If your dog is getting ready to deliver her puppies, it's time to get your whelping supplies together. It's a good idea to assemble your dog's whelping box in advance because once your pet goes into labor, you won't want to leave her alone while you search for what she needs.
By getting prepared early, you may grab items along the way you wouldn't think of last minute.
Finding Your Dog's Whelping Box
The whelping box is vital to keeping the mother comfortable and the pups contained. It should be large enough for the expectant mom to turn around and lie down. First, lay some newspapers down flat. Then, you can add some shredded newspaper to help keep in some of the heat, but only a light layer.
Never put cloth in the whelping box — it could cause a puppy to suffocate since they can't move themselves yet.
Something to Keep Them Warm
Have hot water bottles ready to be filled to keep the mother and puppies warm. If you use a heating pad, make sure it has an automatic shut-off and keep it on the low setting. You don't want it to get too hot. Check the temp of the whelping box regularly to make sure it's not too hot or too cold.
Never place boiling water in a hot water bottle, as it could scald puppies. I prefer a heating pad on low to make sure the puppies have heat, but never too much.
Supplies for the Newborn Puppies Before the Big Day
You'll need a few things ready for the puppies' arrival:
An Extra Box
Find a separate box to hold the pups while mom is still delivering. Set it up the same as the whelping box. Don't forget to make sure it's warm enough for the newborn puppies.
A Bulb Syringe
A bulb syringe will come in handy if you need to suction mucus from the puppy's mouth or upper respiratory tract.
A Scale
A small scale, like a postal scale, with a basket for weighing the pups.
Jot down each puppy's initial weight so you can keep track of their growth later.
Puppy Tags
An identification system, like puppy tags, can be extremely helpful so you can tell the pups apart. Most of the time, different-colored puppy collars are used.
Grab What You Need For Delivery
When it's delivery time, you'll find these tools handy:
Forceps
1 or 2 pairs of forceps or hemostats to clamp the umbilical cords prior to cutting.
Scissors
Clean scissors for cutting the cords.
Iodine
Iodine for disinfecting the cords.
Disinfectant
A small basin with disinfectant for soaking the scissors and forceps between puppies.
If the delivery process — like cutting the umbilical cord — scares you, ask your vet to be on-call to come help when it's time.
Whelping Supplies and Necessities for the Pet Parent
Your role is to be mom's support system as she goes through delivery and birth. I know you're probably nervous and excited, even if you've done this before. Here are a few items that may help you do your job better when the time comes:
Gloves
Have plenty of disposable latex gloves available for handling slippery puppies.
Washcloths
You'll find washcloths or cloth squares convenient for holding those pups.
Keep the washcloth away from their mouth and nose to prevent suffocation.
Flashlight
Keep a flashlight handy in case mom's bathroom break happens in the middle of the night.
A Notepad
You will want to keep a whelping record to record the births. Grab a notebook and write down the time and date as each puppy is born.
Your vet may ask you for this later on if there are any complications.
Coffee
Coffee! I know it's silly, but seriously, you'll probably need it throughout the process. I know I definitely would!
In Case of Emergency
You can never predict when an emergency might occur which is why it's important to have an emergency kit ready. Include the following:
Nursing Kit
Have a nursing kit and formula specifically made for puppies on hand to supplement the newborn pups if needed.
Cloth Towels
Have plenty of cloth towels ready for rubbing a puppy that needs stimulation to breathe.
Phone Numbers
Most importantly, have a telephone and the number for your family vet and the emergency vet ready.
Let your vet know once it gets close to the litter's arrival so they're prepared (especially if they won't be there).
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Keeping Mom Comfortable in the Delivery Process
Keeping the mother as comfortable as possible is the goal. So, grab anything you think will help her and place it in an easy-to-access place in the same room as the whelping box. And make sure you have:
A Comfortable Leash
Have a leash ready in case she needs a bathroom break.
Electrolytes to Prevent Dehydration
An electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte, will help keep her hydrated.
Lubricant In Case She Needs Help
It's also a good idea to have a water-based lubricant on hand, like K-Y Jelly, to help ease the delivery if a puppy becomes stuck. (Never use this without veterinary guidance.)
Waiting for a Birthday
You have your whelping supplies ready, and they're all in the same area next to the whelping box. Now it's a waiting game. The puppies are coming soon!
