Breeding from your dog - Problems with whelping.
10 November 2022
Dogs
generally deliver their entire litter without incident, and rarely run
into difficulties or need assistance. However, it's important to be
prepared for a range of possible eventualities for the rare occasions
when that is not the case. Here are a few potential scenarios you may
find yourself faced with when your dam is in labour, and what to do.
Puppy not breathing upon delivery
Once
a pup is delivered, massage or gently rub the puppy until he takes his
first couple of breaths, and as soon as he is breathing unaided, put him
back with the dam to nurse until the next puppy arrives. If a puppy is
not breathing upon delivery, you need to act quickly in order to stand
the best possible chance of saving it. Remove any mucous or obstructions
from the muzzle of the new pup, and administer two breaths over the
nose and mouth gently until you see the stomach inflate. Check for signs
of independent breathing, massage the puppy again to try and encourage
them to take a breath, and repeat as necessary. Generally this is all
you will need to do, and in the vast majority of cases this will not be
necessary at all.
Puppy stuck in the birth canal
One
of the most commonly faced problems with delivery occurs when a puppy
gets stuck in the birth canal on the way out. This is a potentially
risky situation for the puppy and the dam as well as any remaining
puppies, so you will need to be prepared to intervene if needs be. If
your dam has been straining for some time and a puppy is visible at the
entrance to the vulva, try to grasp the head of the puppy (without
pulling) to keep them from being retracted back into the birth canal
between contractions. Then apply lots of lubrication such as KY jelly or
warm soapy water, and hold the puppy's head with a clean dry towel or
cloth and attempt to rotate them out. Try and work with the
contractions, applying gentle but firm pressure while the dam is
pushing. If contractions stop and the dam is no longer pushing, you can
still attempt to draw the puppy out manually but be prepared to call the
vet if this does not work, as this makes things rather more complicated
and potentially serious.
Breech delivery
A
breech or, as James Herriot so eloquently put it, an 'ass first'
delivery, occurs when the puppy enters the birth canal with their back
legs first instead of the head, and as such makes the birth harder and
potentially risky. Sometimes the dam may successfully deliver a breech
puppy unaided, although on occasion this may not be possible. If there
is room to manoeuvre inside of the birth canal, it may be possible to
get two fingers inside of the dam alongside the puppy and reposition
them for a head first birth. If this is not possible, you may need to
gently pull the puppy out backwards using plenty of lubrication to aid
their passage. It is sadly not uncommon for breech birth puppies to be
born dead, as they may have suffocated while in the birth canal or had
their air supply cut off by a twisted cord. If you deliver a stillborn
puppy, do attempt to revive it using the method described above. If you
have help, try to work on the puppy for up to half an hour, as it is not
uncommon for a puppy to revive after as much as twenty minutes. While
you will of course always do the best that you can, it's important to
note that breech births are not always viable, and even with the best of
intentions you may be unable to revive the puppy.
Two puppies in the birth canal
On
occasions, two puppies enter the birth canal at the same time- and then
stop. Two puppies cannot come out into the world simultaneously, and so
the two are likely to become stuck in the birth canal like a cork in a
bottle. If you can get one finger inside of the vulva, you may be able
to push one of the puppies back enough to allow the other puppy to
deliver, and then the second puppy will follow in the normal manner.
Green discharge prior to birth
A
green discharge after delivery is not uncommon, and signifies the
normal separation of the placenta from the puppy that it was protecting.
However, a green discharge prior to delivery indicates that the
placenta has separated too early. Sometimes this can cause a problem,
particularly if no puppy follows immediately afterwards, and you may
need to call the vet.
Heavy bleeding
Passing
a little blood is a normal part of the birthing process, but if your
dam begins bleeding heavily, this may signify a ruptured or twisted
uterus. This is an emergency, and you will need to call the vet as soon
as possible.
Suspended delivery
If
you suspect that the dam has more pups to deliver, but somehow
contractions and labour appear to have stopped- this may simply be due
to the dam resting and recovering her strength for the next birth, but
if an hour or more passes without labour recommencing, you will need to
get some help. Sometimes your vet will need to administer a shot that
will stimulate contractions, or in some cases, a caesarean section birth
may be necessary.
Uterine inertia
If
your dam has a particularly large litter of puppies or the puppies are
themselves particularly large, the uterus may potentially have stretched
to the point that contractions are not possible, or very weak. At this
stage, your bitch will require veterinary intervention to deliver, and
again, a caesarean section may be considered.
These
are some of the potential problems and challenges that may be faced by
the dog owner as part of a delivery. Risk factors can be significantly
higher with different breeds and types of dog, so it's always strongly
advised to talk to your vet at every stage of the breeding process from
the time before conception right up until the puppies go off to their
new homes in order to prevent potential problems from arising or manage
any problems that do come up.
If
you are planning to have your bitch give birth at home, you should
always have you vet on standby and ready to help out if something should
go wrong or you need some advice- However sometimes, such as in the
case of a puppy not breathing, you will need to act quickly and take
some measures to save the puppy in the time before the vet get there.
Having a basic understanding of the warning signs of problems and
knowing what to do in an emergency- as well as having your vet on call
and ready to attend when you need them- may just save a life.
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Whelping your first litter
Whelping
your first litter can be exciting and rewarding, but if you’ve never
bred dogs before, or experienced your dog giving birth, it can also be
difficult to know what to expect. There’s lots to prepare for, such as
getting the whelping box ready, knowing what you’ll need once the
puppies arrive and how to keep the puppies at the right temperature once
they’re born. Find out everything you need to know below in our guide
to whelping.
What is whelping?
Whelping
is the name that’s given to the process of a dog giving birth. Most
dogs can whelp on their own, but sometimes, like humans, some dogs may
have complications that can be dangerous to the mother or her puppies.
When is my bitch’s due date?
Knowing
your dog’s due date gives you a deadline of when to have everything
ready and lets you know roughly when to start watching out for signs
that she’s in labour, bearing in mind that some bitches can whelp a few
days after or even before their due date, especially if they are
expecting a large litter. Most dogs are usually pregnant for around 63
days (plus or minus a week depending on litter size). If you know your
dog’s mating date or her ovulation date then you can work out when she’s likely due to whelp.
How can I prepare for birth?
If you haven’t done so already, make sure you let your vet know that your dog is pregnant.
If your dog is not registered with a vet then do so straight away. Your
vet will be able to give you advice throughout pregnancy and will be
there if you have an emergency during whelping. Make sure you have their
daytime and out-of-hours telephone number saved in your phone or
written down somewhere that’s easy to access.
Talk
to your dog’s breeder and read up about what to expect from ‘normal’
labour. The more familiar you are with what normal labour should look
like, the easier it will be to spot any possible problems before they
become too serious.
What will I need to help my dog during whelping?
If
your dog is due to whelp, try keeping everything you need in one bag,
box or area, so that it’s easy to find and quick to grab for when she
goes into labour.
You will need:
A whelping box
An
absorbent material for the whelping box, such as newspapers (but these
may become sodden quickly and often stay wet and cold), puppy pads,
incontinence pads or vetbeds
Clean towels or paper towels to help clean up during labour
Towels for drying and cleaning up the puppies
Sterilised scissors to cut the umbilical cord, should you need them
A
heat source for the pups, either beside, in or over the whelping box
(i.e., heating pads or warm hot water bottles wrapped in towels)
A notepad to record time intervals between puppies and contractions
Digital
scales to weigh the puppies once they’re born. It’s useful to know how
much they weigh initially so you can keep a track of their weight gain
or any loss
Clean bedding for when labour finishes
What is a whelping box?
A
whelping box is a box that’s designed to keep puppies safe during birth
and for several weeks afterwards as they grow and become more
independent. You can buy a whelping box, or you can make one yourself,
but its aim is to keep the puppies contained and protected from the
cold.
A whelping box should:
Be
large enough for the bitch to move around freely and stretch out
comfortably, with a little room to spare. Make sure it’s not too big,
otherwise, the puppies may move too far away from her and can become
cold or may not feed enough
Have sides that allow the bitch to move in and out, but are high enough to keep newborn puppies safe and stop them from escaping
Be warm and comfortable
Have a waterproof base
Be
lined with bedding that is absorbent, can be cleaned (i.e., vetbeds,
towels or a whelping pad) and doesn’t slip easily when moved
Be
safe and secure. Some breeders use ‘pig rails’ along the sides (around 3
- 4 inches high) to stop any puppies from being crushed up against the
walls
In
your whelping box, don’t use hay, wood shavings or straw, as these can
damage the puppy’s skin and eyes. Also, don’t have lots of small
blankets or pieces of cloth as the puppies may crawl underneath them and
either be smothered by them or may be crushed by their mum – one large
piece of vetbed is ideal.
Can I use a crate as a dog whelping box?
What
you use as your whelping box is up to you, but it must be suitable for
keeping your dog and her puppies safe. Some people prefer to buy a box
specifically designed for whelping, while others may build a box or
repurpose something that can be adapted to make it suitable. One issue
with using a crate is that puppies could accidentally stick their head
through the bars and get stuck.
Do all dogs nest before whelping?
In
the last week or so of pregnancy, most dogs will begin to show signs of
nesting behaviours. This is a natural instinct that comes to most dogs
to help them find a place that is safe and quiet to give birth and care
for their puppies. Some may try and dig holes in the garden under
bushes, so it’s a good idea to introduce your dog to her whelping box
and make sure that she’s got used to it before she goes into whelp.
What is the best place for my dog to give birth?
When
you’re deciding where to put your dog’s whelping box, make sure that
you choose somewhere that your dog will feel comfortable. It should be a
room that’s warm, comfortable and not draughty. Also, try to choose a
room where your dog can have a bit of peace and quiet and won’t be
constantly disturbed. A busy family sitting room may not be ideal for
some dogs. Despite you choosing the ideal location, some dogs will have
other ideas and may find somewhere else that they think is better.
When should I put my dog in a whelping box?
It’s
important to give your dog time to get used to her whelping box. Make
sure that everything is set up, in position and ready for use around one
week before she’s due to whelp. This should give your dog plenty of
time for her to explore it on her terms, get comfy and make it feel like
her own safe space.
How can I keep my puppies warm?
When
your puppies are born, it’s important that, initially, the whelping box
is kept at approximately 29°C to 32°C. When puppies are first born,
it’s important to keep them warm until they’re able to regulate their
own body temperature better. Puppies may snuggle up to their mum to keep
them warm, but it’s a good idea to also have an extra heat source. You
could use heat lamps, heating pads (electric or water-filled ones) or
microwavable heat pads. Whatever you choose, make sure that the heat
source:
Is put somewhere that allows the puppies to move away if they get too hot
Doesn’t stop mum from getting up, moving around the whelping box or leaving the whelping box to get water
Doesn’t have wires or other parts that can be chewed by the puppies
Is
ideally in the centre of the box to encourage the puppies to move away
from the edges of the box where their mum can lie down on them and
squash them against the sides
Can be monitored with a thermometer, to check that it’s not too hot or too cold
Should I leave my dog alone during labour?
It’s a good idea for you to be with your dog while she delivers her puppies, especially if:
Being
on standby allows you to jump into action if anything goes wrong. Some
dogs may like their owners to be with them, while others may prefer a
little more space. If your dog would rather be left alone, then try to
be involved as little as possible, or stay at a distance to help her
feel less stressed.
What to feed a whelping dog
It’s
normal for your dog to not want to eat before or during labour. Labour
can be thirsty work, so they must stay hydrated, so make sure she has
access to plenty of cool water, should they need it.
What are the first signs of whelping?
A
bitch’s temperature will often drop by about 1°C around one to two days
before she goes into labour. To give you an early warning, you could
take her temperature and keep a record of it two to three times a day
from about a week before her due date.
The first signs that a dog is due to whelp can vary, but they might include:
Being restless
Nesting, by gathering bedding, circling or digging at the floor
Finding somewhere quiet to go and be by herself (hopefully the whelping box)
Eating less
Producing milk, although this can happen up to a week before she gives birth
Licking her genitals
Being sick and/or having diarrhoea
Panting
Shivering
She
may pass a mucous plug from her vagina, which is usually white or
clear, but may become red/brown closer to the arrival of the puppy
As
she gets closer to giving birth, she may settle down and begin to have
contractions. These contractions will become stronger and closer
together as labour continues. As you get even closer to birth, your
dog’s waters may break.
If
you have any doubts while your dog is in labour, then speak to your vet
straight away. It’s also useful to have an experienced breeder that you
can contact if you have any non-urgent questions, or just for general
guidance. For first-time breeders, having an experienced breeder with
you to guide you is invaluable.
How long does dog whelping last?
This
very much depends on the number of puppies expected. Whelping usually
takes most dogs around 3 – 12 hours to birth their entire litter, but
this may be different for some dogs and may vary between breeds. Dogs
with slimmer heads tend to birth more quickly than dogs with bigger or
wider heads. Some dogs may give birth to one or two puppies quite
quickly and then rest for a while before labour starts again. Labour
shouldn’t take more than 24 hours. If you’re concerned that your dog’s
labour is too long, or isn’t progressing between puppies, then always
speak to your vet urgently.
What happens during whelping – a step-by-step guide
Contractions -
Your dog will begin to have strong contractions and she will pant,
sometimes quite heavily. Her contractions should continue to get
stronger until she begins to strain, ready to push out a puppy.
Discharge -
During contractions, you may see some clear or bloody discharge around
your dog’s vagina. This is normal. If you notice a lot of blood, then
contact your vet at once.
When to expect the first puppy –
Her first puppy will usually take the longest to arrive. How quickly
this takes depends on the number of puppies she has and the strength of
her contractions. The first puppy may arrive between 30 minutes to four
hours after contractions start.
What’s the first thing you see? –
As the puppy begins to come out, the first thing you usually see is the
puppy in its amniotic sac. This is a fluid bag around the puppy. This
may burst as the puppy is born and may be accompanied by the placenta.
Heads or tails? - When your puppies begin to arrive, they will usually come head first, but some come tail first. Both of these are normal.
Amniotic sac -
Puppies are often born inside a thin membrane or sac. Your dog will
lick and clean the puppies, remove the membrane and chew through the
umbilical cord. She won’t usually need any help, but some bitches may
focus on the next puppy that’s coming instead of caring for the one
that’s just been born. If you need to help, make sure that the sac is
broken and that the puppy’s mouth and nose are clear. Rub the puppy with
a clean towel, or encourage mum to lick the puppy, to help them take
their first breath. Some breeders blow on the puppy’s nose to help
stimulate breathing.
Feeding –
Soon after being born, and the mum has cleaned up the pup, it should
begin to feed. If the puppy is finding it difficult to take milk or find
their food, try rubbing their nose sideways on their mother’s nipple.
Green discharge -
A puppy’s placenta is greenish-black in colour. Sometimes during
labour, there may be a little bit of green discharge after a puppy has
been born. But, if there’s an excess of green or dark discharge from
your dog’s vagina, particularly if a puppy hasn’t been born yet or it’s
been a while since a puppy was born, then it could mean there is a
problem.
Between puppies -
Between puppies, your dog should seem comfortable and settled and care
for her newborn pups until her contractions begin again.
When to expect the next puppy? -
There is often a 15 - 30-minute gap between puppies. Contact your vet
if:She is not straining, but it’s been longer than two hoursIf she’s
straining for more than 20 to 30 minutes and there is no sign of a puppy
Birthing placentas -
Each puppy develops in the womb with a placenta. This gives the puppy
nutrients and oxygen while they’re growing. Your dog will usually
deliver the puppy and placenta separately. She may deliver a puppy and
then its placenta, and then another puppy, followed by its placenta
etc., or she may deliver several puppies followed by several placentas.
Both of these are normal.
Counting puppies and placentas -
Many breeders try to count the puppies and the placentas as they
appear, this is sometimes not as easy as it sounds. Counting these helps
you to know when she has finished giving birth and if she has any
retained placentas. If your dog retains a placenta, it can cause an
infection.
Eating placentas -
Your dog may eat her puppy’s placenta. This is normal but is not
essential. Rather than playing a necessary nutritional role, it’s likely
an important part of keeping her nest tidy and clear. Eating too many
placentas can cause her to be sick or have diarrhoea, so try to restrict how many she eats. Some breeders try to take the placentas out of the whelping box as soon as they arrive
Helping out -
Most dogs don’t need help giving birth. Some breeders like to help
clean up the puppies, ensure they are breathing and cut and tie off the
umbilical cord, while others prefer to let their dog get on with it
themselves. If possible, try to have an experienced breeder on standby
to help answer any questions.
Vet check-up - Book an appointment with your vet for two to three days after birth to give your dog and her puppies a thorough check-up.
Should I count the afterbirths?
It’s
useful to count the number of placentas that your dog births, but this
is sometimes easier said than done. Some dogs may try to eat the
placenta as soon as it’s produced, making it difficult to count, unless
you’re watching your dog constantly. If the placenta isn’t passed
straight away then it may break down and pass out when your dog goes to
the toilet, around 24-48 hours later. Sometimes a retained placenta can
cause an infection, so if you are concerned that your dog may have a
retained placenta, or if you notice a bloody or unpleasant-smelling
vaginal discharge in the next couple of days, speak to your vet.
Problems during whelping
Most
dogs whelp their puppies without any problems at all, but occasionally
there can be issues either during birth or afterwards.
Find out more in our articles about pregnancy and whelping complications.
How are puppies normally born? Do they usually come out backwards?
Puppies
are usually born head first (anterior presentation) or back legs first
(posterior presentation). Both of these are normal. If the puppy begins
to come out bottom and tail first (breech presentation) it can cause
difficulties. If you see the puppy’s tail dangling out of your dog’s
vagina, or if your dog seems to be finding it difficult to pass her
puppy, and there is a lump behind her vulva, contact your vet at once.
How do you know if a puppy is stuck?
Although
most puppies are born without any problems, some puppies may become
stuck in the birthing canal. Signs that a puppy might be stuck, that
will require help from your vet, include:
She’s straining for more than 30 minutes and there is no sign of a puppy
You can see part of a puppy or an amniotic sac in the birth canal, but it doesn’t move any further for 20-30 minutes
If she seems to be in a lot of discomfort, especially if she is chewing or repeatedly licking at her vulva
If you see the puppy’s tail dangling out of your dog’s vagina and there is no sign of the progression
If your dog seems to be finding it difficult to pass her puppy and there is the is a lump behind her vulva
Can puppies be born 24 hours apart?
Puppies
can very occasionally be born 24 hours apart, but this is not normal.
If your dog has been in labour for 24 hours and has more puppies to
come, or is still having contractions, then you should contact your vet
for advice. Not only do the puppies need to come out, but your dog may
also be exhausted, which can affect her ability to care for her puppies.
When to contact your vet
If
your dog is due to whelp soon, let your vet know a couple of days in
advance so that they know that you might need help, or to let you know
if there might be any problems with you contacting them.
Although
serious whelping complications are rare, it doesn’t stop your first
time from being stressful. It’s always useful to have an experienced
breeder on standby to help answer any questions, but it’s also useful to
have a list of when you should contact your vet.
We recommend you contact your vet if:
It’s
been more than 24 hours since the first stages of whelping
(restlessness, pacing panting) and there are no signs of contractions
Her waters have broken two to three hours ago, but nothing has happened
She’s in between delivering puppies and she’s not straining, and it’s been longer than two hours
Your dog is straining for more than 30 minutes and there is no sign of a puppy
You can see part of a puppy or an amniotic sac in the birth canal, but it doesn’t move any further for 20-30 minutes
She
has a dark or green discharge, especially if she hasn’t had any puppies
yet, or it’s been a while since the last puppy was delivered
She is bleeding a lot
She has a foul-smelling discharge
She is very tired or if she seems to be in a lot of discomfort, especially if she is chewing at, or repeatedly licking her vulva
She is sick a lot or seems unwell
She collapses
She shows severe abdominal pain
There is something wrong with the puppies, e.g., they’re not feeding properly or constantly crying
You’re concerned that not all the placentas have been passed
If
you need to take your dog to the vet, bring along any puppies that have
already been born. Take them in a separate box with something to keep
them warm, such as a heat pad or a hot water bottle. If you do use a hot
water bottle, make sure there is no way that the puppies can burn
themselves on it and that it is wrapped in something to protect the
puppies’ skin.
How to know when your dog has finished whelping
Once
she has finished whelping, your dog will probably begin to relax and
give the puppies more attention. Labour usually takes 3 – 12 hours but
can last longer. If your dog had a pre-whelping x-ray or scan, then the
best way to know if she’s finished is to count the number of puppies and
compare that to the number of puppies that you were expecting. If you
are expecting more puppies, but there has been no sign of them for two
hours then contact your vet for advice. Remember that pre-whelping scans
are difficult to read accurately and should only be used as a guide to
estimate how many puppies there are.
What should I do after my dog gives birth?
After
all of the puppies are born, your dog will need some time to care for
her puppies, bond with them and she will need to rest too. Make sure
that she is comfortable and that the room she is in is kept quiet and
calm. Your dog may also be hungry and thirsty. When feeding your dog for
the first time after labour, feed her in the room that she’s whelped
in. Some breeders prefer to put her food outside the whelping box, while
others prefer to give it to her while she’s in the whelping box, but
they make sure that it’s taken away and cleared up once she’s finished.
Make
sure you contact your vet and tell them that your dog has just had
puppies. Your vet should be able to do a home visit to check that the
bitch and her puppies are all healthy. Find out more about the first vet visit after whelping.
When can I touch a new-born puppy?
You
can touch a new-born puppy as soon as they’ve been born. Most dogs are
able to care for their puppies by cleaning them up, licking them and
ensuring that they can breathe. Some breeders are keen to help their dog
with the cleanup by ensuring the puppy’s nose and mouth are clear and
by rubbing the puppies to stimulate them to breathe.
Next step - rearing and raising your puppies
Now
that your puppies are born, you will need to make sure you are doing
everything correctly before they go off to their new homes. Learn more about rearing and raising your puppies.
Caring for new-born puppies
After
birth, it’s essential that new-born puppies feed and are kept warm.
Although their mother does most of the hard work, there are several
things that you can do to support her and her brand-new litter of
puppies. Raising puppies can be a lot of fun, and very rewarding, but
it’s also hard work. It’s important to know how to keep the puppies
warm, whether they’re feeding enough and signs to watch out for should
they need a bit of extra help.
Straight after birth
Puppies
are often born in their amniotic sac (this is a membrane that puppies
lie in when they’re in the womb). Most mothers remove this by licking
their puppies, breaking open the sac and cleaning it off. Some
inexperienced mothers may not know what to do and will need some help.
If a puppy is left in its amniotic sac, use a fingertip to break and
remove the membrane. Once you’ve done this, it’s important to make sure
that the puppy’s mouth is clear and that they can breathe.
Although
puppies are born with their eyes closed, they will often work their way
toward their mum, being drawn to her smell and warmth. In the early
stages of life, a puppy’s mother should be able to provide all of the
things that they need, e.g., milk and warmth. If they have these, your
puppies should be content and will spend most of their time feeding and
sleeping, which is vital for healthy development.
Is it ok to touch newborn puppies?
The
first few days of a puppy’s life help them to bond with their mother
and are important for their physical development. It’s OK to pick up
puppies to check them, weigh them or clean out the whelping box,
but try to limit how much you handle them. Puppies are susceptible to
disease and the cold, so handling them too much could put them at risk
or may even be stressful for them and their mother. Although you may
want to give them a cuddle, you’ll get your chance once they’re a bit
older. Handling them as they become older and more active is an
essential part of their socialisation
Checking your puppies
When
they’re first born, check the puppies over and make sure that their
ears, eyes, mouth, tail and limbs are all ok. If you spot anything
that’s concerning, such as signs of a cleft palate that could affect
their feeding, then speak to your vet.
Once
they’re born and are feeding, check on them regularly to make sure they
seem happy. If any of them seem cold or are crying, try placing them
back on one of the mother’s teats. Try to handle new-born puppies as
little as possible, but when you do, a sign that they’re healthy is that
they wriggle enthusiastically (unless they’re asleep!).
Weighing your puppies
As
soon as your puppies are born, try to spot any unique marks that help
you identify each individual puppy. It’s important to record each
puppy’s birth weight so that you can monitor their progress. Make sure
you weigh each puppy 12 and 24 hours after birth to check that they’re
gaining weight. It’s a good idea to continue to record these
measurements at roughly the same time every day for two to three weeks.
Each puppy should steadily be gaining weight each day but contact your
vet if they’re not or if they seem weak. How much weight your puppies
gain in the first few days depends on their breed. Each puppy should
gain roughly two to four grams a day for every kilogram of a grown adult
dog of that breed. By around day 10, they should have roughly doubled
their birth weight.
Puppy emergencies – when to call the vet
You should contact your vet for advice if you notice any of the following:
A puppy that is not feeding regularly
A puppy that seems weak
A puppy that is not consistently gaining weight
A puppy that seems restless and cries, even though it seems to be feeding OK
Puppies are very sensitive and delicate and can quickly deteriorate, so don’t delay in contacting your vet for advice.
How long can you leave new-born puppies unattended?
After
birth, you should check on your puppies every couple of hours to make
sure that their mum is looking after them, that they’re feeding and are
warm. You should also check that there are no puppies trapped under
their mother, as this could suffocate them.
How to keep new-born puppies warm
When
puppies are first born, it’s important to keep them warm until they’re
able to regulate their own body temperature, which is at around 3 to 4
weeks. Puppies may snuggle up to their mum to keep warm, but it’s a good
idea to also have an extra heat source, especially if she needs to pop
out to go to the toilet. You could use heat lamps, heating pads
(electric or water-filled ones) or microwavable heat pads.
Whatever you choose, make sure that the heat source:
Is put somewhere that allows the puppies to move away if they get too hot
Doesn’t stop mum from getting up or moving around the whelping box
Doesn’t have wires or other parts that can be chewed by the puppies
Is
ideally in the centre of the box to encourage the puppies to move away
from the edges of the box where their mum can lie down on them and
squash them against the sides
What temperature is too hot for new-born puppies?
When your puppies are born, it’s important that, initially, the whelping box is
kept at approximately 29°C to 32°C. The temperature can gradually be
lowered each week until it's at room temperature by week four. You can
tell if the puppies are too hot or too cold by their behaviour.
If
the temperature is just right then they will be quiet, feeding and
gaining weight. If they are restless and crying, then the temperature
needs to be adjusted. If they feel cold to touch, then it’s important
that you place them close to their mum and increase the temperature. If
they’re trying to move away from the heat source, then try reducing the
temperature a little.
Looking after mum
After she’s given birth, try to clean up your dog using warm water and a wrung-out damp cloth. Clean up the whelping box by
removing any soiled bedding or newspaper. It’s important to give your
dog and her puppies some space and some time to bond and feed together,
but it’s also important to take her out to go to the toilet too. When
you take your dog out, make sure that the puppies are able to keep warm.
While
she’s out, check your dog’s nipples and vulva. If there’s anything that
you’re concerned about, such as a foul-smelling discharge, bleeding or
her nipples appear swollen, hot or red, then call your vet straight
away. Some post-whelping issues can be very serious, so it’s important that you don’t delay if you have any concerns.
A newborn puppy’s first feed
Puppies
need to feed from their mum soon after they’ve been born. Their
mother’s milk will initially give them everything they need to help them
grow. Puppies are born blind, deaf and unable to walk, but they’re able
to get to their mother’s nipples by wriggling on their bellies, feeling
her warmth and finding their way to her nipple by scent. At first,
puppies will drink their mother’s colostrum, which is the first type of
milk that she produces. It’s highly concentrated with nutrients and
antibodies, giving the puppies the best start in life.
Some
inexperienced dogs may not know how to feed their puppies, but you can
help show them how by laying her on her side so that her puppies can
latch on.
How to help puppies latch on
Sometimes,
some puppies may need a little bit of help to find their mother’s teat
and feed. If one of your puppies needs help, wash and dry your hands and
then pick them up and place them against one of her nipples, with their
mouth resting on it. If they still don’t know what to do, try squeezing
a little bit of milk out from the teat. This should help the puppy
smell the milk and know where to latch on. If the puppy is still not
feeding, you could gently put a finger into the corner of their mouth to
open it up. Then place their mouth over the teat.
How often should new-born puppies feed?
New-born
puppies feed when they’re hungry, which is roughly every two hours.
Feeding this often continues day and night for one to two weeks,
gradually reducing as time goes by. For the first part of a puppy’s
life, it’s important that you check on them every couple of hours to see
if they are feeding ok. If you notice puppies that aren’t feeding or
gaining weight, then speak to your vet for advice.
How long should new-born puppies nurse for in one sitting?
Puppies
can feed for quite a long time and usually drink milk for around 45 to
50 minutes in one sitting. It’s a good idea to watch the puppies feed
and make sure that each one is getting enough to drink and that they’re
not being pushed away from the teats by larger puppies.
How to keep a weak newborn puppy alive
After
they’re born, make sure the puppies are feeding enough. You can check
in on them every couple of hours and take note of who’s feeding on which
nipple. A dog’s front nipples (the ones closest to the dog’s head)
produce the least amount of milk, so puppies that regularly feed from
them may not get as much milk as their littermates. Puppies that are
smaller than the others, or are not gaining weight as fast, could be
placed on the rear nipples (closest to the back legs), as these produce
the most amount of milk. If you notice that a puppy seems weak, or is
not gaining weight, contact your vet for advice.
When to wean puppies?
When
puppies are three to four weeks old you can begin to introduce them to
puppy food. Weaning is an important part of your puppy’s development.
When your puppy weans, it means that they move from relying on their
mother’s milk for all their nourishment to enjoying solid foods.
Find out more about puppy weaning.
How do you feed new-born puppies?
Most
mothers can feed their puppies without needing any help, but sometimes
puppies may need to be bottle/tube fed. You might need to bottle-feed
puppy if:
The mother isn’t producing enough milk,
The mother develops mastitis,
The puppy’s been rejected by their mother
The mother has died (find out about how to cope with the loss of a dog)
In
these situations, you can either try to find a foster mother who is
currently lactating, which may be difficult, or you'll need to give
puppy formula. Your vet will be able to tell you which type to give, how
to give it and when.
Can new-born puppies drink cow's milk?
No.
Cow’s milk should not be given to new-born puppies and is not a
suitable substitute for their mother’s milk. Cow’s milk and dog’s milk
have different quantities of nutrients and calories and isn’t suitable
for puppies. Puppies should ideally just have their mother’s milk, but
some may need to be given specially formulated artificial milk. Always
speak to your vet if you don’t think any of your puppies are putting on
enough weight or if they're not growing at the right rate.
When do new-born puppies open their eyes?
Puppies
are born blind and with their eyes closed. Their eyes usually begin to
open between eight and 14 days after they’ve been born. They may not
have good eyesight at first, but this improves as they continue to grow
and develop. When they're first opened, a puppy’s eyes are usually a
greyish blue, but they will become their true colour sometime after
eight weeks old.
How to make new-born puppies poo
Puppies
can’t go to the toilet by themselves until they’re around three to four
weeks old. Until then, their mother licks around their genitals and
bottom to help them poo and wee. You may need to help some puppies to go
to the toilet, especially if their mother doesn’t know what to do, or
if she's died (find out about coping with the loss of your dog).
Most
puppies poo after feeding, so this is a good time to help them. You can
do this by rubbing at their back end with a warm damp piece of cotton
wool until they go to the toilet. Once they’ve gone, make sure you clean
them with another piece of wet cotton wool. Check that their stools
aren’t too hard or too soft and is of a usual colour. Similarly, their
urine should be a pale-yellow colour, the darker it is, the more
dehydrated they are.
Keep the whelping box clean
In
the first few weeks after birth, your dog will clean up her puppy’s
faeces, but she may need help to do this, especially if she’s a
first-time mum, or she has a large litter. Make sure that you regularly
change the bedding you use in the whelping box, to keep it fresh, clean and hygienic.
Find out why your dog eats her puppies poo.
When to worm new-born puppies?
Even if the mother is wormed,
her puppies can still be affected by intestinal worms. A few days after
the puppies are born, most breeders arrange a home visit from their vet
to give the puppies and their mum a general check-up. While you’re
seeing your vet, they will be able to recommend when to begin worming.
Most breeders begin worming their puppies from around two weeks old and
continue to worm them regularly until they go to their new homes. There
are different drugs used in different ways and your vet will be able to
give you an appropriate drug and a suitable regime.
When can new-born puppies have visitors?
It’s
tempting to show off your new-born puppies to visitors, but it’s also
important that you keep the litter safe. Visitors can carry viruses,
bacteria or parasites on their hands or shoes, which can be a risk to
your puppies until they have been vaccinated and wormed.
Initially, visitors should be kept to a minimum. They should remove
their shoes before going into the room that the puppies live in, and
they must wash their hands before touching them.
When do you take newborn puppies to the vet?
Even
though their mother does a fantastic job of caring for her litter
(feeding, cleaning, keeping them warm etc.), it’s still important for
her and her puppies to be seen by a vet within 48 hours of giving birth.
Many vets will do a home visit as this will be less stressful than
taking the puppies to the vet. Seeing the vet is not only an important
part of their health care but can play a part in their socialisation
too. Getting used to being handled and cared for by a vet can make a big
difference in how they react to vets in the future.
Find out more about first visits from the vet after whelping.
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