How can I help my dog during labor?

Helping your dog during labor is an important responsibility that requires preparation, observation, and gentle assistance. Here is a detailed guide to ensure you can support your dog effectively during this critical time.

1. Preparation Before Labor Begins
Before your dog goes into labor, it is essential to prepare a safe and comfortable whelping area. Choose a quiet, warm, and draft-free space where your dog feels secure. Set up a whelping box with low sides for easy access, lined with clean, soft bedding. Gather necessary supplies such as clean towels, sterile scissors, dental floss or thread for tying umbilical cords, a heating pad or heat lamp, and a thermometer. Keep your veterinarian’s contact information readily available in case of emergencies.

2. Recognizing the Signs of Labor
Dogs typically show signs of labor within 24 hours of giving birth. These signs include restlessness, nesting behavior, loss of appetite, panting, and a drop in body temperature (below 100°F). As labor progresses, your dog may experience contractions, which are visible as abdominal tightening. The first stage of labor can last 6 to 12 hours, during which your dog may appear anxious or seek comfort from you.

3. Supporting Your Dog During Labor
During the second stage of labor, your dog will begin delivering puppies. Each puppy is usually born within 30 to 60 minutes of active straining. Allow your dog to take breaks between deliveries, as this is normal. Most dogs instinctively know how to care for their newborns, but you can assist by gently removing the amniotic sac if your dog does not do so immediately. Use a clean towel to dry the puppy and stimulate breathing by rubbing gently. Tie off the umbilical cord about an inch from the puppy’s belly using dental floss or thread, then cut it with sterile scissors.

4. Monitoring for Complications
While most dogs deliver puppies without issues, complications can arise. Watch for signs of distress, such as prolonged straining without producing a puppy, green discharge without a puppy being born, or excessive bleeding. These could indicate a stuck puppy, uterine inertia, or other serious conditions. If labor lasts more than two hours without progress, or if your dog appears exhausted or in severe pain, contact your veterinarian immediately.

5. Post-Delivery Care
After all puppies are born, your dog will enter the third stage of labor, during which she will expel the placentas. Count the placentas to ensure none are retained, as this can lead to infection. Provide your dog with fresh water and a small, easily digestible meal. Keep the whelping area clean and warm, and monitor the puppies to ensure they are nursing and staying close to their mother.

6. Long-Term Care and Prevention
In the weeks following delivery, continue to monitor your dog and her puppies closely. Ensure the puppies are gaining weight and nursing properly. Keep the whelping area clean to prevent infections. Schedule a post-natal check-up with your veterinarian to confirm that your dog is recovering well and that the puppies are healthy. Spaying your dog after this litter can prevent future complications associated with pregnancy and labor.

7. When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice any signs of distress in your dog or the puppies, such as lethargy, refusal to nurse, or unusual discharge, contact your veterinarian promptly. Additionally, if your dog shows no signs of labor after 65 days of gestation, seek veterinary advice, as prolonged pregnancy can be dangerous.

By preparing thoroughly, staying calm, and providing gentle support, you can help your dog have a safe and successful labor experience. Always prioritize your dog’s well-being and consult your veterinarian whenever you have concerns.