introducing dog to new kittens

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pelena

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Hello- a quick question as implied in the title. We have just got two 5-week old kittens (far too young, but both are orphans and rescues, and frankly far better off with us as they were severely underweight) after our beloved cat went missing a month ago.
Our miniature dachshund Freddie was the missing cat's best friend (they slept in the same basket and went hunting together). He is already devoted to the kittens, who are kept in a pen in the house as they are both very still small. We have introduced them gradually through the pen and by letting him sniff them when we hold them. The weaker kitten (who was very sick but now fortunately has fully recovered) adores him and Freddie will never leave him out of sight.
My question is, when can I start letting them out in the house together? (They won't go outside until they get their jabs in a month's time.) He is a very sweet dog but I am worried about rough play as they are still so little. Is the fact that they are not yet vaccinated a potential problem? Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated.
Oh, and here are some gratuitous pics (the ones with the dog are of Moritz, the weaker kitten):
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to be honest I would let them in together now, my own kittens keep both my dog and my puppy under control. They will let the dog know very quickly if they are not happy with it. My old dog would actually look after my kitten, licking it, and checking on it. My 5 month old pup and my 5 year old dog have just been introduced to my 3 new 5 month old kittens. They are extremely wary of them and will back away at speed at the sign of a claw. If your daxi is used to cats and is gentle with him, then just raise the cage up on a higher surface, open the cage and let teh kittens choose to come out. They can always go back in away from him in the cage if they have enough.
 
Bosworth said:
to be honest I would let them in together now, my own kittens keep both my dog and my puppy under control. They will let the dog know very quickly if they are not happy with it. My old dog would actually look after my kitten, licking it, and checking on it. My 5 month old pup and my 5 year old dog have just been introduced to my 3 new 5 month old kittens. They are extremely wary of them and will back away at speed at the sign of a claw. If your daxi is used to cats and is gentle with him, then just raise the cage up on a higher surface, open the cage and let teh kittens choose to come out. They can always go back in away from him in the cage if they have enough.
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Thanks will give it a go! They just seem so tiny, half the size kittens usually are when they are weaned...
 
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