It can be frightening if your dog is giving birth and something goes wrong. You may be unprepared for how to handle the situation. Here are some of the ways that you can ensure that your dog has a successful delivery.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Gather your supplies before your dog goes into labor. You don’t want to be running all over the house trying to track down items when you need them. Some of the things that you should have on hand include towels, un-waxed dental floss, a heating pad, extra bedding, and newspaper. Place all of these items in a bag so that you can grab them as soon as your dog goes into labor. Consider this your go bag just as you would when you have your own baby.
Create a Birthing Enclosure
Build a box or some other enclosure that your dog can give birth inside. This will help them to feel more secure during the process. It will also help to contain the puppies so that they won’t injure themselves. Leave the top open so that you can keep an eye on the delivery process. Use the newspapers as bedding for the actual delivery. This will eliminate the amount of soiled laundry that you’re left with after the puppies arrive.
Receive Medical Checkups
Regular medical checkups are an important part of maintaining your dog’s health. This becomes even more important when there are puppies to take into consideration. Select a vet that has a portable ultrasound machine. This will allow everyone to know if there’s a potential problem with the puppies. It can also ensure that the delivery should go more smoothly. If a problem is noted, consider bringing your dog into the vet when she goes into labor.
Assist as Needed
The age of your dog will determine how much assistance she will need during the delivery. A younger dog is less likely to know what needs to be done or what is happening. You may need to use the floss to tie off the umbilical cord. The towels can be used to rub down the puppies and stimulate them to breathe on their own. Set up the heating pad so that the puppies can stay warm until the mother is ready to try feeding them.
Another helpful tip is that you might want to have your vet’s number on hand. This will give you a safety net in case a complication arises during the birthing process.
