Beginner’s Guide to Whelping Puppies: Unleashing Creativity and Passion
The experience of witnessing a litter being born is a whirlwind of excitement, wonder, significance, and yes, a bit of ickiness. Yet, I highly encourage it. While my background lies in fostering, this guide caters to breeders and pet owners alike.
Whelping, or the act of giving birth, is a term specifically used for dogs.
In this guide, I’ll use terms like “bitch,” “dam,” and “mom” interchangeably to refer to the female dog.
Key Contents:
Preparation for Whelping (Birth)
Predicting Whelping Time
Understanding Whelping
Knowing When to Intervene: Non-Emergencies
Non-Emergency #1: Failure to remove the amniotic sac from around the puppy’s head
Non-Emergency #2: Excessive force in chewing through the umbilical cord
Non-Emergency #3: Failure to chew through the umbilical cord after a few minutes
Calling the Vet: Emergencies
Emergency #1: Puppy is stuck
Emergency #2: Labor halts abruptly
Emergency #3: Puppy shows no signs of breathing, warmth, or movement
Emergency #4: Puppy emerges tail/butt first from the birth canal (Breech Birth)
Emergency #5: Abnormal behavior in the mother (eclampsia, shock, or pain)
Taking a Rectal Temperature
Maintaining a Whelping Log
Reasons Not to Panic
Trust the natural instincts of dog mothers, honed over thousands of years. Sometimes, it’s best to let nature take its course.
Reasons to Be Vigilant
Despite the rarity, complications can be distressing. If the loss of a puppy would be overwhelming, reconsider your presence during birth.
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Beginner’s Guide to Whelping a Litter
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Medication Log
Neonatal Handling & Weight Log
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Preparation for Whelping:
Ensure a serene environment with a temperature-controlled whelping box, providing ample space for the mother to move comfortably. Equip it with a bumper rail to prevent accidental squishing of puppies, and maintain solid sides to deter drafts and ensure privacy. Remember to keep it clean and sanitized.
Whelping Kit Essentials:
Heating pads or microwaveable heat disks
Warming box with clean towels
Bulb syringe or DeLee mucus trap
Surgical scissors
Dental floss or hemostat forceps
Iodine solution
Gauze pads
Lubricant
Feeding tubes and syringes
Calcium supplement
Clock with a second hand
Baby scale
Nitrile gloves
Potty pads or hospital pads
Garbage disposal
Water bowl or bucket
Flashlight & leash for supervised breaks
Optional: ID collars, boiled hemostat forceps
Resources for the Caregiver:
Comfortable seating
Entertainment
Refreshments
Preparedness for emergency vet visits
Assistance availability
Grooming needs for the mother
Anticipation of Whelping:
Understanding ovulation and mating cycles can aid in predicting whelping time, although it’s not an exact science. Ultrasound and X-rays offer additional insights, while signs of labor, such as decreased appetite, restlessness, and changes in vaginal discharge, provide vital clues.
The Whelping Process:
Divided into Stage I and Stage II, labor progresses with visible signs like nesting behavior, panting, and abdominal straining. Supportive care includes providing warmth and assistance during the birthing process, while being vigilant for any deviations from normalcy.
Puppy Examination:
Immediately after birth, it’s crucial to ensure each puppy is breathing, warm, and receives maternal care. A secondary exam assesses vital reflexes, the presence of anomalies like cleft palates, and the ability to nurse effectively.
Nursing and Maternal Care:
Colostrum, the first milk, is rich in antibodies crucial for puppies’ immunity. Nursing also fosters bonding and stimulates contractions, aiding in the delivery process.
Conclusion:
Whelping puppies demands attention, preparation, and vigilance. Yet, it’s a journey filled with wonder and fulfillment, guided by the nurturing instincts of both caregivers and mothers.
