If you are a new pet owner, you may be wondering how long you can leave your newborn puppies unattended. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as how old the puppies are and how well they are doing on their own. In this blog post, we will discuss the guidelines for leaving puppies alone and how to create a safe environment for them.
How Long Can You Leave Newborn Puppies Unattended?
If you are thinking of leaving your newborn puppies unattended then it is important to understand that their exact age will let you know how long you can leave the puppies alone. In general, you can leave puppies alone for a certain amount of time based on how old they are and the relationship they have with their mother and littermates.
Below are the different guidelines based on the age of your puppies:
Leaving Puppies Unattended During The Whelping Phase
The whelping phase is the term referring to the process in which the mother dog gives birth to her litter of puppies. The whelping phase typically starts a few days before the puppies are born and can last up to two weeks. During this time, it is best not to leave the puppies alone for any extended period of time as their mother is still recovering from giving birth and may need help taking care of her litter.
It is important to understand that should not disturb or stress out the mother or the puppies during this time period. If the puppies are being bottle-fed, it is important to make sure that they are getting enough food and hydration. If you are thinking about leaving newborn puppies unattended then it should only be done for very short periods of time. Newborn puppies can get incredibly cold during this period and you should always make sure they are close enough to the mother and the littermates to stay warm.
Puppies that are not nursing may need to be given a supplemental feeding every few hours in order to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need. As always, it is best to consult with your veterinarian to get their professional advice on how to care for newborn puppies. Since this phase requires you to monitor the health of the puppies, it is best to make sure someone stays with the mother and the puppies so you don’t have to leave them unattended.
Leaving Puppies Unattended During The Nursing Phase
The nursing and suckling phase of a puppy’s life is incredibly important as they require consistent milk and lots of rest. This phase will require you to monitor the health and mood of the mother and to make sure all of the puppies are getting enough milk. For this reason, you shouldn’t plan on leaving the puppies unattended for extended periods of time.
The average nursing phase for puppies is around two weeks but can last up to four weeks. As long as you are attentive and make sure the puppies are fed and healthy, there’s no reason why you can’t leave them unattended during this time period for short periods. Just be sure to have a contingency plan in place in case of an emergency. This is why it is recommended to take shifts watching and monitoring the litter.
Leaving Puppies Unattended During The Weaning Phase
The weaning phase of a puppy’s life is the time period where they begin to switch from their mother’s milk to more solid food. This phase will typically begin roughly around the 4-weeks to the 6-week mark but can vary depending on the breed and growth of the puppies. Generally speaking, most puppies will be fully weaned by the time they reach their eighth week of life.
Even though puppies are typically weaned during this time period, there is still some leeway as to how long you can leave them unattended before returning to their mother for nursing. If all goes well and the puppies are being fed and are healthy you should be able to leave them alone for slightly longer compared to other phases of life. The puppies will be slightly more independent and the mother will be more rested when she isn’t nursing.
That said, it is always important to be mindful of how long you leave your puppies unattended. As they get older and are no longer nursing from their mother, they will become more adventurous and likely wander farther away from the nest. This could lead to them getting lost or injured if left alone for too long. So it is important that they are living in a safe environment and you still monitor their health.
When Should I Leave My Newborn Puppies Alone With The Mother Dog?
The first week of your puppy’s life will require a lot of monitoring to make sure your puppies are healthy. During the first week, puppies will spend most of their time nursing and sleeping. The mother dog will be very protective of her new litter and is usually more than capable of caring for them on her own. You can leave the puppies alone with their mother during this time as long as you check in on them frequently to make sure they are all safe and being fed on a consistent basis.
Much of this process comes naturally to mother dogs but you should always be on hand to assist and monitor the situation as your puppies grow older.
