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Breeding Your Dog, Part 6

© Pat Williams

If the time between whelps extends past two hours or the matron seems to be in distress, contact your vet immediately.

Between each whelp you should take note of the date, time, weight, sex, color and markings. If all your puppies are the same color you will need to tag them with different colored ribbon or rick rack and note their color tag along with the other information. Becareful not to tie bows or slip knots as they can tighten and choke the pup.

Also note each afterbirth expelled. It is imperative to be able to account for one afterbirth for each pup. Some breeders do not allow the matron to eat the afterbirth while others do. It is believed that allowing her to consume the afterbirth helps the birthing process. In my own experience I will allow her to have no more than three. Consuming more than three seems to cause diarrhea but allowing her to have those few helps to preserve her instincts and strengthen the bond between mother and puppies. If you cannot account for all of them, contact your vet.

When you are sure all the puppies have been delivered and Mom seems to have settled down to the business of nursing in a clean dry box, you can relax but stay close by for the next few hours.

Because this discussion is strictly basic, make it a point to do as much research as possible. I strongly recommend reading Beth J. Finder Harris' book "Breeding A Litter". Her guidance is priceless and has helped me on more than a few occasions.

Title: Breeding a Litter : The Complete Book of Prenatal and Postnatal Care

By Beth J. Finder Harris

Being prepared and staying calm is half the battle. Let your dog guide you. In most cases her instincts will get you both through.

Woof!