History

• When planning a dog pregnancy, be sure that all of your female dog's vaccinations are up to date. Also verify the male dog's health and vaccination record. Your female dog should be current on her worming schedule (heart and intestinal worms). You do not want to vaccinate or worm her during the course of the pregnancy. If possible, test both parents for Canine Brucellosis. This is a canine STD which may cause infection, sterility and late-term abortion.
  
  

Function

• Female dogs typically birth litters ranging in size from 3 to 10 puppies. Each fetus needs adequate nutrition, so you should monitor the pregnant dog's food intake and allow her higher quantities of quality food as well as easy access to plenty of water. Avoid nutritional supplements unless your veterinarian recommends them. Regular exercise is good for your dog before, during and after her pregnancy. Like humans, dogs that are in good physical shape have an easier time during delivery. Two weeks after delivery, you should be able to resume a regular walking schedule.
  
  

Types

• When your dog is ready to give birth, you will notice that she is restless. She will likely refuse to eat and begin actively searching for a quiet, dark place if you haven't already prepared one for her. Many female dogs prefer to be by themselves for whelping. If you are present, do not break the sac on the puppy unless the female dog refuses to do it after the sac is fully expelled. In the event she does not take care of removing the cord herself, tie a string around the umbilical about an inch away from the puppy's body and cut the cord between the knot and the placenta. Avoid interfering unless it is obvious the puppy is in distress or the female is not going to do it.
  
  

Time Frame

• Average time between puppy births is about 10 to 15 minutes per puppy. If she appears strained or distressed for more than an hour, call the veterinarian. Let her rest and care for the puppies. When they are settled, give her a bathroom break and something to eat. It is not atypical for her to sleep quite a bit after the puppies are born. Don't force food and water, but make them available to her.
  
  

Considerations

• Within one to two days of the birthing, take your dog and her pups to the vet to make sure that all of the puppies and placentas are out. The vet will possibly give her antibiotics to prevent any infection. Provide follow-up care at home by monitoring her attitude, temperature and any discharge. Bleeding is expected for a few days after birth, but foul-smelling or discolored discharge may indicate infection. Keep the puppy area clean.