How To Whelp Puppies Labor Delivery And Aftercare?

Whelping puppies is a natural process that usually goes smoothly, but knowing what to expect during labor, delivery, and aftercare can make all the difference. This guide gives you the facts about the three stages of labor, what is normal, and when to call the vet. Being prepared helps you stay calm and support your dog through the entire process.

What Are the First Signs That Labor Is Starting?

About 24 hours before labor begins, your dog’s temperature will drop. A normal temperature for a pregnant dog is around 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. When it drops below 100 degrees, labor usually starts within the next 12 to 24 hours. Check her temperature twice a day during the last week of pregnancy.

Other signs include restlessness, panting, and nesting behavior. She may refuse food or vomit. Some dogs become clingy while others want to hide. These signs mean the first stage of labor has begun. This stage can last 6 to 12 hours.

What Happens During the Three Stages of Labor?

Labor has three clear stages. The first stage is when the cervix dilates. You will see restlessness and panting, but no pushing yet. This stage ends when the water breaks.

The second stage is active delivery. This is when you see visible contractions and the puppy is born. A puppy should arrive within 2 to 4 hours of the start of strong contractions. Once a puppy is born, the next one usually comes within 30 to 60 minutes. If more than 2 hours pass between puppies, call your vet.

The third stage is passing the placenta. Each puppy has its own placenta. You should see one placenta for each puppy. Some dogs eat the placentas. This is normal but can cause vomiting. You can let her eat one or two, but remove the rest.

How To Whelp Puppies Labor Delivery And Aftercare: What You Need to Do

Your main job is to watch and wait. Do not interfere unless there is a clear problem. Most dogs know exactly what to do. Set up a whelping box in a quiet, warm area. The box should have low sides so the mother can get in and out but the puppies cannot crawl out.

Keep supplies nearby: clean towels, dental floss or thread, scissors, a heating pad, and your vet’s phone number. Warm the room to about 85 degrees for the first week. Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature at birth.

After each puppy is born, the mother will tear the sac and lick the puppy clean. If she does not do this within a minute, you must tear the sac yourself and rub the puppy firmly with a towel. Rub the puppy’s back and chest to stimulate breathing. You should hear a squeak within 30 seconds.

When Should You Call the Vet During Whelping?

Some situations require immediate veterinary help. Call the vet if your dog has strong contractions for more than 2 hours without delivering a puppy. This is called dystocia and means the puppy may be stuck. Other warning signs include green or black discharge before any puppy is born, a puppy stuck halfway out for more than 10 minutes, or if your dog seems exhausted and stops pushing.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that any pregnant dog with signs of distress should be seen by a vet immediately. If you are unsure, call. It is always better to check. Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs often need cesarean sections because their puppies have large heads.

Here is a quick comparison of normal versus concerning signs during delivery:

What Does Puppy Aftercare Look Like in the First 48 Hours?

Once all puppies are born, focus on warmth and feeding. Puppies should nurse within the first hour. The first milk, called colostrum, is packed with antibodies that protect against infections. Make sure every puppy gets colostrum in the first 12 hours of life.

Weigh each puppy at birth and again every 12 hours for the first week. Puppies should gain weight steadily. A puppy that loses weight or does not gain for 24 hours needs a vet check. Use a kitchen scale that measures in grams for accuracy.

Watch for the mother’s behavior. She may be tired and reluctant to leave the box. That is normal. Make sure she has food and water near the box. Feed her a high-quality puppy food because nursing requires a lot of calories. She needs about three times her normal food intake while nursing.

Common Misconceptions About Whelping

A widespread myth is that you should pull on a puppy if it is stuck. Do not pull. Pulling can injure the puppy or the mother. Instead, try to gently guide the puppy during a contraction. If it does not come out easily, call the vet.

Another myth is that all dogs need to have a litter before being spayed. This is not true. There is no health benefit to letting a dog have one litter. The American Kennel Club states that spaying before the first heat reduces the risk of mammary cancer, though timing should be discussed with your vet.

Some people also believe that a mother dog will reject puppies if you touch them. This is false. A healthy mother dog will accept her puppies regardless of human handling. However, always wash your hands before touching newborns to avoid spreading germs.

What to Avoid During the Whelping Process

Do not give your dog any medications or supplements to induce labor. There is no evidence that calcium, oxytocin, or herbal remedies are safe for home use during whelping. Giving these can cause dangerous contractions or harm the puppies. Only a vet should administer drugs for labor.

Avoid using a human heating pad directly in the whelping box. Puppies can burn themselves on the surface. Instead, use a heat lamp placed above one side of the box so puppies can move away if they get too warm. The box should have a warm zone and a cooler zone.

Do not bathe the mother right after delivery. She will clean herself and the puppies. Bathing can stress her and lower the puppies’ body temperature. Wait at least a week before giving her a bath, and only if she is dirty.