Preparation Guide for Dog Owners Before Puppies' Birth

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Table of Contents

Part 1: Preparing the Birthing Room

1. It's crucial for pet owners to set up the birthing room well in advance. Ideally, allow your pregnant dog to move into the room about two weeks before her due date. This gives her time to acclimate to the environment, reducing her stress during labor.

2. Choose a quiet area in your home for the birthing room, away from noisy corridors or frequent foot traffic. Avoid allowing strangers to visit, as this can cause undue stress. Ensure the nesting area is cozy and comfortable, lining it with soft padding like cotton mats or even old clothes that carry your scent for added comfort. Keep the bedding dry and clean, and regularly sanitize it, ideally placing it in the sun to sterilize it.

Part 2: Gathering Birthing Supplies

As your dog approaches her due date, thoroughly clean and disinfect the birthing room. Use a dogspecific disinfectant to clean her body, focusing on areas like her breasts, anus, and abdomen. Prepare the following items in advance:

Sanitary paper: For cleaning postpartum discharge and wiping the newborn puppies.

Scissors: In case the mother doesn't break the umbilical cords herself, or for other uses.

Medical gauze: For emergencies.

Disinfectant twine: For tying off the umbilical cords.

Also, have items like alcohol, towels, and a heating pad on hand. Provide your dog with energyrich foods such as pet milk, canned food, and puppy milk powder, as well as clean water. If she hasn't started lactating, you can feed the puppies goat's milk to supplement their nutrition. It's best to ensure the puppies receive colostrum as soon as possible. In colder weather, a heating pad can be a lifesaver for your furry mother.

Part 3: Signs of Labor in Your Dog

About a week before giving birth, your dog will start gathering materials to build her nest and seek out a quiet spot. She may also become more clingy. She might exhibit symptoms like a decreased appetite, constipation, and swollen nipples. Three days before delivery, her vulva will swell and relax. In the final 24 hours, her rectal temperature will drop by about 1°C. A thick discharge from the cervix and contractions are strong indicators that labor is imminent.

Before the birth, take your dog to a veterinary clinic for a prebirth checkup, including an ultrasound to assess the puppies' health and count. Trim the hair around her vulva and around her nipples to prevent soiling from amniotic fluid. During labor, stay close by to monitor your dog. If you notice signs of dystocia or excessive bleeding, seek veterinary care immediately. Familiarize yourself with the location and contact information of nearby veterinary clinics in advance.

These are the essential preparations and care tips for your pregnant dog. We hope this guide helps you welcome your new puppies with joy and confidence.

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