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It is thrilling and at the same time stressful to imagine your lovely dog giving birth to her first litter. You are going to have a litter of cute puppies but you have a role to play in this process.
There are some things that you can do to help prepare and assist your dog during the labor and knowing these can help to ensure a smooth delivery. Here is how to take you through this magical journey step by step.
1. Know the Signs That Labor is Near
Before your dog gives birth, you will be able to tell that labor is near. These include:
- Nesting Behavior: Your dog may start digging, scratching or rearranging blankets to create a safe and comfortable nest.
- Restlessness: She may be walking around, drooling, or growling, this may be a sign that she is preparing to give birth.
- Drop in Temperature: In the course of labor, a dog’s normal body temperature of 101-102.5°F will reduce to 98-99°F within the first 24 hours of labor. Check this with a rectal thermometer.
- Loss of Appetite: Female dogs may refuse food a day or two before the time they are due to give birth.
- Clear Discharge: Another sign that labor is imminent is when there is a clear vaginal discharge.
Be aware of these signs and ensure that you are ready to intervene when the need arises.
2. Set Up a Whelping Area
Your dog’s labor and delivery should happen in a safe, clean and comfortable environment. This will make her feel safe and stress free.
- Whelping Box: She should have a box or an enclosed space that is spacious enough for her to move around and stretch but at the same time, it should be comfortable. Place it with soft and washable materials such as blankets or towels.
- Quiet Location: It is recommended that the whelping area should be located in a low traffic area of your home and with little traffic. Avoid noise or anything that may cause interruption.
- Temperature Control: Make it warm but not hot (between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature.
3. Gather Essential Supplies
Having the right tools will go a long way in making the birthing process a little easier for you and your dog. Here’s a checklist of essential items:
- Clean towels and blankets
- Disposable gloves
- A heating pad or hot water bottle (for the puppies)
- Blunt scissors and antiseptic (for cutting the umbilical cord, if necessary)
- A suction bulb (to clear mucus from a puppy’s nose or mouth)
- Your vet’s contact information (for emergencies)
4. Support Your Dog During Labor
Your main job when labor begins is to reassure and be ready to help if needed. Dogs can usually give birth on their own without human help, but they love having you around.
- Stay Calm: Your dog will pick up on your energy, so stay calm and collected to help her feel safe.
- Let Her Lead: Unless it’s necessary, don’t interfere. Let her instincts take the lead in the process.
- Help with Puppies (if Needed): The mother breaks the thin sac in which puppies are usually born to free the puppy. If she doesn’t, you may have to gently tear the sac so the puppy can breathe.
5. Know When to Call the Vet
Most deliveries go fine, but complications can happen. Contact your vet if:
- Labor lasts more than 2 hours without a puppy being born.
- More than 30 minutes pass between puppies, and your dog is straining.
- Your dog seems extremely tired, distressed, or unresponsive.
- You notice green or foul-smelling discharge before a puppy is born.
If you’re not sure, it’s always better to call your vet early.
6. Care for the New Puppies
After the puppies are born, they will need immediate care so they can have a healthy start to life.
- Clean and Warm: Gently clean each puppy with a towel to remove fluids and keep them warm with a heating pad or a soft towel.
- Nursing: As soon as possible, get the puppies to nurse. Colostrum is full of antibodies and is important for their immunity, and they get it.
- Monitor Their Health: Check that each puppy is breathing normally and is nursing regularly. If a puppy appears weak or doesn’t latch, he may require supplemental feeding with a vet-approved milk replacer.
7. Postpartum Care for the Mother
The puppies’ well-being is just as important as your dog’s recovery. After delivery:
- Provide Fresh Water and Food: After labor, she’ll be hungry and thirsty. Replenish her energy by offering her small, frequent meals of high quality puppy food.
- Monitor for Infection: Look for signs of infection, including foul-smelling discharge, fever or lack of appetite. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet immediately.
- Rest: Allow her to rest and bond with her puppies in a quiet place.
8. Create a Routine
Newborn puppies need constant care and attention, most especially during the first few weeks. Maintain the whelping area clean, feed the puppies regularly, and watch them grow.
9. Socialize the Puppies
At around three weeks, the puppies will start to move around in search of food and water. Start gradually introducing them to the household sounds, touch, and feel, and other people. This assists in building their confidence and also helps them in preparing for life in their new homes forever.
10. Enjoy the Journey
It is a beautiful thing to watch your dog become a mother. Although it is a challenging process, it is also a very rewarding one, from the first cries of the puppies to the first attempts at walking.
Conclusion
Assisting your dog to give birth for the first time is one of the most fulfilling moments, but it comes with a lot of work, time, and focus. This way, you will be providing her with the best chance of a smooth delivery by providing her with a safe environment, helping her through labor, and making sure both the mom and puppies are healthy.
Do not forget to rely on your vet for help and advice. And last but not the least, enjoy these moments as much as you can because these are the moments that you will never want to forget. Follow VetGen Pharmaceuticals for more dog info.
