Whelping Guide for First-Time Breeders: What to Expect During Birth

Whelping — the birth of a litter of puppies — is one of the most exciting and potentially stressful events in a breeding program. Preparation and knowing what is normal vs. concerning makes all the difference.

Before Whelping: Preparation

Whelping box: A clean, enclosed space large enough for the dam to stretch out but small enough to feel safe. Pig rails (bars around the inside perimeter) prevent puppies from being crushed if the dam rolls. Set it up 1–2 weeks before the due date so the dam can get comfortable.

Temperature: The whelping area should be kept at 85–90°F for newborns during the first week. Puppies cannot regulate their own body temperature.

Supplies to have ready:

• Clean towels and washcloths (for drying puppies)
• Bulb syringe (for clearing airways)
• Dental floss or unwaxed thread (for tying umbilical cords)
• Sterile scissors (for cutting umbilical cords if needed)
• Scale (to weigh each puppy at birth)
• Notebook and pen (record birth times and weights)
• Emergency vet number clearly visible
• Heating pad (set on low; puppies can be burned — always place under only half the whelping box)

Stage 1 Labor: Nesting and Restlessness

Duration: 6–24 hours (sometimes longer in first-time dams)

Signs:

• Temperature drops below 99°F (check temperature every 4–6 hours as the due date approaches)
• Restlessness, panting, nesting behavior
• Refusal to eat
• Vomiting in some dams
• Shivering or trembling
• Vaginal discharge may begin (clear to straw-colored)

What to do: Keep the dam calm and in the whelping area. Monitor temperature. Do not leave her unattended if she seems close.

Stage 2 Labor: Active Contractions and Puppy Delivery

Duration: Begins when active pushing contractions start

Normal sequence for each puppy:

1. Active straining contractions begin
2. A water sac (amniotic sac) may appear at the vulva
3. Puppy is delivered — head first OR hindquarters first (posterior presentation is normal in dogs — about 40% of puppies are born rear first)
4. Dam tears open the amniotic sac and cleans the puppy (stimulating breathing)
5. Placenta is delivered (usually within 15 minutes after each puppy)
6. The dam typically eats the placenta (this is normal and beneficial)

Timing between puppies: Variable — from 10 minutes to 2 hours is normal. Most litters are delivered within 6 hours total.

Stage 3: Placental Delivery

Each puppy should be followed by its placenta. Count placentas — a retained placenta can cause life-threatening infection. If the number of placentas is less than the number of puppies, contact your veterinarian.

Your Role During Delivery

For an uncomplicated whelping, the dam handles delivery herself. Your job is to:

1. Monitor — observe without interfering unnecessarily
2. Assist if a sac is not removed — if the dam does not open the sac within 30 seconds, open it yourself and clear the puppy's airway
3. Dry and stimulate — rub puppies vigorously with a clean towel if the dam is slow to clean them
4. Clear airways — use a bulb syringe to suction fluids from the mouth and nose
5. Weigh and record — weigh each puppy immediately after birth and record the time
6. Keep warm — puppies that are not nursing should be on a warm pad

Emergency Warning Signs — Call Your Vet Immediately

• Active straining (pushing contractions) for more than 30–60 minutes without a puppy
• More than 4 hours between puppies if more are expected
• Bright green discharge before any puppies are born (green after the first puppy is normal — it indicates a placenta separating)
• Dam appears exhausted and contractions stop before all puppies are delivered (uterine inertia)
• A puppy visibly stuck in the birth canal
• Any puppy not breathing after 2 minutes of vigorous stimulation
• Dam is extremely distressed, in extreme pain, or collapses

Newborn Puppy Care

Birth weight: Varies by breed but should be consistent across the litter. Puppies under 25% of average litter weight need extra attention.

Nursing: All puppies should nurse within 1–2 hours of birth. Colostrum (first milk) provides critical immunity and must be consumed in the first 12–24 hours.

Temperature: Newborns cannot shiver — a cold puppy quickly becomes a dead puppy. Ensure constant warmth.

Weight checks: Weigh daily for the first two weeks. Puppies should gain steadily — a puppy that fails to gain (or loses weight) after day 2 requires immediate intervention.

Summary

Whelping preparation includes a clean whelping box, necessary supplies, and veterinary contact information. Stage 1 labor involves restlessness and temperature drop (under 99°F signals labor within 24 hours). Stage 2 involves active pushing and puppy delivery — typically one puppy every 30–120 minutes. Your role is to monitor, assist with sacs and airway clearing, dry and stimulate puppies, and keep them warm. Emergency signs requiring immediate veterinary contact include straining for 60+ minutes without a puppy, 4+ hours between puppies, or green discharge before the first birth.