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Is it too stressful to separate older puppies from their mom?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | Female | unspayed | 4 lbs

My bitch gave birth to three pups last November 2017 and we kept them all. Im now finding it extremely hard work with all five dogs. I have found a lovely new home for one of the boy pups but I worrying if I am doing the right thing separating one or two pups from there mum. Will it be more stressful to separate after so long orndo they adapt quite quickly. Everyone tells me they adapt very quickly etc. Thank you.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 29th, 2019

Although it may be stressful at first, most dogs adjust pretty well over time.See the link below for more information on how to make the process easier for the new owner: https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/tips-for-first-30-days-dog/ . I recommend rehoming the pups with friends or family if possible, or through a dog rescue group, and avoiding giving them to strangers (such as from the internet), as some people unfortunately don't have the best intentions. I recommend having Chi Chi and the remaining puppies spayed and neutered to help prevent more litters and inbred puppies. Unneutered males are prone to aggression, humping, roaming, marking and other behaviours, and neutering can also reduce the risk of testicular cancer and certain types of prostate disease. Spaying stops the heat cycle, eliminates the risk and cost of unwanted breeding, and early spaying can eliminate the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as reduce the risk of potentially fatal uterine infections and breast cancer.

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