💙 Stay calm, be prepared, and monitor closely. Many dogs can safely give birth at home with the right support.
📋 Steps to follow
1. Confirm she is in labor
Signs may include:
• Restlessness
• Nesting behavior
• Panting
• Contractions
• Vaginal discharge
• Drop in body temperature (often 24 hours before labor)
Labor commonly lasts between 6–24 hours.
2. Prepare a quiet, warm whelping area
• Use a clean whelping box with soft bedding
• Keep the room quiet and free from drafts
• Create a calm environment
3. Monitor but don’t interfere
• Let mom do her job
• Offer reassurance and water
• Observe closely without disturbing her
4. When puppies arrive
• A sac should appear around the puppy — if not, gently tear it open
• Clear fluids from the nose and mouth
• Rub the puppy gently with a towel to encourage breathing
• The umbilical cord often breaks naturally
5. After each puppy
• Make sure the placenta passes
• Count placentas and puppies
• Allow mom to rest and nurse
🚨 Seek emergency help if
• No puppy arrives after 2 hours of strong contractions
• Green or black discharge appears before the first puppy
• Heavy bleeding occurs
• Mom or puppies seem weak or distressed
🧰 Helpful items to keep nearby
• Sterile gloves
• Water-based lubricant
• Bulb syringe
• Clean towels and blankets
• Sterilized scissors
• Umbilical clamps or dental floss
• Heating pad or heat lamp
• Digital thermometer
💡 Helpful tips
• Keep your veterinarian’s number ready
• Keep mom comfortable and hydrated
• Feed high-quality food during pregnancy and nursing
• Write down the birth time of each puppy
• Never pull on a puppy — let mom push naturally
• Wash hands before assisting
❤️ Remember: Most dogs are excellent mothers, but if anything feels wrong, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.