Learning that your dog is pregnant can be exciting, but also, “wait, what do we do now?” Whatever the situation (planned or a surprise), here are some things you should know as a first time dog parent to ensure the health and safety of mom and her puppies.
Table of Contents
Before the Puppies Arrive
Confirm pregnancy. Pregnancy can be confirmed by ultrasound between days 25 and 35. This will also give you an estimate of the number of puppies. Blood tests can also detect pregnancy hormones earlier.
Arrange a prenatal visit with your veterinarian. During this visit, your veterinarian will assess your physical health and discuss any dietary modifications that may be required. They may also identify any risk factors associated with pregnancy. This is especially important for first time pregnant or small breed dogs which are at a higher risk.
Consider the health status of the stud dog. If you were involved in selecting the stud, he should ideally have been health tested for breed-specific diseases and come from a reputable source. This will influence the health of the offspring produced. If you are planning to have another litter in the future, you can utilize public stud directories to locate health tested and registered stud dogs rather than selecting at random.
Modify her diet. During the second half of pregnancy (weeks 4-5), most dogs require a puppy or performance diet due to the increased demands of pregnancy. Your veterinarian can help you determine appropriate amounts depending on how far along she is in pregnancy.
Prepare a whelping area. Between 3-4 weeks before the expected whelping date (which is approximately 63 days from mating), begin to set up a quiet area with low foot traffic. Provide a whelping box that is low to the ground and filled with washable bedding material. Allow the dog time to begin using this area prior to whelping in order for her to become accustomed to it.
Signs Labor Is Starting
- A drop in body temperature (below 100°F/37.8°C), usually 12-24 hours before labor
- Restlessness, nesting behavior, or digging at bedding
- Loss of appetite
- Panting or visible contractions
Have your vet’s number and the nearest emergency animal hospital’s number saved and easy to find — most whelping goes smoothly, but you want help to be a phone call away if something seems off (prolonged straining without progress, greenish discharge before the first puppy, or visible distress).
During and After Whelping
Most dogs handle labor instinctively and don’t need much intervention beyond a calm, clean space and supervision. Puppies typically arrive 30-60 minutes apart. Let mom clean and nurse each one; she’ll usually chew through the umbilical cord herself.
Once the litter is born:
- Keep the room warm (newborn puppies can’t regulate their own temperature yet)
- Make sure every puppy nurses within the first couple of hours for essential colostrum
- Count puppies against your prenatal ultrasound estimate, and call your vet if you suspect one is retained
- Schedule a postpartum vet check for mom and the pups within the first few days
Caring for a Nursing Mom
The bitch should be fed significantly more during the period of whelping (potentially two to three times the usual amount) and always have fresh water available. Just keep the whelping area clean. During the first two weeks, avoid excessive handling of the puppies and let the mother take the initiative.
A Few Honest Things to Consider
Raising a healthy litter is more than it first appears. You will have expenses for veterinary care, possible complications, and finding suitable homes for each of your puppies. If this isn’t something you planned and you don’t intend to continue breeding, discuss timing of spay with your veterinarian when your puppies are weaned.
If you do plan to have future litters, consider learning more about responsible breeding. Knowledge of health testing, selecting suitable breeding partners and proper record keeping will help make each subsequent litter healthier and easier.
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