How do you prepare for your dog to have puppies?

1. 65

   afriqnetposted 11 years ago

   How do you prepare for your dog to have puppies?
   
   Has your dog given birth successfully. How did you prepare for dog giving birth. Do you always do it at home or in the local vet clinic? If you are doing it at home what measure do you put in place to avert the possibility losing your pups.

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2. 66

   Poethepoetposted 11 years ago

   Sure your dog can do it at home. There's really no need to bring the extra added expense of a Vet into it. All you have to do is make sure there's a clean towel under her while she's having the pups. Be there if possible to assist, and let nature take it's course. After all dogs were having pups long before there's were Vets in this world. You can also Google your question to see what other helpful tips you can pick up.

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3. 80

   Faithful Daughterposted 11 years ago

   I have seen smaller breeds to have more problems, therefore, I would ask a vet if it would be better if your pet where kept at the vet clinic. In my experience, momma dog needs to have her private space (maybe a large box or dog crate), so make her comfortable and be very patient with her. With my dogs in the past, I have placed newspapers on the floor and then placed their blanket on top of the newspapers. I'd stay alert and ready to assist in any way I can if I see she or the pups are having problems. Once the pups are born, momma dog knows what to do. Oh, by the way, do you know how to do CPR on animals? I think this is a good time to learn

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4. 92

   agilitymachposted 11 years ago

   All of the litters of reputable breeders I have known have been born with a VERY experienced breeder present.  Of course, a good new breeder would already have this experienced breeder picked out and ready to help, so I'm hoping you have that mentor on hand already.
   
   Your vet needs to be a part of the process from conception till the puppies go to their new homes (at 9 or 10 weeks old - not 5 or 6).  The vet needs to be involved in the health of the mom before conception, through pre natal care, through the birthing process and after the pups are born. You should never expect to make money on a litter.
   
   It is a fallacy that this is "natural" and nothing bad ever happens.  Unfortunately, being involved in the dog world as a professional dog trainer, I can tell you story after story of experienced breeders suffering heart ache and problems, including the death of the puppies and the mother.  So, yes, the vet needs to be involved every step of the way.  If your vet says it's OK, the pups can be born at home, but you will want your experienced mentor present at the birth to quickly catch signs that things are going south.
   
   You didn't say if your dog is already pregnant. I hope not, as if you don't even know how the birthing process works, then you probably have not learned all there is to know about genetics before breeding.  Even breeding two color combinations together can be devastating, resulting in the death of the entire litter!  A good breeder will have done genetic research on all of the dam's and sire's ancestors, will know the genetic diseases of their breed, will know if the ancestors showed these genes, will know if the ancestors bred dogs that showed those genes, will have a spay/neuter contract ready for the new pups homes, will understand puppy testing, will understand pre natal care, will understand how to properly care for the pups and provide proper age-appropriate mental and physical stimulation for the pups.
   
   Well, the list goes on and on and is really long.
   
   Also, the dam and sire will be of top breeding stock, proven in either the show or performance ring.
   
   If you have not done these things, then you are not ready to breed.  Also remember, there are only so many homes for dogs in the US. For each litter born and given to new homes, that many dogs are put to sleep in a shelter.  There is no way around that sad fact.  If your dog isn't a top performance, working or show dog, it should not be bred.

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