How Long Can You Leave Newborn Puppies Unattended?
Newborn puppies are extremely fragile and need to be looked after carefully. Without proper care, they can become ill or even die. So it’s important to know how long you can leave them unattended before you put them at risk.
Feeding
Newborn puppies must be fed every 2-3 hours, day and night. If they’re not fed regularly, their glucose levels will drop and they can die within 6-8 hours. Keeping up with such a demanding schedule can be exhausting and difficult – so you may need help to ensure they get enough food.
Sleep
Sleep deprivation is also dangerous for puppies. Puppies sleep a lot – up to 16 to 18 hours per day! If they don’t get enough sleep, they can become weak and become vulnerable to parasites, illness and other dangers.
Maximum Time Unattended
Ideally, newborn puppies should not be left unattended for more than 3-4 hours at a time. If you need to leave them for a longer period, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to visit the puppies every couple of hours to check on their wellbeing.
Things to Consider
When leaving puppies unattended, there are a few things to consider:
- Temperature: Puppies can’t regulate their body temperature until they’re 4-5 weeks old. Make sure the environment they’re in is the right temperature.
- Safety: If you’re leaving puppies unattended for a long period of time, make sure they’re in a safe place where they won’t be disturbed or harmed in any way.
- Bedding: Make sure there’s comfortable, warm bedding for the puppies. Soft blankets or towels work well.
- Human Contact: Puppies need regular human contact to thrive. Make sure someone is available to play with and handle them.
In summary, while it’s possible to leave newborn puppies unattended for a short period of time – ideally no more than 3-4 hours – it’s important to ensure their wellbeing is looked after while they’re not under your direct care.