Overview
Whelping goes better when the breeder prepares for normal labor and possible complications before labor begins. The whelping area should be clean, quiet, warm, and easy to monitor. Supplies should already be in place, and veterinary contacts should be confirmed ahead of time.
Whelping setup checklist
- Whelping box or safe nesting area
- Clean towels and bedding
- Scale for birth weights
- Heating support used safely
- Bulb syringe or suction support if advised
- Gloves, lubricant, disinfectant, and note sheets
What to record
- Time each puppy is born
- Sex and identifying features
- Birth weight
- Placenta passed
- Any assistance required
Emergency awareness
Breeders should know when prolonged straining, abnormal discharge, severe distress, or stalled labor means veterinary help is needed. Labor is not the time to start googling like your Wi-Fi is a midwife.