It is the canine family that educates the dog in a vital stage that is especially sensitive for learning. In cases where the litter is orphaned, in the absence of a mother, the siblings must be kept together.
When to separate a puppy from its mother?
In view of the above, to prevent the bitch from missing her puppies and that she and the little ones get sick or show behavioral problems, it is not recommended to separate the family until, at least, the eight weeks of the little ones.
Although puppies begin to eat solids around 4-5 weeks of life, it is advisable that they combine it with breastfeeding and that it be the mother, and not our decision, that starts and ends the weaning.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site about At what age can puppies be separated from their mother?
