My dog is moving her puppies – what should I do?

My dog is moving her puppies – what should I do?

By: Dr. Jon Rappaport

Our question this week was:

Dr. Jon - My husky gave birth 3 days ago. Well today I caught her moving them. I had her in my shed with the doors opened. What can I do to make her understand to leave the puppies there? Where it is safer than where I caught her bringing them?

Missy Terrell

Answer

Hi Missy– thanks for your email. It is natural for a dog to move their puppies – especially if they feel unsafe or bothered in their current location. Many pet owners create a whelping box and encourage them to have and nurse their puppies in one room of the home where she and the pups can be monitored. In my opinion, that is the ideal situation. If she is free to move the puppies anywhere – it will be hard for you to control that location. As far as if it is safer – I don't really know. Depends on how safe it was where they were and how safe it is where she is taking them.



As an alternative, you can carefully gather up all the pups and take her and the pups in the house.

A couple articles that might be helpful to you are How to Build a Whelping Box for Your Dog, Care of the New Mother Dog and Pregnancy, Birthing and Newborn Puppy Care.


Best of luck!


Dr. Jon





To read most recent questions Click here!

Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Jon Questions and Answers!



 
Printable Version
 
Have a Pet Question?
Review the Most Frequent Questions
Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
Ask Dr. Jon
Dr. Jon's Newsletter
Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
 
 

Related Articles

Related Articles
 

Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

Dogs & Puppies
Cats
Related Articles