Whelping The Puppies

This is the day you have been waiting for; your bitch is finally ready to deliver her puppies. Most breeders who are expecting a natural birth of the puppies will allow the bitch to deliver the puppies at home in a comfortable place that is easy to clean. In most cases instinct will take over for the bitch and very little, if any, human intervention will be required. This article will discuss the whelping process and how the breeder can ensure the bitch and puppies are safe and assist, if needed.

Healthy puppies may be born anytime after 58 days of gestation. Once this day in the gestation period is reached, the breeder should begin taking the bitch's temperature at least three times each day. There may be slight fluctuation in temperature readings throughout the days but the real indication that labor is beginning is when the temperature drops to between 98-99.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This is typically the most significant sign that the puppies will begin to be born within a couple of hours. Refusing food is another indication of imminent labor as the bitch will begin to lose her appetite.

Ideally your bitch will already be sleeping regularly in the whelping box you have prepared for her and her puppies. This box is likely lined with warm, soft bedding at this point. You will want to remove this and line the whelping box with newspaper instead. The birthing process can be rather messy and newspapers can be easily removed and discarded after the birthing process or during it if it becomes too messy. Encouraging the bitch to begin sleeping in the whelping box before it is time for labor and delivery will help her to recognize this location as a good spot to give birth. However, the bitch will also be inclined to seek out a spot she deems to be comfortable and safe so there is no guarantee that she may not bolt for your bedroom, couch or another area where she feels comfortable.

Signs of labor in the bitch may include panting, digging at the bedding and visible contractions in the muscles of her back. These contractions may be difficult to see if the bitch has a thick coat. You may be able to feel them but proceed with caution as the personality of your bitch may change during this time and she may not be receptive to your interaction. You should encourage your bitch to go outside and walk around for a little bit if labor remains unproductive for more than an hour. This might help the labor to progress. Accompany your bitch into your yard in case she delivers a puppy while outside. However, if unproductive labor continues for more than three hours it is important to call your veterinarian. Unproductive labor can be harmful to your bitch as well as the puppies. Your veterinarian would likely want to examine your bitch and possible intervene in the labor or perform a c-section.

Labor that proceeds naturally and does not involve medical intervention will result in the bitch beginning to push to deliver the puppies. The water sac will first break and then the puppies will be ready to be delivered. There should be a placenta delivered for each puppy. If the bitch does not deliver a placenta for each puppy you will have to take her to the veterinarian to have the remaining placenta removed because it may result in an infection. As the placentas are delivered the bitch may attempt to eat them. Some breeders feel this is acceptable because it provides nutrition for the mother while other breeders believe it is too rich and can make the bitch sick. You may wish to allow the mother to eat one or more of the placentas based on your personal opinions on this practice.

Some breeders let the mother care for the puppies immediately. She will likely respond by licking them to clean them and stimulate breathing and will also chew off the umbilical cord. Other breeders prefer to handle these tasks themselves by using a towel to clean the puppies and stimulate breathing. They will also cut the umbilical cords with sharp, sterile scissors and use dental floss to tie off the part of the umbilical cord remaining with the puppies.