What Is the First Thing to Do When a Dog Gives Birth? A Step-by-Step Guide

The First Thing to Do When Your Dog Gives Birth

The first thing to do when your dog gives birth is to stay calm and give her space. Most dogs deliver naturally without help, and unnecessary interference can stress the mother. Your job is to observe quietly and step in only if something goes wrong.

1. Prepare a quiet, warm whelping area — Set up a whelping box lined with clean towels or blankets in a low-traffic room. Keep the temperature around 85°F for the newborns.
2. Observe from a distance — Watch your dog's contractions and the delivery of each puppy. Keep a good distance away while quietly observing her so she feels safe.
3. Let the mother break the amniotic sac — When a puppy is born, the mother should tear the sac and clean the puppy. If she doesn't within a minute or two, gently break the sac with clean hands and rub the puppy with a towel to stimulate breathing.
4. Let the mother bite the umbilical cord — She will typically chew the cord herself. If she doesn't, tie it off with dental floss about an inch from the belly and cut it with sterilized scissors.
5. Put the puppy on mama to nurse — Once the puppy is cleaned and breathing, place it near the mother's nipples so it can nurse. This helps stimulate contractions and bonding.
6. Call your vet if you're unsure — If you have any concerns about the delivery, call your veterinarian right away. It's better to be safe than sorry.

For first-time mothers, this process may be slower. If you're worried about a difficult birth, contact Goodrich Veterinary Clinic in Omaha, NE at (402) 896-4511 for guidance.

Signs of Labor in Dogs: What to Watch For

Recognizing the signs of labor helps you know when to prepare and when to call the vet. Labor typically begins about 63 days after breeding, but it can vary.

1. Drop in body temperature — A dog's temperature usually drops below 99°F about 24 hours before labor starts. Take her temperature twice daily as the due date approaches.
2. Restlessness and nesting — She may pace, pant, or tear up bedding to create a nest. This is a sign that labor is imminent.
3. Loss of appetite — Many dogs stop eating 12–24 hours before labor. This is normal, but offer water.
4. Visible contractions — You'll see abdominal straining and she may lie on her side. Contractions become stronger and more frequent as labor progresses.
5. Discharge — A clear or slightly bloody discharge is normal. If you see green or dark discharge before the first puppy, call your vet immediately.

If your dog shows signs of labor but no puppy appears after 2–4 hours of strong contractions, contact your veterinarian. Early intervention can prevent complications.

After the Birth: Caring for Mom and Newborn Puppies

Once the puppies are born, your focus shifts to keeping them warm, fed, and clean. The mother will do most of the work, but you need to monitor closely.

1. Keep the puppies warm — Newborns can't regulate their body temperature. Use a heating pad on low under half of the whelping box, or a heat lamp, but ensure they can move away from the heat.
2. Ensure each puppy nurses — Puppies should nurse within the first 24 hours after birth to get colostrum, which provides vital antibodies. If a puppy is weak, gently help it latch onto a nipple.
3. Monitor the mother — Watch for signs of infection like foul-smelling discharge, fever, or lethargy. Contact your vet if you notice anything concerning.
4. Change bedding regularly — Remove soiled wet bedding and replace it with nice towels and blankets to keep the area clean and dry.
5. Weigh the puppies daily — A steady weight gain indicates they're getting enough milk. If a puppy is losing weight, consult your vet.
6. Schedule a vet check — Have the mother and puppies examined by a veterinarian within 24–48 hours to ensure everything is progressing well.

If you have questions about newborn care, Goodrich Veterinary Clinic in Omaha, NE offers wellness exams and can guide you through the process.

Preparing a Whelping Box and Supplies for Your Dog's Birth

Before your dog goes into labor, set up a quiet, warm, and clean space where she can give birth and nurse without stress. Here’s how to prepare step by step.

1. Choose and set up the whelping box. Use a large cardboard box, plastic kiddie pool, or wooden pen lined with clean towels or newspapers. It should be big enough for her to stretch out and turn around, with low sides so she can step in and out but high enough to keep puppies contained.
2. Place it in a calm, draft-free area. Pick a spot away from household traffic, loud noises, and other pets. Keep the room temperature around 75–80°F (24–27°C) for the first week after birth.
3. Gather essential supplies. Have clean towels, unwaxed dental floss or clean thread, scissors, iodine solution, a heating pad (set on low) or hot water bottle, and a baby scale ready. You’ll also need a notebook to track birth times and weights.
4. Set up a heat source. Newborn puppies can’t regulate body temperature. Place a heating pad under half of the box, or use a heat lamp positioned safely above, so puppies can move to a cooler area if needed.
5. Prepare a phone list. Keep your vet’s number, an emergency vet’s number, and a 24-hour animal hospital contact handy. Also have a plan for how to get there quickly if needed.
6. Sanitize everything. Wash towels and bedding with unscented detergent, and wipe down the whelping box with a pet-safe disinfectant. Clean hands and trimmed nails are essential for handling newborns.

If you have questions about whelping or need guidance during labor, our team is here to help. Contact us at Goodrich Veterinary Clinic for advice or to schedule a check-up for your pregnant dog.

Feeding Your Dog After Giving Birth

After giving birth, your dog needs extra calories to produce milk and recover. Feed her a high-quality puppy food or a diet formulated for nursing mothers.

1. Increase food intake — Offer small, frequent meals. She may need up to twice her normal amount.
2. Provide fresh water — Keep water available at all times, as nursing is dehydrating.
3. Monitor her appetite — If she refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, contact your vet.

Goodrich Veterinary Clinic can advise on the best diet for your nursing dog. Call (402) 896-4511 for personalized recommendations.

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