Why Does My Dog Carry Her Puppies in Her Mouth?

Dogs can be quite particular about their sleeping arrangements. If a dam does not approve of the spot chosen for her litter, she may relocate herself and her puppies to a place she prefers within the home. This behaviour is instinctual and ensures her puppies are safe and comfortable.

Newborn puppies are very vulnerable, possessing closed eyes and ears, and only able to crawl. Because of this, when a dam decides to move her litter, she must physically carry them to the new location.

If you have never seen this before, observing your dog carrying a pup in her mouth or by the scruff may be surprising, even concerning. Understanding this natural behaviour helps reassure you that it is typically safe and protective, as well as how humans should appropriately handle puppies.

How a Dam Carries Her Puppies

A common method a dam uses to move young pups is gently holding the loose skin at the back of a puppy’s neck—the scruff—between her teeth to carry it securely, similar to how cats hold their kittens. You can feel this loose skin yourself by gently pinching a patch of skin at the scruff.

Puppies have more pliable skin than adult dogs, making this an effective grip for the dam.

Alternative Carrying Method: Holding by the Mouth

Some dams may carry their pups simply within their mouth rather than by the scruff. This usually occurs if the pups are very small or if the dam prefers to grip differently. Though this may look alarming to owners, it is a natural behaviour and the dam will exercise care.

Is Carrying Puppies in the Mouth Safe?

Mother dogs possess a refined control known as bite inhibition—the ability to adjust jaw pressure to avoid hurting their puppies. This ensures the dam carries her pups gently without causing discomfort.

Puppies usually become limp when carried in this way, which helps keep them safe. Although pups may become slobbery, they generally exhibit no discomfort or harm from being carried by their dam.

Reasons Why Dams Move Their Puppies

A dam may choose to relocate her litter for many reasons, such as seeking a warmer, quieter, or more secure space, or wanting to be nearer her human family. Frequent moves might indicate the dam is stressed or unsettled, so it is worth investigating and addressing any possible causes.

Should Humans Carry Puppies by the Scruff?

Unlike dams, humans do not naturally have the precision or bite inhibition needed to safely carry puppies by the scruff. Lifting puppies this way may cause discomfort or injury due to excess pressure or incorrect support.

If you need to pick up a pup, always support its entire body firmly with your hands. Avoid lifting by the scruff unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Puppies also grow quickly, and what might be safe one day may not be on another.

Best Practices for Handling Newborn Puppies

• Support the whole body: Ensure your hands support the puppy’s chest and hindquarters when lifting.
• Avoid scruff lifting: This reduces the risk of neck strain or injury.
• Minimise handling: Keep human contact limited to reduce stress on the dam and her litter.
• Respect the dam’s choices: If the mother dog relocates her puppies, respect her preference for their sleeping place.
• Consult your vet: If you are unsure about handling or are concerned for the puppies’ wellbeing, seek advice from a veterinary professional.

Answering Your Questions on Puppy Carrying Behavior

Why does a mother dog carry her puppies in her mouth?

Quick Answer: It’s an instinctive way for a mother dog to move and protect her vulnerable puppies safely by relocating them to a better place.

Mother dogs carry puppies by the scruff or the mouth to transport them to safer or more comfortable surroundings. This behaviour reflects their natural maternal instincts.

What is bite inhibition in dogs?

Quick Answer: Bite inhibition is a dog’s learned ability to control how hard they bite, essential for gentle interactions like carrying puppies without harm.

Dogs develop bite inhibition from a young age. It allows them to adjust their jaw pressure naturally when holding puppies, treats, or interacting with people and other dogs.

Should humans carry puppies by the scruff?

Quick Answer: No, humans should avoid lifting puppies by the scruff as we lack the instinct and control to do so safely; instead, support the puppy’s body fully.

Unlike dams, humans may inadvertently apply too much pressure when lifting by the scruff. Supporting the puppy's full body reduces stress and risk of injury.

When is it appropriate to intervene and move puppies?

Quick Answer: Only intervene if there is a clear safety or health concern. Otherwise, let the dam manage her puppies’ movements to reduce stress for everyone involved.

If the dam appears distressed, harming the puppies, or places them somewhere unsafe, it may be necessary to carefully move the pups. In such cases, always handle puppies gently and seek veterinary guidance if unsure.