Whelping For Beginners 101: The Ultimate Guide for Your Dog's Big Day
- My Dog Mom
- Aug 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Hello dog moms and dog dads!
I'm a dog mom! If you were like me typing "when will my dog give birth?" or "signs of a dog in labor" into your search bar, you are definitely not alone. This whelping for beginners guide is here to provide all the answers about dog labor, puppy delivery, and the essentials every dog parent should have.
The Whelping Process Simplified
If your furry friend is nearing the end of her 63-day gestation period, setting up a whelping box should be your top priority. This is essentially a comfortable, quiet space for your dog to give birth and raise her puppies.
Whelping, which is often refers to as "dog labor" or "canine birthing" has three stages:
Stage One - Early Labor: No need to keep googling "how long is dog labor?" once you're here. This phase lasts 6-24 hours. Your dog might appear restless, avoid food, and possibly vomit. You'll observe nesting behaviors, where she'll prepare her space.
Stage Two - Active Labor: Puppies are on their way! The mother will have strong, visible contractions and begin to deliver her puppies. Each puppy, encased in an amniotic sac, will soon be welcomed into the world. After delivery, mothers often lick their pups, a beautiful instinctual behavior.
Stage Three - Placenta Expulsion: Post-delivery, the mother will expel the placentas. Always count them; their number should tally with the pups.
Recognizing the Beginning of Labor If "dog pregnancy signs" or "when will my dog go into labor?" are in your search history, here are the signs:
Temperature drop: 12-24 hours before labor, a dog's temperature drops slightly. This is a top tip-off for many dog owners, so keep that thermometer ready!
Restlessness: An anxious or pacing dog might soon be a mom.
Refusal to eat: This common behavior indicates imminent labor.
Nesting: A frequent behavior seen in soon-to-be dog moms.
Clear vaginal discharge: A precursor to labor.
Essential Whelping Tools: Must-haves for Dog Owners
In this age of online shopping, you might find yourself searching "whelping kit" or "whelping supplies near me." Here's a simple checklist that list the basic supplies needed:
Whelping box: A must-have for a comfortable birth.
Clean towels and sheets: Vital for handling newborn puppies.
Thermometer: To monitor the dog's temperature before labor.
Unwaxed dental floss: If you need to handle the umbilical cords.
Sterilized scissors: For any necessary umbilical cord cutting.
Iodine solution: To ensure the puppy's navel remains infection-free.
Heating pad or heat lamps: Because how to keep newborn puppies warm is a concern for all new grandparents.
Rubber gloves: For cleanliness during the process.
Suction bulb: Useful for clearing a pup's airways.
Notebook and pen: To jot down birth details and puppy weights.
Lastly, always be prepared. While you may hope for a natural dog giving birth at home video-worthy moment, complications can unfortunately arise. Do not hesitate to call your vet if you are unsure. Take care of your pups!
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