Every mother has experienced the intense feeling of needing to protect her offspring. Surprisingly, dogs aren’t all that different from humans when it comes to maternal possessiveness and even maternal aggression. When they feel as though their little ones or their pregnancies are being threatened, they may lash out. 

While certainly understandable, maternal aggression can be a huge concern with small children in the home. Dogs that were formerly docile and sweet may start nipping or even biting when others approach. 

Learning more about maternal aggression in dogs is important for keeping kids safe. It can also be essential for preventing dog bite injuries when entertaining guests.

Physiological Changes That Contribute to Maternal Aggression In Dogs

Dogs and dog breeds that are naturally aggressive are more likely to have maternal aggression throughout their pregnancies than are dogs who are generally good-natured and tolerant. However, all pregnant dogs should be given their space as they can be just as hormonal, uncomfortable, and short-tempered as any other mammal during gestation. 

Throughout this time, there are a number of changes that occur in a pregnant female’s brain chemistry that catalyze the maternal, protective response. Thus, even though your pet may be very well socialized, her body is becoming hardwired to react protectively towards her unborn pups. Moreover, this hardwiring will both continue and dramatically increase after she gives birth and her body readies itself for lactation.

Why Post-Partum Aggression Is Important, Too

You may find that your pet is extremely tolerant of family members, including small children, throughout the duration of her pregnancy. This, however, does not mean that aggression is unlikely to rear its head. In fact, this change in personality and behavior is actually more likely after a dog’s pups have been born than it is throughout the gestational period. 

As dogs begin to lactate, their progesterone levels decline. Progesterone is a pregnancy-related hormone that has a calming effect to prevent anxiety as the fetuses develop. 

After birthing, progesterone is replaced with high levels of estrogen. Unlike progesterone which relaxes pregnant mothers, estrogen has a much more activating effect. At this time, if dogs are irritable or concerned about the welfare of their puppies, they’ll be far more motivated to react with a bite. 

Prolactin, the hormone that causes newly produced milk to be released, tends to rise and fall in relation to the needs of the newborn pups. Interestingly, biting, nipping, and other aggressive behaviors tend to mirror the waning and surging periods of prolactin production.

The Bonding Hormone

Many dogs seem to adapt to the new responsibilities of mothering quite quickly. This is due in large part to the production and release of a chemical called oxytocin. This is the “bonding hormone” that enhances nurturing emotions in response to the smell, sound, and sight of a dog’s new puppies. 

One thing that’s quite common among dogs and other animals is the appreciation of each child’s unique and familiar smell. Changes in this smell can be upsetting. This is one reason why young children should be discouraged from handling puppies immediately after birth, particularly when their hands have recently been washed, covered in lotion, or exposed to any strong fragrances.

How to Keep Kids and Household Guests Safe When You’ve Got a Nursing Dog

The temptation to hold and handle new puppies can be overwhelming. With their unbelievably tiny bodies and their adorable newborn looks, both adults and small children may want to crowd around your dog’s nesting area. Out of respect for your animal, however, you should make a point of maintaining a private space. 

When you have guests in the home, being firm about protecting your pet’s privacy could keep you from being contacted by a dog bite lawyer.

The best way to avoid maternal aggression both during and immediately after your dog’s pregnancy is by letting your pet set the standard for the level of attention and interaction she wants. Well-socialized pets will happily bring you to their nesting area when they’re ready. More often than not, they’ll be proud to show their accomplishments off. 

Given that dogs cannot verbally request their privacy, let your pet give you clues as to when she’s ready to entertain guests. Pay attention to her body language, and listen for growls and other sounds of wariness and discomfort. A dog who’s ready to share her pups will:

• Wag her tail when approached
• Have relaxed ears
• Have a confident yet relaxed stance
• Lead you directly to you her nesting area
• Have a soft, open mouth
• Lower her chest to the ground while keeping her rear in the air as if bowing

Being overly careful about not triggering an aggressive response won’t just prevent bites; it will also ensure that your dog is as comfortable as she can possibly be during one of the most important times of her life.

Like humans, dogs are naturally hard-wired to protect their young. Keeping your little ones out of their personal space is the best thing that you can do to protect them. When your dog is ready to share her new pups with the world, she will let you know.

FOR MORE POSTS LIKE THIS SEE OUR LIFESTYLE ARCHIVE.