My dog had puppies 3 days ago and I'm afraid to even leave the house for 30 minutes but we're going out of town soon and someone is coming once an hour to check on them- is that ok?
2006-12-23 13:36:39 · 14 answers · asked by Madison 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I do not know breeders that plan vacations (mini or otherwise) around whelping time or soon after. You must be quite the reputable breeder.
2006-12-23 16:39:18 · answer #1 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The biggest concern is that they are in a area that will remain warm if you plan on cutting back on thermostat while gone. Yes, her body heat does most the work, but what if a pup wanders a bit out of nest area. Cold can kill quick.
That said, rethink her "nest" situation as to safety and warmth. The other situation is does the mom know the person coming and comfortable with?? Moms can get very protective of litter.
As long as fresh dry food/water is near to mom and someone to let her go potty and do a visual things should be fine. Hourly might be a bit much but great if friend will do! I am sure you will provide a vet # just in case of emergency and how to contact you. Even a few more days gets them over the critical stage. If she seems healthy and nursing with no problems, plenty of milk and not a large litter to keep track of. those are factors to consider.
Mother Nature provides the know-how. Your friend will just be there to make sure all goes well.
Thanks for being concerned!
2006-12-23 21:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the mother hasn't ever shown any signs of aggression and had been a good mama so far you can leave and let mama do her job :)
Personally, I'd say just checking in on them once or twice a day would be just fine. The hourly visits from someone may just annoy the mother and cause her to move them.
2006-12-23 22:23:35 · answer #3 · answered by Christie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the first few weeks the mom basically does all the work. I check on my pups a couple of times a day just to make sure everything is okay. If you had someone come in twice a day to check on mom and babies, that would be fine.
2006-12-23 21:40:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is more than enough. They should really only have to check on them every 3 hours or so. Unless of course the mother is not taking proper care of the pups.....then that is a different story.
2006-12-23 21:52:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has the mother seen this person since she gave birth to the pups? My experience with mother dogs is that sometimes even with people that they loved before they gave birth, they will not let other people around except really close family members. I would make sure she is comfortable with this person before you leave so there isn't a problem.
2006-12-23 21:42:55 · answer #6 · answered by LYNN W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If thier mom is there yes it is fine and every hour is overkill for it I would check maybe every 3-4 hours.
Just make sure she has plenty of food and water and she will take good care of the pups!
2006-12-23 21:38:52 · answer #7 · answered by ~Another Day~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OH puppies are so adorable!!! Once an hour should be just fine as long as they are in a restricted area. Somewhere where they can't get hurt by anything or eat anything they shouldn't.
2006-12-23 21:40:09 · answer #8 · answered by Venezuela 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Momma will take care of the puppies.
As long as you are making sure there is food and water for Momma, why do you need to be there?
Relax...let Momma do what Mommas do. You're an observer in this, not a participant...yet.
2006-12-23 21:40:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once an hour should be more than sufficient. You sound like a very responsible pet owner. Congrats on the puppies.
2006-12-23 21:38:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
.they need lots of attention but they have their mom but also I was moving one time and i left my mother dog alone over night and she was a good mom but she must of felt like I abandon her and she took it out on one of her pups by biting ti in its face poor thing so maybe it is a good thing to make sure some i=one is their alot also i have learned to leave the TV on i leave animal planet or some soothing music on when i am gone good luc from one animal lover to another.
2006-12-23 21:46:09 · answer #11 · answered by lundie_g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋