Essential Supplies for Dog Delivery: Checklist
Preparation for Your Dog's Labor:
Ensure you have the following items ready before your dog goes into labor:
Clean towels (new towels should be washed and dried in the sun)
Stainless steel scissors for cutting the umbilical cord
Cotton string to tie off the umbilical cord
Cotton balls
Disinfectant solution (Iodine is recommended)
Alcohol for sterilizing scissors
Medical gloves (to assist in the delivery, isolate the puppies, and prevent bacterial infection of the birth canal)
A bathroom
Old newspapers
In winter, it's best to have heating equipment on hand, such as a 60W yellow light bulb, a heater, and thick towels.
A small cardboard box (for temporarily placing the puppies) should be used to record the birth times of the puppies and the intervals between them.
Contact Your Veterinarian: If you're not experienced in assisting with canine births, it's wise to familiarize yourself with the birthing process and consult with your vet regarding any assistance needed. Before the birth, trim and clean the mother dog's nipples and the hair around her reproductive area.
Important Considerations for Dog Labor:
Prepare the birthing area. Use a clean cardboard box or wooden crate, with a round hole on one side for the pregnant dog to enter and exit freely, and an opening on the top for observation. Keep the door closed most of the time. Line the box with clean newspapers and towels, place it in a quiet part of the home, and ensure proper warmth during the cooler months.
Encourage moderate exercise for your dog in the two weeks leading up to the birth to prevent dystocia.
Maintain cleanliness. Wipe the mother dog's body with a damp towel, and clean her vulva and breasts with warm water before the birth.
Assist during labor. Monitor for signs of amniotic sac rupture, umbilical cord severing, and any signs of asphyxiation. If necessary, clear the puppy's mouth and nose of amniotic fluid, tie and cut the umbilical cord, hang the puppy upside down, and gently tap its chest and heart area to increase its chances of survival.
Watch for signs of dystocia or uterine bleeding in the mother dog, and seek veterinary care immediately if any issues arise.
During labor, you can offer your dog sugar water or goat's milk to replenish her energy.
After the birth, gently clean the mother dog's tail. Move the mother and puppies to a soft cotton pad to keep them dry and warm.
Observe the mother dog for any signs of depression, fever, vomiting, or foulsmelling vaginal discharge, as well as breathing difficulties, stiffness, or seizures within the first few days postpartum. If these symptoms are present, it could indicate retained placenta, uterine infection, or calcium deficiency, and you should seek veterinary attention promptly.
These are all the essentials you need to prepare for your dog's labor. Just like humans, dogs can also experience dystocia. If your dog's water breaks and she doesn't start labor promptly, remember to take her to the vet immediately. For more information on dog births, click on the pet birthing information for more details!