For dog breeders, the whelping process is a critical period that requires careful monitoring and the right tools.
This guide covers essential steps for monitoring the whelping progress and introduces the innovative heated whelping kit from My Breeder Supply, designed to enhance the safety and comfort of both the mother and her newborn puppies.
Preparing for Whelping
- Know the Signs: Familiarize yourself with labor signs such as restlessness, nesting behavior, and a drop in body temperature.
- Whelping Area: Set up a comfortable, quiet, and warm area for the mother, ideally equipped with a heated whelping kit.
Stages of Labor
- First Stage: The dog may seem restless, pant, shiver, or vomit. Lasts 6-12 hours.
- Second Stage: Witness the birth of puppies, usually within 20-60 minutes of each other.
- Third Stage: Involves the expulsion of the placenta. The mother may eat the placenta.
The Role of My Breeder Supply’s Heated Whelping Kit
- Perimeter Shelf Design: Features a perimeter shelf or pig rail to protect newborns from being trapped against the box's outer walls.
- Targeted Floor Heating: The kit heats only the floor perimeter, keeping the puppies warm without overheating the mother.
- Safe Heating System: Includes heating tape with a thermostat for precise temperature control.
Monitoring Whelping Progress
- Watch for Distress: If the dog is in labor for more than a few hours without producing a puppy, or if she seems excessively tired or in pain, contact your vet.
- Count the Placentas: Ensure each placenta is expelled to prevent infection.
Post-Birth Care
- Puppy Checks: Ensure each puppy is breathing and nursing.
- Mother's Health: Monitor the mother for signs of excessive bleeding or infection.
The Importance of a Heated Whelping Kit
- Reduced Hypothermia Risk: Newborns are vulnerable to hypothermia. The heated whelping box kit provides consistent warmth.
- Preventing Smothering: The perimeter shelf design reduces the risk of smothering by providing a safe area for puppies.
- Mother’s Comfort: The kit allows the mother to remain comfortable and stress-free while nurturing her puppies.
Veterinary Support and Emergency Preparedness
- Regular Consultations: Seek veterinary assistance for any complications or uncertainties.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep your vet’s contact information readily available.
Hygiene and Feeding
- Clean Environment: Regularly clean the whelping area to prevent infections.
- Nutrition for Mother: Ensure the mother has access to water and high-quality food.
Why Choose My Breeder Supply?
- Safety for Puppies: Significantly improves survival chances.
- Comfort for the Mother: This keeps the mother comfortable and stress-free.
- Convenience for Breeders: Easy setup and reliable operation.
Whelping is a demanding but rewarding experience.
By combining vigilant monitoring, proper care, and the use of My Breeder Supply’s heated whelping kit, breeders can significantly improve the safety and comfort of both the mother and her puppies.
This approach ensures a healthy start for the newborns and peace of mind for the breeder.
FAQs About Monitoring Whelping Progress
What Are the Early Signs of Labor in Dogs?
Early signs of labor in dogs include restlessness, nesting behavior, a drop in body temperature, loss of appetite, and possible vomiting. These signs indicate that whelping could start within 24 hours.
How Long Does the Whelping Process Usually Take?
The whelping process duration can vary. The first stage of labor can last 6-12 hours. Once active labor begins, each puppy is typically born 20-60 minutes apart. However, it's not uncommon for there to be a pause of a few hours between puppies. If labor exceeds these time frames or the dog seems in distress, it's important to contact a veterinarian.
Why is a Heated Whelping Kit Recommended Over Traditional Heat Lamps or Pads?
A heated whelping kit, like the one from My Breeder Supply, provides a safer and more controlled environment. Heat lamps and pads can overheat the mother and create uneven heat distribution, posing risks to both the mother and puppies.
The heated kit focuses on warming the perimeter where the puppies rest, keeping them warm without overheating the mother.
How Does the Perimeter Shelf in the Whelping Kit Help Newborn Puppies?
The perimeter shelf, or pig rail, in the whelping kit is designed to protect newborn puppies from being accidentally smothered or trapped against the box's outer walls by the mother. It provides a safe ledge for the puppies and is a crucial feature for their safety during the early stages of life.
What Should I Do if a Puppy Isn’t Nursing or Seems Weak?
If a puppy isn’t nursing or appears weak, it's important to act quickly. Try to encourage nursing by gently guiding the puppy to the mother. If the puppy is still not nursing or shows signs of weakness, contact your veterinarian immediately as they may require special care or feeding intervention.
