How Long Can You Leave a Newborn Puppy Alone?

You should not leave a newborn puppy alone for more than a few minutes. In the first 2 weeks, they need your help all the time for feeding, staying warm, and feeling safe.

Newborn puppies are like babies. They cannot eat, stay warm, or even go to the bathroom without help. If their mother is not around or not taking care of them, you must be there all the time, day and night.

Can newborn puppies be left alone after the mother gives birth?

No, newborn puppies should not be left alone for long, even if their mother is present. While a healthy and experienced mother usually takes good care of her puppies like feeding, cleaning, and keeping them warm, you still need to check on them often.

Sometimes, a mother dog may be tired, stressed, or not know how to care for her litter properly. She might accidentally lie on a puppy, not feed them enough, or ignore one or more of them. That’s why human supervision is still important during the first few weeks.

What you should do-

• Make sure all puppies are nursing well and gaining weight.
• Watch that the mother is gentle and attentive.
• Check the puppies’ body temperature (they should feel warm to the touch).
• Look out for signs of weakness, crying, or separation from the litter.

In short, even if the mother is around, newborn puppies need someone to keep an eye on them, especially in the first 2–3 weeks.

How long can you leave puppy alone?

The time you can leave your puppy alone depends on their age. Younger puppies need more care and can’t be left alone for long.

• Under 10 weeks old – 1 hour
• 10–12 weeks old – 2 hours
• 3 months old – 3 hours
• 4 months old – 4 hours
• 5 months old – 5 hours
• 6 months old – 6 hours
• Over 6 months – 6 to 8 hours (maximum)

Puppies have small bladders and need to pee often. As a general rule, they can hold their pee for as many hours as they are months old (up to about 6 months).

Even adult dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than 6–8 hours without a break. They need attention, bathroom breaks, food, and water.

What happens if you leave newborn puppies lone too long?

Leaving newborn puppies alone for too long can be dangerous. Here’s what can happen:

• They can get cold – Puppies can’t control their body temperature. Without warmth, they may get hypothermia.
• They may go hungry – Newborns need to eat every 2–3 hours. Missing a feeding can cause low blood sugar.
• They can get weak or sick – Without food and warmth, puppies become weak and can fall seriously ill.
• They may cry and become stressed – This can affect their growth and development.
• The mother might accidentally hurt them – Without supervision, she might step or lie on them.

Even short periods alone can be risky. Always check that they are warm, well-fed, clean, and close to their mother.

How to keep newborn puppies safe and healthy?

• Use warm blankets or heating pads to keep puppies cozy. They cannot stay warm by themselves
• If the mother can’t feed them, use puppy milk formula. Feed every 2–3 hours so they don’t get weak.
• Keep puppies in a clean, quiet spot away from cold air and loud noises.
• Use a pet camera to check on them if you leave for a short time.
• If you need to be gone longer, ask a friend or family member to look after the puppies.
• Make sure puppies are growing, warm, and not crying too much.
• Give the mother food, water, and a quiet place to rest. A happy mother cares better for her puppies.

These simple steps help puppies stay safe and grow strong.

Newborn puppies need near-constant attention. Until they are at least 6–8 weeks old, they should never be left alone for long. Whether you’re raising them with or without their mother, always make sure they are fed, warm, and safe.