Do dog moms miss their puppies?
Dogs are our best friends, but do dog moms miss their puppies when they’re gone?
It is a subject that many people think about.
It’s no secret that we love dogs and want to spend as much time with them as possible.
But how do you feel about spending most of your time with your dog versus other family members?
Do Mother Dogs Miss Their Puppies?
Dogs have long been considered valuable family members.
At the same time, historically, they were used by hunters and herders to assist with work.
Today, many pets enjoy comfortable lives surrounded by loving owners and great toys.
However, not all pet owners treat their animals well; some fail to provide adequate food or veterinary care.
Others think nothing of abandoning them at shelters or on the streets.
It’s unlikely these poor pups will live out another day without human intervention, even among those who love and care for their canine companions as family members.
There may come when circumstances require that dog ownership end like the owner dies or moves into assisted living.
Can a Mother Dog Miss Her Puppies?
Of course, you can tell yourself that this is what nature has planned for dogs, and you shouldn’t interfere with the natural order of things.
But it’s not as simple as all that.
For example, the mother dog knows her pups are safe and well cared for, so she isn’t suffering from separation anxiety like a human parent might be.
When their puppies have been weaned, they don’t even want to see them again—that’s why she barks if anyone approaches her den while they’re still young.
For example, if your family dog who gave birth to five pups was abandoned by their “father” or died shortly after birth, do you think she would go back into heat? No!
She would stay out of “heat” until she found a new mate.
It made no sense biologically speaking to waste valuable resources on another litter without any help raising them.
So once more, where is this bond that’s so strong that mothers miss their puppies?
This “bond” you speak of is entirely imaginary and has no basis in reality.
Complications after giving birth to puppies
When Puppies Die at Birth
After puppies are born, the mother dog’s body has different hormone levels, influencing how they behave toward their puppies.
If her litter dies shortly after birth or is taken away, she will produce milk but have no offspring to feed.
She will have a strong instinct to care for her offspring, but this caring can not be exercised. If there are still pups in the nest, you should observe at first and remove any that become weak.
This is so that they don’t suffer from neglect and predation by other animals.
Even without any remaining puppies in need of care, she may continue to sit on or near the nest box for an extended period, as though waiting for more puppies to arrive.
Postpartum Problems in The Mother Dog
A mother dog’s instinct usually kicks in immediately after giving birth.
However, it’s not uncommon for a new mother to reject her puppies or appear indifferent toward them.
In these cases, we must be careful as the mother can mistreat them if she thinks the puppies aren’t hers.
However, in most cases, even if the mother doesn’t immediately recognize them as hers, she will soon start caring for them as before.
It is important never to force her into accepting one of your own dogs’ puppies; this may cause more harm than good and only increase stress on all involved parties.
When to Remove Puppies from Their Mother
When a puppy is removed from their mother too early, it can result in various problems.
For example, suppose a puppy is taken away from its mother and littermates before eight weeks.
In that case, they may have difficulty behaving appropriately with people like an adult dog.
For example, the dog may be overly fearful of unfamiliar people and situations because he has not learned to approach them gradually and interact comfortably with them.
In addition, puppies removed from their mothers and siblings at an early age often become overly aggressive when they mature if they were raised without contact with other dogs.
The pups learn how to behave around other animals through interactions with their littermates; therefore, a young puppy brought into the family too soon loses that necessary socialization experience later on in life.
Do Mother Dogs Miss Their Puppies After They Are Taken Away?
Many dog owners are surprised when a mother dog howls and barks around the time that their puppies should be weaned.
They may have been told that dogs don’t understand the concept of missing someone or think it’s only natural for them to get over the loss of their pups as quickly as possible.
A female dog will miss her puppies if they are taken away before she has had enough time to raise them to properly instill the necessary skills and independence.
She needs this bonding period to socialize with them during a crucial period in their development (1-4 weeks).
Alternatively, she might also be more aggressive if she is not comfortable about where you are taking them or what you intend to do with them next.
This is because your actions could endanger or even kill one or more members of her litter by mistake; remember that these animals depend on each other for survival support from birth.
Do Mother Dogs Miss Their Puppies when They Become Adults?
Mother dogs and their puppies feel a bond when they are together.
The fact that mother dogs do not miss their offspring is healthy because the dog’s maternal instincts have been satisfied.
It means the vast majority of canines would feel sad for the rest of their lives if mother dogs did miss their offspring, which is unhealthy for their lives.
Dogs who grow up with their mothers in the same household experience this type of connection; however, only about 25 percent of domestic dogs do so.
Final Thoughts, Do Dog Moms Miss Their Puppies?
In conclusion, dog moms do miss their puppies.
Still, they are also happy that their puppies can experience new things and grow into healthy dogs.
So, if you are a dog mom, keep in touch with your puppy’s foster family and let them know how your pup is doing.
And if you’re thinking of becoming a foster family for puppies, go for it! It’s a great way to help out dogs in need and make some new furry friends.
FAQs
Do dogs miss their puppies when they are taken away?
Yes, dogs do miss their puppies when they are taken away.
Dogs are very social animals and form strong attachments to their young.
When puppies are taken away from their mothers, they may become depressed or anxious.
Do mother dogs get sad when their puppies get taken away?
There’s no definitive answer to this question since every dog is different, but in general, mother dogs likely experience a range of emotions when their puppies are taken away.
Some may be sad, some may be angry, and some may be confused.
It’s important to remember that dogs are incredibly social animals and rely on their pack (including their human family) for emotional support.
So when puppies are taken away, it can be a difficult adjustment for the mother dog.
Is separating puppies from mothers cruel?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual circumstances.
For example, some people believe it is cruel to separate puppies from their mothers before they are weaned, while others believe it is necessary in some cases.
Ultimately, whether or not to separate puppies from their mother should be made on a case-by-case basis by a qualified veterinarian.
Does a mother dog have a favorite puppy?
There is no scientific evidence that suggests a mother dog has a favorite puppy.
However, it is not uncommon for a mother dog to be more protective of one or two of her puppies over the others.
This may be because those puppies depend on her for care and protection.
When does the mother dog leave her puppies?
The mother dog leaves her puppies when they are weaned, which is typically around seven weeks old.
She may occasionally return to check on them, but she will not stay with them.
Do mom dogs remember their puppies?
Yes, mom dogs remember their puppies.
They form a strong bond with them and recognize them after birth.
Do dogs recognize their parents?
Dogs can recognize their parents, but they may not always behave around them as other humans do.
However, dogs are very social animals and often form strong bonds with their families, so they will likely be happy to see their parents, even if they don’t always behave perfectly.
How long will a mother dog remember her puppies?
A mother dog will remember her puppies for life.
She will recognize them by their scent, and she will be drawn to them whenever they are near.
Do dog moms miss their puppies?
Dog moms miss their puppies when they’re gone!
They spend so much time caring for and bonding with their little ones that it’s hard to let them go.
But, as any good mom knows, it’s important to let them grow up and explore the world on their own.
Further Reading
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24925236/
https://simplyfordogs.com/dogs-miss-puppies/do-dogs-miss-their-puppies-when-they-are-taken-away/
