Whelping is an exciting yet intense time for both breeders and dogs. This period requires careful planning, a calm environment, and a good understanding of what to expect to ensure the well-being of both the mother and her puppies. Here’s a guide to help prepare for a smooth whelping process, from recognizing signs of labor to providing essential care post-delivery.
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Preparing for Whelping Day and Essential Supplies
Preparation is key to a successful whelping. A few weeks before the mother dog’s due date, set up a whelping area in a quiet, secluded part of the home or kennel. This space should be warm, clean, and free from drafts or sudden noise. Ideally, it should include the following supplies to keep things organized and safe:
Whelping box:Â A low-sided box where the mother can comfortably lie down and deliver her puppies. The sides should be high enough to prevent puppies from wandering. We use a kiddie pool lined with blankets and has worked great for us and our bitches. That said, we've never had to worry about the mama's laying on the puppies, they've all been really great about not laying or sitting on the puppies. We also have cameras set up where we can monitor them, which provides peace of mind.
Heating pads or heat lamps: Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature, so keeping the area warm (around 85°F or 29°C) is crucial for the first few days.
Clean towels and blankets:Â These will help keep the puppies warm, dry, and comfortable. Use soft, absorbent materials that are easy to replace or wash. Towels will be needed if a puppy is struggling, simply rub the puppy on the chest, stomach and back with slight pressure in an attempt to stimulate the puppy.
Charts or paperwork to track puppies' weights: Daily weight tracking is essential for monitoring each puppy's health and growth, helping detect any issues early on. The "Whelping Chart" is what I use throughout the whelping process, I can track the order in which the puppies were born, their birth weight, the color collar assigned to the puppy and the date and time they were born. The "Puppy ID Cards" are used for each puppy as they grow and develop, track their weights, AKC #'s, new owner information, etc.
Different colored collars or ribbons: These make it easy to distinguish between puppies, especially in large litters, allowing you to track each one's progress accurately.
Sterile scissors: Necessary for cutting the umbilical cord if the mother does not do it herself.
Umbilical clamps (optional): These help secure the umbilical cord if it needs to be tied off for any reason.
Puppy scale: Regular weigh-ins with a puppy scale ensure each puppy is growing at a healthy rate, which is critical during the early weeks.
Having these supplies organized and ready to go will make whelping day smoother and allow you to focus on the mother and her puppies.
Recognizing Signs of Labor
Dogs usually display specific signs that indicate labor is near. These include:
Nesting behavior:Â The mother may dig, scratch, or arrange her bedding, instinctively creating a comfortable place to whelp.
Decreased appetite:Â As labor approaches, her appetite may decrease, and she might become restless.
Drop in temperature: Taking the mother’s temperature twice a day with a rectal thermometer can help monitor labor progress. A drop in body temperature to around 99°F or lower often signals that labor will begin within 24 hours.
Visible discomfort:Â She may start panting, pacing, or shivering as contractions begin.
The Whelping Process: What to Expect
Labor has three stages:
Stage One: Initial Labor
The first stage is marked by contractions that help move the puppies into position. This stage can last from 6 to 24 hours, during which the mother may appear restless and anxious. This can manifest in numerous ways from nesting behavior to pacing and panting, from restlessness to endless potty breaks.
Stage Two: Delivery
When the contractions become more intense, the mother will begin actively delivering her puppies. Each puppy usually arrives within 30 minutes to an hour, although some may take a bit longer. If there’s more than two hours between puppies, consider contacting a veterinarian. With a few of our bitches, they have gone nearly six hours between puppies - this usually occurred at the end of labor and is usually the last puppy delivered. Most veterinarians would recommend a cesarean-section in an instance such as this.
In the video below you'll see Remi, our gorgeous silver lab, deliver her second puppy. You'll see she delivered the puppy and began licking in an attempt to clean the area, break the sac and eat the placenta. The problem was she had not broken the sac yet and if you look carefully you'll see the puppy squirming inside. This is when it's crucial to act quickly as it won't take long for the puppy to drown on the amniotic fluid. I gave Remi plenty of time to do what she needed to do, she did nothing wrong, she just needed a little help.
Calcium: Calcium is extremely important for a bitch during whelping and lactation, as it plays a key role in muscle function, particularly in uterine contractions, milk production, and overall health. Here’s a breakdown of its importance and how to manage calcium levels effectively:
Supports Uterine Contractions
Calcium is essential for smooth and coordinated muscle contractions in the uterus, which help push each puppy out during delivery. Low calcium levels can lead to weak contractions, making labor longer and more challenging for the mother.
Prevents Eclampsia (Milk Fever)
After whelping, calcium demands increase significantly, especially as the mother starts producing milk. If she doesn’t have adequate calcium levels, she’s at risk for eclampsia, a condition characterized by tremors, stiffness, weakness, and potentially life-threatening seizures. Ensuring calcium levels are sufficient helps prevent this dangerous condition.
Aids in Milk Production
Calcium is a major component in milk, so lactating bitches need plenty of calcium to meet the demands of feeding puppies. Without enough calcium, milk production can decrease, and the mother may suffer from other health complications.
When to Supplement Calcium
Interestingly, supplementing calcium before whelping can actually disrupt the body’s natural regulation and make it harder for the mother to mobilize calcium when needed. Instead:
Avoid calcium supplementation before whelping unless specifically directed by a vet. Too much pre-birth calcium can lower the body’s ability to respond to high calcium needs when labor begins.
Supplement during labor or after the first puppy is born with a calcium-rich product if the vet recommends it, as this supports contractions and helps prevent drops in calcium. Some vets provide calcium shots for you to give your bitch after the first puppy is delivered and then one every four hours. The shot is given under the skin, not in the muscle (subcutaneous shot, also known as an SQ).
Monitor closely during lactation to ensure her diet provides enough calcium. Many breeders use calcium-rich food or specific supplements to support milk production.
Recommended Sources of Calcium
Calcium sources include high-quality commercial diets formulated for pregnancy and lactation or safe calcium supplements as advised by a veterinarian. Be cautious with human calcium supplements, as they may contain additives unsuitable for dogs.
Signs of Calcium Deficiency
Monitor the mother for signs of low calcium, especially during and after whelping. Symptoms include:
Restlessness, panting, and tremors
Muscle stiffness or inability to walk
Seizures or twitching
Lack of coordination
Clear sacs: Puppies are often born in a thin membrane called an amniotic sac, which the mother typically breaks. If she doesn’t, you’ll need to gently tear the sac to ensure the puppy can breathe. They can and will drown in their amniotic fluid, so be proactive! Be watching your bitch, ensuring she's broken the sac and that it still not covering the puppy's head/mouth. Sometimes they'll break the sac but it will still be covering the puppies mouth and nose, this will result in the puppy suffocating. It's equivalent to us having a wet plastic sac around our head.
Umbilical cord: The mother usually chews through the umbilical cord, but if she doesn’t, tie it off with sterilized string about an inch from the puppy’s belly and cut the cord with sanitized scissors. The string is not necessary. The key is to ensure you don't cut it too short! If you do cut it too short the puppy can bleed out. There are a few things you can do if you find yourself in this situation; apply some cornstarch/corn flour to help clot the blood, apply pressure, and keep an eye on the puppy.
Stage Three: Afterbirth
The mother will deliver the placenta after each puppy. It’s normal for her to eat some or all of the placentas, but monitor her intake to prevent stomach upset. Our bitches have never had issues with this and have consumed every placenta, however, if your bitch is known to have an upset stomach when eating different foods or certain treats you're better off monitoring her intake. And ensure she delivers each placenta, it is fairly common for them not to deliver. This can cause sepsis and death.
Caring for Newborn Puppies
Once all puppies are born, ensure they are nursing well and staying warm. Puppies should feed within the first hour to receive colostrum, which is crucial for building immunity. Check that each puppy is latching properly and keep a close eye on their body temperature, as newborns can’t regulate it independently.
Monitoring health:Â Puppies should be weighed daily, including at birth, to ensure they are gaining weight. Significant weight loss or failure to thrive may signal a health issue. Or if a bitches milk supply is too low to support all of her puppies it is best to supplement some of the puppies. Be sure to rotate through the litter and not simply supplement one puppy.
Environmental temperature: Reduce the whelping area temperature to around 80°F after a few days, gradually lowering it over the following weeks. Some say keep their space at 90 degrees, I think this is too hot for the mother and the puppies and like to keep the room around 80 degrees. Between mama's body heat and the heaters the puppies should be nice and toasty when you pick them up, if they feel a bit cool simply increase the heat in the room.
Post-Whelping Care for the Mother
Your dog will need some extra care following whelping to ensure her health and recovery:
Hydration and nutrition:Â Provide plenty of fresh water and high-quality food, as nursing is energy-intensive. I like to reward our mama's with some ice cream, sometimes they're interested and sometimes they aren't and just want to be with their pups. But it's a sweet, cool treat to reward their hard work.
Monitor for signs of infection:Â Watch for symptoms like unusual discharge, fever, or lack of appetite. If any signs appear, contact a veterinarian. It's normal for there to be bloody discharge in the weeks after whelping.
Handling Complications
In rare cases, whelping complications may occur, requiring veterinary assistance. Seek help if:
Labor stalls or if there’s a long gap between puppies.
Excessive bleeding occurs. You'll know it when you see it.
The mother shows signs of intense distress or fatigue. Fatigue is normal during and after whelping, however, she should bounce back fairly quickly.
Ensuring a Healthy Start
The first few days after birth are critical for puppy health. Be attentive to each puppy’s development, noting their weight, activity level, and feeding habits. Record any milestones or issues, so you have a thorough record of each puppy's journey.
Final Thoughts
Whelping is a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience for breeders. With proper preparation, close observation, and gentle care, you can help the mother dog and her puppies enjoy a safe, comfortable, and successful whelping journey. Each whelping experience is unique, and learning to handle each stage confidently will set you up for future success in breeding healthy, happy dogs.
With these supplies and preparation steps, you’ll be well-equipped to provide a safe and nurturing environment for both the mother and her puppies during this special time.
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