Whelping Puppies

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Useful Information

Having Puppies

HAVING PUPPIES. Whelping is the process of giving birth to puppies and follows an average gestation (pregnancy) of 63 days. While most dogs whelp without problems, some dogs may encounter trouble. It is often a good idea to let your veterinarian know when your dog is about to whelp so that any concerns may be discussed. Some breeds of dog may have trouble whelping due to their anatomy and may need veterinary assistance to have their puppies. A pregnancy x-ray, taken at 45+ days after breeding, can confirm pregnancy and help determine the rough count of pups to expect.

Just prior to whelping you may notice some changes in your dogs behavior. She may spend more time in her ‘nest’ and may re-arrange it more often. She will start to become more restless and may refuse to eat. Her body temperature may drop to below 100°F indicating whelping may occur within the next 12 to 24 hours.

There are three recognized stages of whelping in dogs:

Stage 1: uterine contractions begin; restlessness, pacing, shaking, refusal to eat, and even vomiting

Stage 2: pup is expelled and mother opens birth sac and stimulates pup (licking at pup)

Stage 3: expulsion of the placenta which is usually eaten by the mother

Not all pups are followed by a placenta: it can be difficult to count placentas, especially if an attentive mother is eating them quickly!

After whelping

Ensure that all pups are moving and breathing on their own
The mother may not want to eat or drink but water should be available at all times throughout whelping
You may assist pups in finding teats to nurse on if they appear to be having trouble – they need to get the "first milk" (colostrum)

Problems with whelping – reasons to call a veterinarian immediately

If the whelping date is 3 or more days overdue
If the mother has begun labor but has not delivered a pup within 1 hour of contractions beginning
If you know more pups are present (but none appear despite continued contractions for 2 or more hours)
If a large amount of bright red blood appears or if she appears to be in extreme pain
If a pup(s) is still born

Note, the mother can run a fever over the next 24 to 48 hours after whelping and you can expect vaginal discharge for several days. This is normally odorless and variable in color (red to green).

Care of orphaned puppies

Occasionally, some mothers show no interest in their new litter or even to certain pups within a litter. If these pups fail to receive colostrum they will lose valuable nutrients and may compromise their immune system. These pups tend to do poorly or even die. Commercial formulas are available for hand-rearing or supplementing pups. Weigh these pups frequently so that they receive the proper amount of milk.

Keep the whelping area clean! Parasites thrive in dirty environments.

by: Perry Veterinary Clinic P.L.L.C