First aid treatments for a whelping dog

Because dogs are wonderful pets, one would not be enough for a dog lover as these animals are kind of addicting. Dog owners that form a strong bond with the pet would want to breed the dog. Four legged fur balls that follow the original pooch would be a wonderful sight. Watching a dog deliver the puppies is one of the wonders of nature that should not be missed.

Domesticated dogs, just like their ancestors in the wild can whelp easily - without needing any assistance from humans. However, abnormal and difficult birthing can put the life not only of the dam but also the life of the unborn puppies in danger. It is the task of the owner to provide for all the necessities that will make the whelping dog as comfortable as possible. To be able to give urgent assistance, a dog owner has to be able to promptly recognize the signs that the pet is having difficulties in delivering the puppies. While it is important to promptly recognize the signs of difficult labor, it is also equally important for a dog owner to know what must be done to help the pet.

The dog's pregnancy would last for eight to nine weeks. During the last days of the dog's pregnancy, the dog owner must have prepared a comfortable and safe whelping box. Other equipments that must be readied are scissors or dental floss to cut the puppies' umbilical cord and towels. A thermometer is a very important piece of tool that every owner of pregnant dogs must have. Twelve to twenty four hours before the dog whelps, the normal body temperature of 101.5 F will drop 2 to 3 degrees.

The dog usually takes care of the birthing. The puppy will be licked clean and the umbilical cord will be severed by the dog's teeth. Cleaning the newborn and cutting the umbilical cord will be the task of the dog owner if for some reasons, the dog would not want to attend to the newly born puppies. This usually happens to first time moms. It will be the dog owner's task to tear the sac to prevent the puppy from suffocation. The dog owner has to clean the puppies as well.

Help will be very necessary to prevent the dam from overexerting herself in trying to push a puppy that is stuck half in and half out. Firmly hold the protruding body part with a towel and pull out the puppy. Remove a dead puppy stuck in the birth canal immediately. This condition is best resolved by a vet but if no professional help is available, a K-Y jelly lubricated hand can be inserted into the dog to pull forward the dead puppy. This effort has to be done to save the life of the unborn puppies and the dam.