It's important to understand why keeping male dogs away from pregnant females is often recommended.
Risks to the Pregnant Female and Puppies
There are several reasons why male dogs should not be around pregnant dogs:
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Protection Aggression: A pregnant female dog is likely to become very protective of her unborn pups. This heightened protective instinct means she might lash out at a male dog, even if he is the father of the puppies, if she perceives him as a threat to her pregnancy. This behavior can cause unnecessary stress and potential physical harm to the pregnant dog.
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Male Aggression During Delivery: During the delivery itself, it's possible for a male dog to become agitated or aggressive. This agitation could lead to the male dog injuring the female dog or the newborn puppies. This is why separating them is vital to the safety of all.
Summary
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Protective Aggression | The female may become aggressive towards the male if she perceives him as a threat to her pregnancy. |
| Agitation During Delivery | The male may become agitated or aggressive during labor, potentially harming the female or newborn pups. |
In conclusion, keeping male dogs separate from pregnant dogs protects the health and well-being of both the mother and her puppies.
