Mother knows best! We all know how our mothers have taken care of us since our birth. Likewise, puppy mothers are always very careful about their puppies.
Mostly, the frequent need for feeding is what makes it important to keep the puppies with their mothers most of the time. However, in many situations, you might need to separate the puppies from their mother at night.
So, the question might strike your mind that can you separate puppies from their mother at night? Read the entire article to know the answer in detail.
Can You Separate Puppies from Mothers at Night?
Yes, you can separate puppies from their mother at night but you need to be observant about their age.
It is never good to separate puppies from their mother quickly. A certain period of time needs to be passed before you can separate puppies from their mother at night.
Best Time to Separate Puppies from Their Mother at Night
Now you might be wondering what’s the appropriate time when you can separate puppies from their mother at night. Puppies can not be unattended for longer period till certain age weeks. Knowing an ideal time when you can safely separate puppies from their mother can help you handle and take care of them properly.
The best time to separate puppies from their mother at night is after the puppies turn eight weeks old. But if you ask about an age range then the age range is between 8 weeks to 12 weeks.
You might think how you would know when it is time. Well, when the puppies start to wean, it is considered the best time to separate them from their mother at night. Because at this time, they do not eat much at night.
So if you see your puppies have weaned, you can try to separate them from their mother at night.
However, it needs to be remembered that this time period might vary from puppy to puppy.
Reasons Why to Wait Before Separating Puppies from Mothers at Night
The first and foremost reason why you should wait before you separate puppies from their mother at night is to keep the puppies healthy. Feeding is always on the top of the list which needs to be done by the mother.
The nutrients that the mother’s milk contains cannot be replaced with anything else. And puppies tend to eat every two hours. This happens at night too. So it’s better to wait till the puppies ages at least eight weeks old.
Also, at the early age of puppies, they can be affected by cold very fast. As they cannot control their temperature, they get cold easily. And the warmth of their mother is the best thing for them at that time. So it is very important to wait and keep the puppies with their mother until they cross the risk of getting cold quickly.
Moreover, definitely, all moms have the most common trait of always being there for their babies. Puppy mothers are the same too. At night, mothers keep monitoring their puppies and look for any needs. So, it is important to wait till the puppies get old enough.
Problems That Can Occur After Separating Puppies from Their Mother at Night
Handling change is difficult for almost every soul. And when it comes to handling a change where you are separated from your beloved mother, it gets tougher. And for the sensitive little puppies, it’s very scary too.
The first problem that might occur after separating puppies from their mother at night is separation anxiety. Puppies spend a hard time dealing with the separation from their mother in the first few days.
In the early weeks when puppies live with their mother, they feel safe, adored, and secure. But once they are separated, naturally, it grows fear of being unsafe and gives birth to anxiety.
At that time, the puppies might show disinterest to sleep in their new space. Along with that, their sleep schedule might get messed up too.
Also, it might make them feel empty for the first few days as they would miss the cuddle and warmth of their mother.
But no worries! You can make your puppies feel good by making their nights comfortable while they stay away at night from their mother with the courses of time.
Best Ways to Keep the Puppies Comfortable at Night Away from Their Mother
There are a few things that you can do to keep your puppies comfortable when they are separated from their mother. It’s very important that you separate the puppies from their mother as lightly as you can.
Firstly, all you need to do is give the puppies lots of attention, affection, and love. From being born to week eight, all that puppies can understand is unconditional love from their mother. So they would naturally not be so affectionate by you if you don’t try.
So try to give some of your closeness to them in order to let them know they can rely on you as well.
Secondly, make their new sleeping place as cozy as you can. The cozy whelping box can make them feel comfortable when they sleep away from their mother.
Thirdly, keep the environment calm and soothing. Avoid keeping it noisy and untidy. The puppies might feel uncomfortable while being away from their mother.
Lastly, keep blankets and toys in the sleeping space. A blanket will not only keep the puppies comfortable but also will keep them warm and they will feel secure being covered with it. And the toys will help them stay distracted from their mother’s absence.
Conclusion
It is a quite difficult time for the puppies after they get separated from their mother but by giving them a little bit of time and care they can adapt to the situation.
I hope by now you have got the answer to the question, “Can you separate puppies from mothers at night” . Just wait for a few weeks, let the puppies be ready for the separation, and when it’s time, smoothly separate them from their mothers at night.