Having a dog is a joyous experience filled with love and companionship. As dog owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends are happy and comfortable, especially when they have puppies. But what should you do if your dog keeps moving her puppies? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide helpful solutions to prevent it from happening again.
Protection: A Mother’s Instinct
Just like humans, dogs have strong protective instincts when it comes to their offspring. Your dog may feel the need to move her puppies to ensure their safety. This instinct can be triggered by various factors.
Predators
Even if your home is predator-free, your dog’s instincts drive her to find a safer spot for her puppies. If she senses any potential threat, she will want to move them to a more secure location.
Too Much Action
If your dog gave birth in a high-traffic area of your home, she may feel that her puppies aren’t safe. To protect them from accidental harm or disturbance, she will try to find a quieter spot where there is less activity.
Getting Away From Hassles
Sometimes, our best intentions can unintentionally bother our pets. If your dog feels overwhelmed by too much handling or interaction, she may decide to move her puppies to a place where they won’t be hassled.
Comfort: Creating a Cozy Environment
After giving birth, your dog seeks comfort and relaxation for herself and her puppies. She may not find the initial spot you prepared suitable for her needs, prompting her to look for a more comfortable location.
Temperature
Dogs are sensitive to temperature, and your dog may move her puppies if she feels they are too hot or cold. By observing where she relocates them, you can get a better idea of her preferred temperature range.
Bedding
Similar to temperature preferences, dogs also have specific preferences for bedding. If your dog is dissatisfied with the current bedding or lack thereof, she may seek alternative materials to create a cozy environment for her puppies.
Relaxing
Like all new moms, dogs need time and space to relax. If your dog constantly feels bothered or lacks a comfortable spot to rest, she may relocate her puppies to find a peaceful place where she can lie down and unwind.
Quieter or Noisier
Dogs can have contrasting preferences when it comes to noise levels. Some may seek the quietest spot in the house, while others may want to be in their familiar surroundings, regardless of the noise. Understanding your dog’s personality will help you better comprehend her choices.
Cleanliness: Maintaining a Hygienic Environment
Maintaining cleanliness is vital for dogs, especially when it involves their little ones. If your dog perceives the current area as unclean or soiled, she may decide to move her puppies to a cleaner environment.
Rejection: A Concerning Situation
Although rare, some dogs may reject their puppies. If you notice that your dog has moved all her puppies to one location, including herself, this is a positive sign that she is not rejecting them. However, if you suspect rejection, it is crucial to seek professional help immediately to ensure the well-being of the puppies.
What Should You Do to Prevent Your Dog from Moving Her Puppies?
Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s behavior is the first step in finding a solution. Here are some practical steps you can take to help prevent your dog from continuously moving her puppies.
Whelping Box
If you don’t already have one, consider getting a whelping box for your dog. A whelping box provides a safe and controlled environment for your dog to have her puppies. It should have high sides and comfortable bedding. This way, you and your dog can ensure the puppies’ safety and provide a relaxing space for them.
Providing a Safe Space
Even with a whelping box, your dog may still want to move her puppies. In that case, create a designated safe space where she can relocate them. This can be a room secured with baby gates or a covered area outside. Ensure that the space is hazard-free and equipped with everything your dog and her puppies need, such as food, water, and bedding.
Meeting Your Dog’s Needs
To prevent your dog from moving her puppies, make sure her needs are met. If she seeks a quiet place, minimize noise in your home. If she wants alone time, avoid excessive handling or bothering her. By addressing her specific needs, you can create an environment where she feels comfortable keeping her puppies in one place.
Ensuring Safety
Double-check any new location your dog chooses for her puppies. Sometimes, what appears safe to her may not actually be secure. Block off small openings or spaces, such as under the bed, to prevent any potential harm to the puppies.
Rejection: Seek Professional Help
If you suspect that your dog is rejecting her puppies, it is crucial to seek professional assistance immediately. This behavior can be dangerous for the puppies, and a veterinarian or animal behaviorist will be able to provide the necessary guidance and support.
Conclusion
Understanding why your dog keeps moving her puppies is crucial to finding the right solutions. By considering her instincts, comfort, cleanliness, and potential rejection, you can create an environment that meets her needs. Remember, it’s essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of your dog and her puppies. By providing a secure and comfortable space, you can help prevent your dog from continuously relocating her puppies. For any concerns or signs of rejection, consult a professional to ensure the health of the puppies. So put yourself in your dog’s paws and find the best way to support her as she cares for her adorable little ones.