Whelping Guidance
Whelping.
At Manchester Pet Scanning (MPS) we pride ourselves in providing the best possible service we can, this can include guidance during whelping.
The most stressful time can be when your girl is due for her litter to be born as so many things can go wrong. We offer a safe, clean and care free environment while she is ready to commence her whelping. This can be a daunting and stressful experience and that is where we can give advice, and guidance when ever we possible can.
From breeding your dog, the normal period of pregnancy is 63 days but on occasions and depending on the size of a litter some dogs can go into whelping slightly earlier.
Whelping Guidance
You will need to prepare for your dog’s whelping well before she goes into labour. Take a note of her due date which should be counted from the first mating. Dogs are usually pregnant for 63 days but from experience she can sometimes whelp up to 5 days earlier so we will need to be monitoring her closer up to to her due date.
Vet Care
So if you aren’t already registered at a vet it would be advisable for you to do so as they may be on hand if you need advice or help whelping.
Have your vets datetime and out of hours telephone number saved in your phone as you just never know you might need them in a emergency. But don’t panic as most dogs give birth without any problems whatsoever.
Whelping Box
Should be warm quiet area and have some washable bedding or towels put aside as they will need changing regularly. Or bye a single electric washable blanket and cover with a sheet or towel it will keep puppies warm while mum has a break to eat and toilet herself and big enough for mum to move around and high enough so there is no puppies escaping.
Equipment You Will Need.
- Surgical gloves
- Clean scissors to cut the umbilical cord
- Tooth floss to tie the cord
- Towels to wipe and rub puppies
- A thermometer to take your dogs temperature
- A notepad and pen
- Puppy colour coolers to identify watch pup for weight
- Weighing scales for birth weight and daily weight gain
- A substitute dry puppy milk you can buy at most pet stores
- Small bottle and or tube feeders in case of emergency
- Nose suction device
- Heat lamp or washable electric blanket or heat pads
- Fresh clean sheets
Signs of Dog Labour.
So the time is getting near for your girl to have her litter, Here are some of the signs to watch out for. Taking her temperature daily will establish a normal baseline temperature (37.6°C – 38°C) for your dog . If her temperature drops lower than around 37°C this often indicates that birth will be around 12 to 24 hours.
- Being more quiet than usual
- Hiding under furniture
- Stops eating
- Becomes more and more restless
- Shaking constantly
- Licking paws and vulva
- She will paw at her bedding (nesting)
- Discharge
- Being sick or vomiting
Make sure you inform your Vet of the impending birth and have the phone number at hand (including an out of hours vet phone number).
Call out charges will start from £120 upwards depending on time and hours spent…
Contact Us for more info.
Appointments are available 7 days a week including out of hours.
Please call — 07525-326-575