How to Make Sure That Your Dog Is Ok After Giving Birth - Providing Care Immediately After Birth

The best way to make sure that your dog is okay after giving birth is to learn more about what typical canine whelping is like. Remember, dogs have been giving birth for thousands of years. It is a natural process, but there are things you can do to help. A vet check up is strongly advised after whelping so that you can be sure she has birthed all the puppies.

1. Clean your dog with a warm, damp cloth. Make sure she's clean of any trace of blood, placental fluid, or fecal matter. Good hygiene reduces the risk of bacterial infection following birth.
- You may see leaking fluids, called lochia, for several weeks after giving birth. These fluids are natural and normal, resulting from the shedding of your dog's uterine lining. Healthy lochia should be odorless, and may range in color from greenish-brown to blood-red. [1]
- If your dog hasn't licked her pups clean within a few minutes of birth, you should wipe the puppies' face and nostrils with a damp, clean cloth to remove the placental sac. Give the pup back to its mother immediately.[2]
- If your dog appears uninterested in cleaning her new pups, you may need to rub them with a clean cloth to stimulate breathing.

2. Remove all soiled bedding from whelping area. You may want to take your dog outside for a pee and/or poop while another person replaces bedding with clean, dry cloths.
- Continue to replace soiled bedding regularly, ensuring that the area remains clean.
- Keep a stash of clean bedding near your whelping box for easy access.

3. Allow your dog to rest. Your dog may sleep for several hours following the birth, while her pups nurse or sleep. When she wakes, she should appear alert and interested in her new puppies.
- If your dog doesn't appear interested in her new pups, this may be a sign of infection.Check her for other signs of distress, such as whining, dilated eyes, or foul-smelling discharge. If these are present, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Though your dog may sleep more than usual, you should be attentive to any signs of discomfort or restlessness.

4. Make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fluids during and immediately following the whelping process.
- If your dog doesn't want to drink water, try offering her chicken broth.