How to Prepare for Dog Whelping

A Comprehensive Guide

Welcoming a litter of puppies into the world is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires proper preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly. From creating a safe environment to understanding the mother’s needs, this guide combines all the essential information about preparing for and managing dog whelping.

Understanding the Whelping Process

What Is Whelping?

Whelping is the process of a dog giving birth to her puppies. It can be an instinctual and natural process for most dogs, but understanding the stages of labor and how to assist if needed is crucial for any responsible breeder or pet owner.

Signs Your Dog Is Ready to Whelp

Here are common signs that your female dog is about to give birth:

  1. Nesting Behavior

    • She may start digging, shredding bedding, or looking for a secluded spot to deliver her puppies.

  2. Loss of Appetite

    • Many dogs stop eating about 24 hours before labor begins.

  3. Drop in Temperature

    • A dog’s normal temperature is around 101-102.5°F. It often drops below 99°F 12-24 hours before labor starts.

  4. Restlessness and Panting

    • She may appear uncomfortable, pacing, or panting heavily.

  5. Visible Contractions

    • You may notice abdominal contractions as labor progresses.

Preparing the Whelping Area

A well-prepared whelping area ensures a safe and comfortable environment for the mother and her puppies.

Setting Up the Whelping Box

  • Choose a quiet, secluded spot in your home away from heavy foot traffic.

  • Use a whelping box that is large enough for the mother to stretch out but enclosed enough to make her feel secure.

  • Line the box with washable bedding, towels, or disposable puppy pads for easy cleanup.

  • Ensure the area is draft-free and maintain a temperature of around 85°F for the first few weeks.

Materials You’ll Need

Having the right tools on hand will help you handle any situation that arises during whelping. Here’s a comprehensive list:

For the Whelping Process:

  • Whelping box

  • Towels and washcloths

  • Disposable gloves

  • Heat lamp or heating pad

  • Puppy pads or newspapers

  • Trash bags for cleanup

  • Digital thermometer (to monitor the mother’s temperature)

  • Stopwatch or timer (to track labor progress)

For Puppy Care:

  • Bulb syringe (to clear airways if necessary)

  • Puppy milk replacer (in case supplemental feeding is needed)

  • Nursing bottles and nipples

  • Scale for weighing puppies daily

  • Puppy ID collars (to track each puppy’s progress)

For Mother’s Care:

  • High-quality puppy food or nursing formula (rich in calories and nutrients)

  • Calcium tablets or supplements (consult your vet for appropriate dosage)

  • Fresh water supply

For Emergencies:

  • Sterilized scissors (to cut umbilical cords)

  • Dental floss or thread (to tie off cords if needed)

  • Antiseptic solution (for cleaning umbilical cords or wounds)

  • Contact numbers for your veterinarian and a 24/7 emergency clinic

Nutrition and Health for the Mother

Proper nutrition and care during pregnancy and whelping are vital for the mother’s health and the puppies’ development.

Feeding Guidelines:

  1. High-Quality Food: Feed her a high-calorie diet, ideally a puppy or nursing formula, during the last trimester of pregnancy.

  2. Calcium Supplements: Provide calcium tablets to promote strong contractions during labor and healthy milk production. Consult your vet for the appropriate amount.

  3. Frequent Meals: Offer smaller, more frequent meals as her stomach may be compressed by the growing puppies.

Hydration:

Ensure the mother has constant access to fresh, clean water, especially during labor and while nursing.

Stages of Labor

Understanding the stages of labor can help you monitor progress and know when to assist:

Stage 1: Preparation

  • Can last 6-12 hours (or longer for first-time mothers).

  • She will display nesting behavior, restlessness, and panting.

Stage 2: Delivery of Puppies

  • Active contractions begin, and the first puppy is usually delivered within 1-2 hours.

  • Subsequent puppies should arrive every 30-60 minutes. If more than 2 hours pass without a puppy, contact your vet.

Stage 3: Delivery of Placentas

  • Each puppy’s placenta should be delivered shortly after. Retained placentas can cause infections, so monitor closely.

Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Whelping Process

  1. Stay Calm: Your dog will pick up on your energy, so remain calm and reassuring.

  2. Minimal Intervention: Most dogs can handle whelping on their own. Intervene only if necessary.

  3. Monitor Puppies Closely: Ensure each puppy starts nursing within the first hour to receive colostrum.

  4. Weigh Puppies Daily: Track their weight to ensure they are gaining consistently.

  5. Supplement Weak Puppies: If a puppy struggles to nurse, use a bottle with puppy milk replacer.

  6. Keep the Area Clean: Replace soiled bedding regularly to prevent infections.

Post-Whelping Care

For the Mother:

  • Monitor her for signs of infection, such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, or lack of appetite.

  • Continue feeding her a high-calorie diet while she nurses the puppies.

For the Puppies:

  • Ensure they stay warm and dry at all times.

  • Schedule a vet checkup within the first few days to assess their health.

When to Call the Vet

Contact your veterinarian immediately if:

  • Labor stalls for more than 2 hours between puppies.

  • The mother shows signs of distress or exhaustion.

  • A puppy is born weak or not breathing and does not respond to stimulation.

  • The mother has a foul-smelling discharge or excessive bleeding after delivery.

By following this detailed guide, you can provide the best possible care for your dog and her puppies, ensuring a safe and healthy whelping process. Remember, preparation and vigilance are key to a successful and rewarding experience.