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Why is my mother dog ignoring her 6-week-old puppies? Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year old

Mother dog leaving her 6 week old puppies all day there eating solids (3 meals a day) there outdoors in a dog house I rarely see the mother go in lately she spends most of the day playing around the farm and sometimes she even sleeps in the other dog house away from the puppies is this normal behaviour when she does go to them it’s usually only for a few minutes she has no signs of mastitis

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Davis

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2018

Yes that’s normal. They are old enough to be weaned and that is what she’s doing. Her milk should dry up and she will start to ignore the puppies all the time. Once they are eight weeks old it’s time to find them new homes. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Coco.
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