Found a Litter of Puppies? What to Do (and What Not to Do)

Discovering a litter of abandoned puppies in your neighborhood can be overwhelming. Before you rush to bring them home, here is the professional advice from Rescue Routes on how to handle the situation correctly.

1. Assess if They Are Truly Abandoned

Mother dogs often leave their puppies for short periods to hunt for food. Watch from a distance for a few hours. If the mother is nearby and caring for them, leave them alone; the best place for a puppy is with its mother.

2. When to Intervene

If the puppies are visibly injured, sick, or if the mother has been missing for over 24 hours, we can assume that they are in danger! Keep them warm using a cardboard box with old clothes or towels. Do not bathe them, as they can lose body heat very quickly.

3. Contact a Specialist

Raising puppies is a full-time job. Please contact Rescue Routes immediately. We can provide guidance on nutrition, deworming, and the necessary medical check-ups that every puppy needs to survive their first few months.