Tips for Whelping, if you are a first-time dog owner and your furry pet is pregnant, it can be nothing less of an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. However, there is no need to worry. Most often, birthing new-born puppies does not involve complications because dogs have been doing it for years.
Still, it is recommended that individuals caring for a dog for the first time should know about whelping tips to ensure a smooth process. Keep reading this guide as we highlight these helpful tips to follow as you prepare for your pet’s delivery.
You must begin preparations immediately when you find out your dog is pregnant. The better prepared you are, the smoother whelping will be for your dog and you. Therefore, look for the signs of pregnancy in your dog and get her checked by a doctor.
Once you know what her expected due date is, you can start preparing by following these tips:
Once you have confirmed that your dog is pregnant, you should get a whelping box. Although they are readily available in pet shops, you can also build them yourself. This box is not just an area where your dog will give birth but also where the new-born puppies will stay for a couple of days post-birth.
Hence, ensure that the box is kept in a quiet and secluded room. Moreover, the size of the box should not be too small as your dog will need to stretch and move around. Line the whelping box with absorbent bedding or towels as well.
New-born puppies cannot produce their own heat until they are two and a half weeks old. Therefore, it is imperative that you maintain a warm temperature in the room and especially in the whelping box.
The average temperature of the box should be at least 29 degrees. Furthermore, the room temperature should not be below 22 degrees, and there should not be any draft. Be careful if you provide additional heating through a heater or pad because too much heat is also unsuitable for puppies and mothers.
Get your dog checked by a vet beforehand, as they can give you an estimate of her due date. When that date is close, make sure you keep a check on your dog for signs of labour.
These signs can include restlessness, decreased appetite, nesting behaviour, heavy panting, and belly sagging. In some cases, their body temperature will also drop.
The whelping area should be kept in a warm, secluded, and quiet area. As mentioned, it should not be below 22 degrees either. Make sure that the area is lined with a towel or rechargeable cloth.
Whelping can become messy, so a first-time dog owner tip is to get a whelping box, as that would keep your living area clean. It will also give your dog privacy.
It is important for owners to be present when their dog is birthing new-born puppies, especially if this is also her first time giving birth. You can observe the puppies when they are born and take swift action if needed to ensure no mortality.
However, make sure that no other animal is present around the dog when whelping, as it may increase her stress levels.
During birth, the first puppy will take the longest to come out. However, you have to be patient and calm. This is an important first-time dog owner tip to follow.
However, if your dog has been contracting, but no puppy is born in twenty to thirty minutes, you must call the vet. Avoid pulling the puppies out and touching them when they are still in the birthing canal, as this would stress the mother out. Instead, contact the vet.
If your dog has not removed the birthing sac from the new-born puppies within minutes of giving birth, you should do it yourself. This can be easily done with your fingers, so avoid using scissors or sharp objects.
After birthing new-born puppies, you should examine each of them. Healthy puppies are typically noisy and would look to nurse immediately. They would also be active.
Moreover, it should be noted that puppies are born with their eyes and ears closed. They will open naturally on their own, so don’t try to open them yourself.
In some cases, your dog or puppies’ health may be in danger, and you should know what constitutes an emergency. You should call for help in the following instances:
Once your dog has given birth, it is imperative that you observe her behaviour because she may start feeling overwhelmed or depressed. This happens when the whelping box is not positioned properly and if there has been too much intervention on your part during the whelping process.
However, most dogs start nursing and caring for their new-born babies naturally and immediately. Contact the vet if you are worried about your dog’s physical or emotional behaviour.
Whelping is often an overwhelming experience, but these first-time dog owner tips will help you understand where to start. Ensure that you buy a whelping box that is of adequate size.
Moreover, place it in a warm and secluded area of the house. Lastly, be present during the birth to observe any issues.
Make sure you do enough research on the right whelping box, towels, and supplies to facilitate the process of birthing new-born puppies. Visit Petnap to learn more!
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