Mary Allen
Introduction: The Importance of Not Holding Newborn Puppies
As much as we may want to hold and cuddle newborn puppies, it is important to resist the urge. In fact, it is recommended that we avoid handling puppies for the first few weeks of their lives. This is because there are several reasons why handling newborn puppies can be detrimental to their health and development.
Reason 1: Protection of the Puppies
Newborn puppies are extremely fragile and vulnerable to injury. Handling them too much can cause accidental harm, such as dropping them or squeezing them too tightly. It is also important to limit exposure to other animals and people during the first few weeks of life to protect them from potential diseases and infections.
Reason 2: Health Risks for the Puppies
Newborn puppies are born with immature immune systems, making them susceptible to infections and diseases. Handling them too much can increase their exposure to germs and bacteria, putting them at risk for illnesses that could be potentially fatal. It is also important to note that puppies should not be vaccinated until they are a few weeks old, so limiting handling can help prevent the spread of diseases.
Reason 3: Disruption of the Bonding Process
A mother dog’s instinct is to protect and care for her puppies. Handling them too much can interfere with the natural bonding process between the mother and her offspring. This can lead to behavioral issues later on, such as separation anxiety, aggression, and fearfulness.
Reason 4: Negative Effects on the Mother Dog
Constant handling of newborn puppies can also have negative effects on the mother dog. It can cause her stress and anxiety, which can impact her ability to care for her puppies. This can lead to a decrease in milk production and a lack of attention to the puppies’ needs.
Reason 5: Increased Stress for the Mother Dog
When the mother dog is stressed, her puppies can also become stressed. This can lead to a decrease in weight gain and overall growth, as well as an increase in the likelihood of illness and disease.
Reason 6: Prevention of Aggressive Behavior
Handling newborn puppies too much can also lead to aggressive behavior later on. This is because puppies need to learn how to interact with other dogs and develop social skills. Constant handling can interfere with this process and lead to fearfulness and aggression.
Reason 7: Avoidance of Separation Anxiety
Puppies that are constantly handled and removed from their mother can develop separation anxiety later on. This can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and other issues.
Reason 8: Potential for Injuries
Handling newborn puppies can also put them at risk for injuries, such as broken bones or internal damage. This is because their bones are still developing and their internal organs are fragile.
Reason 9: Importance of Temperature Regulation
Newborn puppies rely on their mother’s body heat to regulate their own body temperature. Handling them too much can disrupt this process and lead to hypothermia or hyperthermia.
Reason 10: Avoidance of Infection
Newborn puppies are more susceptible to infections and diseases due to their immature immune systems. Handling them too much can increase their exposure to germs and bacteria, putting them at risk for illnesses that could be potentially fatal.
Conclusion: Trust the Mother Dog’s Instincts
In conclusion, it is important to avoid handling newborn puppies for the first few weeks of their lives. This is to protect their health and development, as well as to allow for the natural bonding process between the mother and her offspring. Trust the mother dog’s instincts and allow her to care for her puppies without interference. This will lead to happier, healthier puppies in the long run.