To prepare for the birth, provide the mother dog (or bitch) with a clean, warm, dry place to have her pups. This area should be away from frequent activity or traffic and other pets, in an area where the mother feels safe. Provide soft bedding materials, such as toweling or newspaper.

Immediately after giving birth, the mother dog will clean her puppies by licking them. If you are concerned about the puppies getting cold or if she is not attending to them shortly after the birth, you can assist her by using a dry, warm washcloth or hand towel to gently dry and stimulate the puppies. Watch the mother for clues on your response - you should use the washcloth in the same manner and direction that she is using her tongue to clean the puppies. Do not wash the puppies at this time, as their scent is important for bonding with the mother. If she seems agitated or stressed about your presence, step away and try again in a little while.

As the puppies are being born, they have a membrane covering them. These sacs should be broken by the labor or by the mother as each pup comes out. If you see one that is still intact, you may need to assist by breaking the sac yourself. If the mother does not assist with the umbilical cords, you can tie them about 1 inch away from the pup and cut them on the other side of that knot.

If you are ever concerned about the mother dog - if she is nervous, restless, uninterested in the pups, in extreme pain, or straining for more than an hour without producing a pup - or if any of the puppies are not well, please contact your vet immediately.

The mother dog should clean her pups and the whelping area regularly. Her licking stimulates the pups as well as helps them in their bodily functions such as digestion and elimination. Change the bedding often to keep the pups warm and dry. If the pups need additional cleaning, you can use water and a washcloth - but dry the pups thoroughly and place them back with their mother as soon as possible. If the pups have fleas, you can remove fleas with a flea comb and then drown the fleas in a bowl of warm water with dishsoap added.

After 8 weeks, puppies can be groomed normally using tear-free puppy shampoo and warm water. Continue to dry the puppy well to prevent the puppy from becoming chilled. If fleas are of concern, a flea product such as Advantage can be applied after 7 weeks of age. Flea dips, powders, and collars are not very effective, are toxic, and should be avoided.