How to Assist With a Puppy Birth

By Tippy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Old newspapapers
Soft rags or cut-up blankets
Rectal thermometer
Dental floss
Scissors
Rubber suction bulb
Heating pad
Basket
Ice

Step 1:
Check your calendar. The gestation period for a normal canine pregnancy is 63 days. If you know the exact time your dog was bred, you will have a good idea when she will go into labor.
Step 2:
Take her temperature. When labor is imminent, her body temperature may slip slightly below 100 degrees. Use a rectal thermometer and check every day, starting the last week of her gestation.
Step 3:
Watch for the signs your dog has gone into labor; panting, loss of appetite and the need to find or make a bed in an isolated area. If you don’t pay close attention, she may run off to have her puppies. Provide her with a secure area and get her used to it in the week before she goes into labor.
Step 4:
Watch for the first puppy to “crown” at the vaginal opening. Usually the birth will proceed smoothly, but you can carefully grasp the emerging puppy if it becomes lodged and very carefully pull when the mother has a contraction.
Step 5:
Give her some ice to suck on when she goes into labor. Her breathing will become very rapid and she may be nervous. Make sure you have arranged to be with her for the entire birth process. Her abdomen will tighten with every contraction.
Step 6:
Give the delivered puppy, encased in a membrane, to the mother for cleaning. While she licks the puppy, you should tie off the umbilical cord and cut it on the opposite side from the puppy.
Step 7:
Assist the newborn puppy by tearing and removing the membrane if the mother does not, making sure it breathes right away. If it is not breathing, hold it gently with both hands, its head away from you and carefully swing it downwards to encourage the mucus to drain from its respiratory tract. Repeat this procedure if the puppy does not breathe. Use the rubber bulb to suction mucus from its mouth and throat.
Step 8:
Place each new puppy in a basket lined with soft rags while the mother delivers another one. Place a heated pad on “low” under the rags to keep the puppies warm. Return them to the mother to encourage nursing as soon as the newest puppy is breathing and ready to nurse.
Step 9:
Record each birth time and tie a different colored string around each pup to tell them apart later. Make sure to write down which puppy has which color.

Tips & Warnings

Have plenty of newspapers and a large trashcan nearby. Puppy births are very messy.
Call your vet if the mother delivers a puppy and you know there are more but her labor appears to cease.
Call your vet if the mother cries in pain and a puppy becomes lodged in the birth canal.
Call your vet if the mother’s temperature exceeds 103 degrees.

More Puppy Pages

How to Choose and Prepare a Whelping Box

Instructions Choose the Box Step 1: Look for a box that will allow your mother dog to comfortably lie down and stretch out in all directions. It should be at least double the length of your dog from head to tail. Step 2: Choose a whelping box that has a...

Instructions Prepare for Puppies Step 1: Obtain good breeding stock. Locate a reputable breeder through local breed fancier clubs or the Papillon Club of America. Select breeding stock that is of a champion bloodline, solid temperament and is free of...

Instructions Step 1: Use a rectal thermometer to take your dog’s temperature when you think he might be ill. Rub a little petroleum jelly on the tip and insert it 1 inch into his rectum. Leave it there for 1 minute. Hold the base of his tail firmly...

How to Calculate When a Pregnant Dog Will Go Into Labor

Instructions Things You’ll Need: Calendar Rectal thermometer Step 1: Grab a calendar and estimate when your dog was in heat. Count 10 to 12 weeks after that and you will have a rough due date. This method is to be used when you have absolutely no...

Instructions Things You’ll Need: Small cardboard box Heating pad Aquarium thermometer Pet nursing bottles Puppy milk replacement powder Small food scale Step 1: Line the puppy's nesting box with facial tissues, baby diapers or paper towel. This...