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FAQ
How to whelp a litter of puppies
Whelping a litter of puppies starts well before the first contraction. You’ll need a calm, clean space with a properly set up whelping box, heat source, and essential supplies like towels, scale, a thermometer, suction bulb or DeLee mucus trap, calcium supplements, and more.
When labor begins, monitor the dam closely and be prepared to assist. It’s important to record the delivery process carefully — tracking the time between puppies, placenta passage, and signs of distress. This is where Apgar scoring becomes vital, helping you assess each pup’s condition and respond quickly if intervention is needed.
Accurate record keeping isn’t just helpful — it can be lifesaving. 👉 We created The Ultimate Whelping Log and Record Book to make this easy. It includes:
Temperature drop tracking
The most comprehensive delivery chart available
Apgar scoring
Guidance on recognizing distress
Calcium prompting
Daily ENS & ESI charting
Sound desensitization tracking and more
For complete, step-by-step support through every stage of whelping, you’ll also want The Ultimate Guide to Whelping Puppies — a breeder-trusted expert guidebook in a unique, easy to read and learn bookazine format!
Understanding what normal labor looks like is essential for every breeder. Knowing the typical stages and behaviors of the dam helps you quickly recognize when something isn’t right. This includes identifying signs of dystocia—difficult or prolonged labor—which requires immediate attention to protect both mom and puppies.
Even if you’ve planned a caesarean section (C-section), there are important preparations before, during, and after surgery to ensure the best outcome for the dam and her litter. Proper prenatal care and monitoring can also reduce the chances of an emergency C-section.
By learning to spot early warning signs and taking preventive steps, you can avoid many complications and provide timely assistance when needed—keeping your whelping process as safe and smooth as possible.
Accurate recordkeeping isn’t just helpful — it can be lifesaving. 👉 We created The Ultimate Whelping Log and Record Book to make this easy. It includes:
Temperature drop tracking
The most comprehensive delivery chart available
Apgar scoring
Guidance on recognizing distress
Calcium prompting
Daily ENS & ESI charting
Sound desensitization tracking and more
For complete, step-by-step support through every stage of whelping, you’ll also want The Ultimate Guide to Whelping Puppies — a breeder-trusted expert guidebook in a unique and easy-to-read and learn bookazine format.
Stage 1: Early Labor (6-12 hours) During this stage, your dog’s body is preparing for birth. You may notice temperature drop, nesting behaviors, restlessness, panting, or vomiting. Contractions begin internally, opening the cervix, but may not be visible. Keep Mom close, leashed if outside, and encourage her to use her whelping box—cover it with a dark blanket to create a cozy “den” feel if needed. Begin calcium supplementation at temperature drop. Avoid leaving her alone during this stage.
Stage 2: Delivery of Puppies (6-12 hours or longer) Active labor begins—abdominal contractions become visible, and her water breaks. Puppies typically arrive every 30-60 minutes, sometimes taking up to 2 hours between. Puppies may be born head-first (60%) or tail-first (40%). After each pup is born, Mom will instinctively tear the sac, chew the umbilical cord (about 1-2 inches from the belly), and lick the pup to stimulate breathing. You should assist by gently clearing the airways with a suction bulb or DeLee mucus trap, drying and warming the pup, and administering a few drops of glucose solution to boost strength. Perform a quick health check using the Apgar scoring system (see page 40), weigh, identify, and get the pup nursing as soon as possible. If Mom needs a break, use a warmed holding box to keep puppies safe and warm. Don’t forget to offer calcium supplements after each puppy.
Stage 3: Placenta Delivery (Afterbirth) Placentas are usually delivered within 5-15 minutes after each pup but can vary. Keep track of placentas to avoid retention, which requires veterinary care. The typical pattern can vary—puppy/placenta, puppy/puppy/placenta/placenta, etc. Most mothers consume the placenta naturally.
Record Keeping & Support: Accurate recordkeeping isn’t just helpful — it can be lifesaving. 👉 We created The Ultimate Whelping Log and Record Book to make this easy. It includes:
Temperature drop tracking
The most comprehensive delivery chart available
Apgar scoring
Guidance on recognizing distress
Calcium prompting
Daily ENS & ESI charting
Sound desensitization tracking and more
For complete, step-by-step support through every stage of whelping, you’ll also want The Ultimate Guide to Whelping Puppies — a breeder-trusted expert guidebook in a unique and easy-to-read and learn bookazine format.