Whelping Puppies

Posted by Charla Dawson Sep 7, 2006

When it is time for your dog to give birth things can get a little scary and nerve racking. My friend at work recently bred her Labrador, Sky and when the time came for the puppies to be born she was a nervous wreck. Unfortunately, she was out of town and her mother and sister got to help with whelping the babies.

Sky's puppies are doing great, all 9 of them. She is a great momma dog, her babies are already 2 pounds a piece. My friend does plan to spay Sky after this litter is weaned. All dogs should be spayed or neutered. When you are ready to retire your breeding dog always spay or neuter, they'll be healthier pets for it. If your dog does not meet breed standards please do not breed. Every dog that is bred should produce puppies that will better the breed. There are only 2 reasons to breed - to better the breed and for the love of the breed.

The first rule in puppy whelping is not to leave the mother unattended, hire a babysitter if you have too. Many people feel that nature can take it's course, but just like in people complications can and do occur and mother and babies can be lost. The second rule is to stay calm and keep momma dog calm, watch her for contractions. The third rule is to have your veterinarian on speed dial, just in case.