Do Mother Dogs Get Sad When Their Puppies Are Taken Away?
Bringing new puppies into the world is a remarkable experience, not just for pet owners, but especially for mother dogs. Naturally, many dog owners wonder—do mother dogs get sad when their puppies are taken away? The bond between a mother dog and her puppies is powerful, but like all aspects of animal care, it is governed by cycles of growth, biology, and behavior.
The Early Bond: Birth to Three Weeks
At birth, puppies are entirely dependent on their mother.
Newborn puppies are deaf, blind, and immobile. During this stage:
- The mother provides warmth and protects her litter.
- She nurses the pups, supplying them with life-sustaining colostrum and milk.
- She uses her tongue to stimulate elimination, maintaining hygiene.
This intensive care period creates a strong, hormonally influenced bond between mother and pups, driven largely by
oxytocin, the so-called "bonding hormone."
The Transition: Weeks Three to Four
As the puppies grow, they begin to open their eyes, explore their surroundings, and develop personalities. During this pivotal window:
- Puppies initiate weaning by sampling solid foods.
- The mother gradually decreases nursing sessions, sometimes with gentle refusals or moving away.
- Maternal hormones begin to subside, reducing the mother’s drive to constantly care for the pups.
This natural reduction in care from the mother is a crucial step toward puppies becoming independent.
Behavioral Shifts and Socialization
Between five and seven weeks, puppies gain motor control and start to socialize with littermates. The mother continues her role, but in new ways:
- Through play and corrections, she teaches boundaries and bite inhibition.
- She models responses to new stimuli, helping puppies acclimate to the outside world.
- Puppies imitate her reactions, forming the foundation for their behavioral development.
Ready for Separation: Eight to Twelve Weeks
By eight weeks, most puppies are eating solid food and are less reliant on nursing. Reputable breeders and veterinarians recommend:
- Not separating puppies before eight weeks of age.
- For smaller or more sensitive breeds, waiting until 10–12 weeks may be preferable.
At this time, the mother typically returns to her regular routines. Hormonal signals associated with nurturing fade, making the impending separation more manageable for both mother and pups.
Emotional Impact on Mother Dogs
So, do they become depressed when their puppies leave? The short answer is—
not usually in the long term. While some mothers may show temporary signs of:
- Searching behavior or mild vocalization
- Listlessness or reduced appetite for a day or two
Most adapt without significant emotional trauma. The maternal bond in dogs is intense but largely biological and time-sensitive. Once the care phase ends, the mother dog’s focus redirects.
The Role of Scent and Memory
Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell and can recognize familiar scents even after long separations. Research shows that:
- Mother dogs can remember the scent of their pups for years.
- Puppies can also recognize their mother's scent well after adoption.
However, recognizing a scent doesn’t equate to ongoing emotional longing. It simply suggests retained memory of familiarity, not necessarily grief.
The Importance of Proper Timing
Separating puppies from their mother too early (before 8 weeks) can lead to behavioral issues including:
- Increased fear and anxiety
- Resource guarding and poor social skills
- Inappropriate play biting and aggression
Late separation also carries risks, such as:
- Increased sibling conflict or competition
- More opportunities for parasite transmission in crowded litter spaces
Thus, the optimal time for adopting out puppies is typically between
eight and twelve weeks.
Helping Your Dog Adjust
If your mother dog seems out of sorts after her puppies leave, consider the following:
- Maintain her daily routine and exercise schedule.
- Provide toys and attention to prevent boredom or distraction.
- If symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian or behaviorist.
The Lasting Impact
While the mother-puppy bond evolves and eventually fades behaviorally, its effects are long-lasting. Puppies benefit from:
- Learning appropriate dog communication
- Developing social and emotional resilience
And the mother dog, through every birth and litter, helps shape the next generation of well-adjusted canine companions.
Conclusion
Mother dogs may undergo brief emotional shifts when their puppies are taken away, but nature and biology prepare them for this transition. By the time puppies are ready for adoption, most mothers have completed their nurturing phase and return to their normal routines. With responsible timing and care, both mothers and puppies enjoy a smooth and healthy separation.
