| Pregnant female dogs, just like any other mother in | | | | time breathing, gentle strokes on its back will help its |
| the world, undergo a lot of stress by the time they | | | | lungs function better. If this becomes consistent for |
| realize that they are about to give birth. If you want | | | | the next couple of hours, you may want to contact |
| to help your dog whelp more comfortably, you have | | | | your veterinarian. |
| to be sure that you know the specific needs of any | | | | Take note of the weight of the puppies as soon as |
| whelping dog. | | | | they are born and find a way to identify each of |
| First of all, a comfortable place to give birth in is | | | | them so you don't get confused. |
| essential for any dog. Make sure that you have clean | | | | Watch the mother closely if she knows how to |
| towels around (and make sure you have a lot of | | | | handle her puppies well during feeding time. If not, |
| them) because dog birth could get quite dirty. | | | | help her by showing the puppies their way to their |
| Use a clean towel to rub off puppies as soon as they | | | | mother. |
| come out, especially if the mother is not yet certain | | | | Having new puppies at home is a wonderful feeling |
| on what she should do. This normally happens if it is a | | | | especially if you helped in their delivery. However, it is |
| first time that a dog will deliver her own puppies. | | | | highly recommended to neuter or spay your dogs to |
| If you notice any puppy that seems to have a hard | | | | control the overpopulation in dog shelters. |