Dog behavior after pregnancy

Question
Hi Shelley,

I have a Basset Hound that recently had pups about 8 weeks ago.  We have given away three of the pups and have three left.  I have recently noticed in about the last two weeks that the mom has been really aggressive towards all the ranch hands up here.  She is chasing after their cars and coming at them when they drive up.  I have never experienced this kind of behavior with her before.  She's always been overly friendly and would run off just to greet people.  Now it seems like she's the complete opposite.  I understand she is being protective because of her pups, but I am concerned her behavior will not change after they have all been given new homes.  What can I do to help ease her back into her previous pleasant behavior?  Is there any hope she will come back to being that sweet dog I used to have?  Also we plan on getting her spayed as soon as her milk dries up,  will that help?

Answer
Hi Shelly,

Thank you for writing to me about your Basset Hound's aggression after giving birth.  Your dog is being protective of her puppies but I would definitely set up a visit to the vet as soon as possible. Inappropriate maternal behavior can be a result of hormonal imbalance, pre-labor caesarian surgery (lack of pressure on cervix during labor), genetic propensity for inadequate hormone receptors, lack of experience, elevated neurotransmitter release due to stress, or in reaction to pain. It is advised to have a full checkup done, including her hormone levels (including a thyroid panel).

In the meantime, I strongly suggest that you confine your dog to an area where she feels that her puppies are safe.  Be it a crate, a room, a pen and do not by any means allow anyone to come near her or the puppies.  This can only create more stress for her.  

For some reason she feels threatened and that her puppies are in danger.  You may not be aware of an incident that set this off so be sure to give your ranch hands strict guidelines to stay far away from the dam and pups.  I can't tell you how important this is at this time.

I would agree that she needs to be spayed as soon as her milk dries up.

Speak with your vet about giving her some calming herbs that won't effect the puppies through their milk source.

For everyone's safety, keep her away from all humans, except herself until after she is spayed and then slowly re-introduce.

Best of luck,
Shelley Davis

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