What Do Dogs Need When They Give Birth? A Comprehensive Guide
Preparing for your dog’s whelping process is crucial. Dogs need a safe, quiet, clean, and warm environment when they give birth, along with attentive owner support, proper nutrition, and access to veterinary care.
Understanding Canine Whelping: A Foundation
Whelping, the canine term for giving birth, is a natural process. However, being prepared is essential for a successful outcome for both the mother (bitch) and her puppies. Understanding the stages of labor, recognizing potential complications, and having the right supplies on hand can make a significant difference. What do dogs need when they give birth? Primarily, they need a safe and supportive environment where they feel secure and comfortable.
Preparing the Whelping Box: A Safe Haven
The whelping box is where your dog will give birth and nurse her puppies for the first few weeks. It should be:
- Safe: Constructed to prevent puppies from escaping or being crushed.
- Clean: Easy to disinfect and maintain.
- Warm: Provide adequate insulation to keep puppies warm.
- Quiet: Located in a low-traffic area away from loud noises.
- Large Enough: Allowing the mother to move around comfortably without stepping on her puppies.
Ideally, the box should have rails around the inside edges (pig rails) to prevent the mother from accidentally crushing the puppies against the sides. Line the box with easily washable bedding, such as blankets or towels. Newspaper is often used as a bottom layer for easy clean-up.
Essential Supplies for the Whelping Process
Having the right supplies readily available is critical. Here’s a checklist:
- Whelping Box: As described above.
- Clean Towels: Plenty for drying puppies and cleaning up messes.
- Digital Thermometer: To monitor the mother’s temperature (a drop often indicates labor is imminent).
- Lubricant: Water-based lubricant can help if a puppy is stuck.
- Dental Floss or String: To tie off umbilical cords.
- Scissors: Clean and disinfected to cut umbilical cords (if necessary).
- Iodine or Betadine: To disinfect umbilical cord stumps.
- Bulb Syringe: To clear puppies’ airways of fluids.
- Heating Pad or Lamp: To keep puppies warm (avoid direct contact).
- Puppy Milk Replacer (PMR): In case the mother cannot produce enough milk.
- Feeding Bottle or Syringe: For administering PMR.
- Scale: To monitor puppies’ weight gain (a key indicator of health).
- Emergency Veterinary Contact Information: Readily accessible.
The Three Stages of Labor: Knowing What to Expect
Understanding the stages of labor helps you anticipate what do dogs need when they give birth and recognize potential problems.
| Stage | Description | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| ————— | ————————————————————————————————————————————– | ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Stage 1 (Pre-Labor) | Cervix dilates; uterine contractions begin. | Restlessness, panting, nesting behavior, loss of appetite, vomiting, possible clear vaginal discharge. This stage can last 12-24 hours. |
| Stage 2 (Active Labor) | Puppies are born. Strong, visible contractions. | Straining, pushing, obvious abdominal contractions. Expect a puppy every 30 minutes to 2 hours. |
| Stage 3 (Placental Delivery) | Placenta is expelled after each puppy. | Passage of the placenta (afterbirth). The mother may eat the placenta, which is normal. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Whelping
- Intervening Too Much: Allow the mother to handle most of the process unless she’s clearly struggling.
- Leaving the Mother Alone for Extended Periods: Monitor her closely for signs of distress.
- Using Unsanitary Supplies: Always use clean and disinfected equipment.
- Overheating the Puppies: Monitor the temperature in the whelping box carefully.
- Ignoring Signs of Dystocia (Difficult Birth): Seek veterinary help immediately if labor is prolonged or the mother is in distress.
- Failing to Monitor Puppy Weight: Regular weighing is crucial for identifying potential health problems.
The Importance of Postnatal Care
Once the puppies are born, continue providing a clean and comfortable environment. Ensure the puppies are nursing regularly and gaining weight. Monitor the mother for signs of infection or complications, such as mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands). Proper postnatal care is just as vital as preparing for the birth itself. Knowing what do dogs need when they give birth extends to knowing what they need in the days and weeks that follow.
Nutrition for the Lactating Mother
A lactating mother needs a high-quality diet to support milk production and her overall health. Feed her puppy food, as it’s higher in calories and nutrients. Ensure she has constant access to fresh water. Increased nutritional needs often translate into feeding her 2-4 times the amount she was eating pre-pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal temperature drop that indicates labor is approaching?
A significant drop in body temperature, typically below 99°F (37.2°C), usually occurs within 24 hours of labor beginning. This drop is a reliable indicator that whelping is imminent. Monitor your dog’s temperature twice daily during the last week of pregnancy.
How long should the interval be between puppies before I become concerned?
If the mother is actively straining and pushing for more than 30-60 minutes without producing a puppy, or if the interval between puppies exceeds two hours without active labor, seek veterinary attention immediately. This could indicate dystocia.
Is it normal for a dog to eat the placentas?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for a dog to eat the placentas. This is thought to provide the mother with nutrients and hormones that aid in milk production. However, too many placentas can cause digestive upset, so monitor her intake.
When should I cut the umbilical cord?
Ideally, the mother will sever the umbilical cord herself. If she doesn’t, or if the cord is excessively long, you can tie it off with dental floss about an inch from the puppy’s abdomen and then cut it on the far side of the tie with clean, disinfected scissors. Always disinfect the stump with iodine or betadine immediately.
What do I do if a puppy isn’t breathing?
Gently rub the puppy vigorously with a clean towel to stimulate breathing. If that doesn’t work, use a bulb syringe to gently clear any fluids from its mouth and nose. Hold the puppy head-down and swing it gently. Seek immediate veterinary care if the puppy still doesn’t breathe.
How often should the puppies be nursing?
Newborn puppies should nurse every 2-3 hours during the first few days. Listen for suckling sounds and observe their behavior. Content, quiet puppies are usually well-fed.
What should I do if the mother rejects a puppy?
If the mother rejects a puppy, keep the puppy warm and try to encourage her to nurse it. If she continues to reject the puppy, you’ll need to bottle-feed it with puppy milk replacer (PMR) and provide around-the-clock care. Consult your veterinarian for guidance.
How do I know if the puppies are getting enough milk?
The best indicator that puppies are getting enough milk is consistent weight gain. Weigh them daily using a gram scale. They should be steadily gaining weight. Other signs include contentment after nursing and a healthy, plump appearance.
What are the signs of mastitis in the mother?
Signs of mastitis include red, swollen, painful, and warm mammary glands. The mother may also be lethargic, have a fever, and refuse to let the puppies nurse. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary treatment.
How warm should the whelping box be for newborn puppies?
The whelping box should be kept between 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first week. Gradually reduce the temperature to around 75-80°F (24-27°C) by the fourth week.
When should puppies start to open their eyes?
Puppies typically open their eyes around 10-14 days of age. Do not try to force their eyes open.
When should I deworm the puppies?
Puppies should be dewormed every two weeks starting at two weeks of age until they are 12 weeks old. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate deworming medication and dosage.