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Keeping mama dog and puppies outside?
We live in SoCal. Temps are high 40's at night mid 60's in day. We have a dry, secure spot outside with a whelping box- can the mama keep her pups warm enough at night in this temperature?
For some clarification-- They wil be staying in a covered carport in a secure yard away from any possible predators- those are not an issue... The biggest issue is the warmth factor- can she keep them warm enough?
Appreciate the answers-- but, for further clarification- we don't have central heat... it doesn't get cold enough to warrant central heat- our house is usually a steady 65F-- But we've set up a temporary wall to keep her from getting into the house (not house trained- shes an outside dog...) set up a little area by an outside door so we can let her out (not on carpet...) and put a space heater there to keep it warm enough at nights.
Thanks for your help!
that area is inside the house, BTW... :)
7 Answers
- miaughLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Puppies in the first weeks especially are unable to regulate their own body temperature. They need to be kept in an area with temperatures between at least 75-80 degrees--this is not going to happen with the pups outside in the weather you describe. If you want them to survive, the best thing you can do is have a whelping box indoors, in a warm, dry place.
- Wicked WandaLv 71 decade ago
She may be able to to keep them warm enough but what about other predators.....she might have a difficult time defending them all at once.
I'd keep her and her pups inside unless supervised.
Edit: well I'm sure at some time what you provide her (a covered car port and a fenced in back yard) will be sufficient but up until a certain age I would keep them inside unless supervised by a human. You may have a back yard that you think is secure but I'm sure there are many ways that many predators can get into your back yard if they wanted to.
- ragappleLv 71 decade ago
miaugh is correct the temp that pups need is in the 70's. There is a thin chance the mom might be able to save the life of a few pups by curling around them but it's pathetic she should have to resort to survivalist tactics when you have central heat a few yards away
- Danielle~~Lv 41 decade ago
It all depends on how old the pups are. If they are like a week old, you should keep them inside. If they like,.... 4 weeks old I'm pretty sure you can put the pups outside. But the mom has to be with them, to keep them warm and- if they are still nursing- feed them
- spider pig!!!1Lv 71 decade ago
dont be so cruel, let her have her puppies inside and when they are 5 weeks old start letting them outside during the day (make sure its in a shaded area) and then bring them in for the night. its what i did when my dog had puppies
- love&lostLv 41 decade ago
i wouldnt risk it. plus the babies will get eat up by fleas and possibly ants. an owl , wild fox , or other night predator might make one a meal. the cold temp can put them at risk for sickness.
put them in the garage or shed. or spare bathroom.
just dont put them on carpet.
- 1 decade ago
don't risk it bring the pups (and the mom) inside so they can keep warm, dry and a way from other Animal that want to eat her and her pups.
(A.K.A.: bring her inside.)
good luck!
