Canine Whelping

The following information is designed to provide you with the information needed for the home care of your dog and her puppies during pregnancy and labor and delivery, also known as whelping.

Preparation

While the whelping process is a very natural process for most dogs, various steps can be taken to ensure that the process occurs smoothly and safely at home.

Supplies

Thermometer
Infant bulb syringe
Whelping crate or towels, newspaper, sheets, puppy pads
Dental floss or sewing thread
Clean towels
Scale
Our App to contact us for any questions!

Location

The whelping process can be a very messy process. As a result, suggested areas for whelping include utility room, kitchen or other tiled areas that are easy to clean. Alternatively a whelping box may be used. The area should be lined with newspaper or towels or sheets to assist with cleaning and disposing of waste products. During the whelping process the area should be quiet, safe and stress-free and at a comfortable room temperature. Setting the area up prior to whelping allows her to be familiar and comfortable with the environment.

Nutrition

Your dog may remain on her normal diet for most of the duration of the pregnancy. In the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy, you may gradually increase the amount offered to her. After the pregnancy, especially during the nursing period, nutrition is extremely important. Please consult with us for food recommendations.

Monitoring pregnancy

Veterinary visits

Prior to breeding as well as during your dog’s pregnancy, we recommend routine veterinary examinations to determine the health of your dog as well as the health of the pups in utero. During these visits we will assess the health status, vaccine status as well as parasite status of your dog. Additionally, we will be monitoring the progression of the pregnancy, estimating litter size as well as assessing for potential complications.

Whelping date

The predicted whelping date is approximately 63 days following ovulation, give or take a day. If the actual ovulation date is not known, whelping is estimated to occur approximately 57 to 72 days after the first breeding. The predicted whelping due date is important for estimating the health and development of the pups in utero and to aid in your preparation for whelping.

Rectal temperature

Starting at around 1 week prior to the due date, we recommend routine rectal temperatures be taken as least once daily. When the temperature drops below 100 F (it may drop down to 97-98 F), it signifies that labor will begin within 8-24 hours.

Stages of labor and delivery

Stage 1

During stage 1 of labor, uterine contractions begin and the cervix begins to dilate. Some behavioral changes you may note with your dog include restlessness, panting and shivering. You may note a lack of interest in food and possibly some vomiting. Nesting behavior may also occur more frequently. This stage of labor can last anywhere from 6-12 hours, or up to 36 hours if this is her first litter.

Stage 2

In this stage of labor the cervix is fully dilated, and visible abdominal contractions will be seen. The first puppy should be delivered within 4 hours of starting stage 2. Subsequent pups are born anywhere between 15 minutes to 2 hour intervals. Sometimes dogs will “take a rest” for up to 4 hours between delivering puppies.

Puppies are usually delivered head first with the front legs extended forward. Occasionally puppies are presented in the breech position with the tail and back legs first. This is not an abnormal presentation for puppies.

Puppies are typically delivered in a membrane sac. This membrane sac is a clear membrane containing the fetus in amniotic fluid. During the process of delivery, the membrane sac is is typically ruptured. If however the sac is not ruptured during the process, the mother would normally remove the sac and groom the puppy. If she does not do this within a few minutes of delivery, human intervention is necessary. Tear the sac open and remove the puppy from the membrane sac and wipe the puppy’s face and body of fluids. An infant bulb syringe may be used to clear any excess fluids from the mouth. Puppies that are breathing well should appear pink to red. If the puppy’s tongue has a bluish appearance, it may indicate insufficient oxygen to the lungs. Vigorous rubbing of the body with a warm towel will stimulate circulation as well as promote breathing. The umbilical cord should be tied off with a cord such as dental floss or sewing thread. It should be tied snugly and cut approximately ½ inch from the body. The cut end may be dabbed in iodine.

Stage 3

Stage 3 is when the fetal membrane, or the placenta, is passed. The placenta can be passed following each puppy, or she may deliver two puppies followed by 2 placentas. Stage 2 and Stage 3 alternates until all puppies and placentas are passed. Contrary to popular beliefs, it is not necessary for the mother to ingest the placentas.

Care of newborn puppies

Following the delivery of the puppies, check the puppies thoroughly. This includes weighing each puppy and checking for abnormalities such as cleft palate. Puppies may be placed in a warm “incubator” box while the mother is delivering the rest of the litter. A good suggestion would be to use a plastic or cardboard box with warm towels. A heat lamp or heating pad may be used, but caution must be taken when using these products so as to not overheat or burn the puppies. Warm towels from the dryer works well. Once the mother is done delivering puppies, they should then be brought to her for bonding.

Allow puppies to nurse as soon as possible, within 12-24 hours of birth. This first milk is called the colostrum and it contains proteins that are essential for the puppy’s immune system in the first days of life.

Post-delivery care of mother

Nursing places high nutritional demands on the mother, so being on a good diet is crucial for the health of both the mother as well as the puppies. A common recommendation includes adding puppy food to the mother’s diet. Please visit with us for specific dietary recommendations for your dogs.

Continue to monitor the general well being of the mother post-delivery and all through the nursing period. Vaginal discharge following whelping is normal and may occur for up to 8 weeks. Normal vaginal discharge may be green, dark reddish brown or bloody in small amounts.

First few weeks of puppy life

During the first few weeks of life the puppies will spend much of their time sleeping and the rest of it eating. Additionally, puppies need constant care from the mother. This involves her keeping the puppies warm, stimulating urination and defecation along with nursing. If the mother is not stimulating the puppies to urinate or defecate, gently wipe the anal area with a damp towel to stimulate the process. Puppies are very susceptible to getting cold or hot because of their inability to regulate their temperature. Keeping the whelping area at a comfortable 85 oF helps maintain their body temperature. However, in many cases, body heat from the mother and other puppies may be adequate in maintaining the appropriate temperature.

In about 8-10 days after birth, puppy eyes should begin to open. Ears follow at about 13-17 days. During the 3rd week, teeth will begin to erupt and the puppies should begin to start standing up and walking around. At this point they should also begin to urinate and defecate without stimulation. During the third week they also begin to become aware of their environment and start interacting with each other. During this time start offering milk replacer in addition to nursing. When they begin to become interested in the milk replacer, wet soft food may gradually be introduced to their diet. The weaning process can be gradual and may begin in the 3rd week of life, lasting till about 7-8 weeks of age.

Over the next few weeks, the puppies will continue to develop physically, mentally and socially, learning new behaviors from their mother and siblings. At this time it would be a good idea to get them used to being handled by people. This involves things such as running your hands over their bodies, legs, opening their mouths, touching their feet and ears, trimming their nails and being accustomed to being around new peoples, sights and sounds.

At 8 weeks of age, the puppies will be ready for their first visit to the veterinarian and a series of vaccinations will be administered.

Complications

Eclampsia

During nursing the calcium demands on the mother is tremendous. Low calcium levels as a result of poor diet or heavy demand from the puppies can lead to the mother feeling restless, show lack of interest in the puppies or develop a stiff gait. In severe cases it can cause muscle spasms, inability to stand and even seizures. Please consult with us when these signs are noted as well as recommendations for a good diet for your dog.

Mastitis

Routinely check the mammary glands daily during nursing. Ensure that each gland expresses easily without pain. Normal nursing glands should be soft and enlarged with a normal skin tone. Glands that are inflamed or infected are firm, red and can be painful. If mastitis is present the mother may be sore and discourage the puppies from nursing. Please contact us if any of these signs are noted.

Metritis

As mentioned above, some form of vaginal discharge is normal after delivering puppies. However if at any time the discharge becomes foul-smelling or appears pus-like please contact us. Other signs of metritis that you may notice is fever, listlessness, loss of appetite, lack of interest in the puppies and decreased milk production. If these signs are noted, especially in the first few days following whelping, please contact us.

When to consult us

Prolonged strong contractions or straining for 30-60 minutes with no puppy being produced
Greater than 4 hours since the last pup was delivered and you know there are more puppies
She fails to go into labor after 24 hours following the temperature drop
Obvious extreme pain
Greater than 70 days of gestation and no signs of labor are noted
Number of puppies delivered does not match the number of placentas delivered

Is Your Dog in Labor? Things to Know