1. Orphaned puppies: If a mother dog dies or is unable to care for her puppies, they can be placed with another nursing mother to ensure they receive proper nourishment and care.
2. Insufficient milk production: If a mother dog is not producing enough milk to feed all of her puppies, some of them may be given to another mother with a sufficient milk supply.
3. Health problems: If a mother dog has health issues that prevent her from nursing or properly caring for her puppies, they can be moved to another mother for better care.
4. Breed compatibility: In some cases, breeders may cross-foster puppies from one mother to another to improve specific traits or bloodlines.
However, it's essential to follow certain guidelines and considerations when cross-fostering newborn puppies:
- Timing: The best time to cross-foster puppies is within the first 24 to 48 hours of life, as this is the period when they are most adaptable and accept a new mother more readily.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the foster mother is producing sufficient milk and has compatible nipples that the puppies can latch onto comfortably.
- Rejection: Rejection of the puppies by the foster mother is a potential risk. To reduce this, you can place the puppies near her body so she can become familiar with their scent.
- Scent transfer: To help the foster mother accept the puppies, you can rub the birth fluids of the puppies on her nipples and body. This transfers their scent and encourages her to care for them.
It's crucial to monitor the puppies closely during the cross-fostering process and ensure that they are gaining weight and thriving under the care of the foster mother. If any concerns arise, seek advice from a veterinarian experienced in puppy care.