There are a number of important suggestions that we could give on how to help a dog give birth faster. However, what we consider the most important suggestion is STAY CALM.
Generally, dogs are able to go through the birth process (which is referred to as whelping) on their own. Your hovering around them all anxious does not help anybody. So, just try to stay calm, your dog knows what to do.
That said, while your dog knows what to do, they might need your help one or two times during the whole process. So, it makes sense to be prepared for any such eventuality. Therefore…
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How To Help A Dog Give Birth Faster? Be Prepared
So, how do you get prepared? Probably the most important thing is to be sure that you have your vet’s number; maybe even on speed dial.
Now, don’t get all panicky. We aren’t saying anything bad is going to happen. However, you want to be prepared in case your dog runs into any complications during the whelping process.
Furthermore, you’ll need to prepare your dog a whelping nest of some sort. The thing is, when your dog is about to drop, she’ll need her own space just to be and to eventually give birth.
There are commercially made whelping nests you can get. On the other hand, you could make your own.
If you decide to make your own, you’ll need to make the nest wide enough that your dog has enough space for herself and her pups. The nest will also need to be high enough that the pups can’t get out of it.
Be sure to include blankets and heat pads so that they all stay comfortable and warm.
- Soft absorbent fabric: contains liquids and non-slip waterproof backing prevents soak through.
- Clean and dry whelping: provides a sanitary whelping area – odors and stains wash out.
- Washable, durable and reusable: Drymate whelping material is durable and long lasting. It can be cut to fit, is machine washable and made in the USA.
- Sure-footed surface for puppies: gives your puppies an insulated and sure-footed surface.
- Can be cut to fit: edges won’t unravel or fray making it easy to Fit any whelping box.
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You also want to get something to contain the puppies as they drop. A laundry basket with blankets and heat pads will do.
Some other things to consider getting include sterile nail clippers or scissors, dental floss, antiseptic and gloves too. Just in case you need to help her out.
Before We Discuss The Actual Birthing Process, Watch This Quick Video
What Happens When Your Dog Is About To Whelp
When your dog is ready to whelp (or more specifically 48 to 24 hours before she does), you might notice that she wants her space even more. She might loose her appetite during this period and some dogs will throw up. Licking her vulva could also be a sign that she is about to drop.
What To Do During The Birthing Process
As we initially mentioned, your dog should be able to do her thing herself. However, if she doesn’t or can’t, you’ll have to help. And that is where this section comes in.
First off, when a pup drops, your dog will most probably lick her pup to get off the membrane and get the pup to breathe and cry.
However, if she doesn’t within six (6) minutes (probably because she’s too busy trying to drop another one) you’ll need to help her so that the pup doesn’t suffocate.
Get a clean towel and gently but thoroughly scrub the pup’s body. They should start to breathe and cry after that.
After that, if your dog hasn’t cut the umbilical cord, you’ll have to help her. Use the scissors or nail clippers to cut the cord about 1 inch close to the pup’s stomach.
Then, ½ inch to the stomach, tie the dental floss. This will allow the rest of the cord fall off easily.
Now, as your dog drops, you could help create more space for her by taking each new puppy to that space you created for them.
However, be sure that said laundry basket is close to the mother’s whelping nest. Also, you want to continually monitor them to ensure that the pups are doing alright.
Watch This Video Explain What You Can Do During Your Dog’s Birthing Process
When To Call Your Vet
Remember that number you put on speed dial? Here is when you might need it.
Typically, when your dog is ready to drop, a greyish kinda sack will drop from her vulva. This is kinda the same as having the ‘water break’ with human females.
Now, your dog should start to whelp about 1 hour after you’ve noticed that sac. If she doesn’t, you’ll have to place that call to your vet.
Another situation that might require that call is if she is having contractions but no pup is coming out.
So, you know how dogs usually give birth to more than one? Well, after each birth, she’ll have contractions again if another one is coming.
Now, if she has been having said contractions but there is no pup in sight or there is a pup in sight but said pup has refused to come out, you want to call your vet.
Check out these other articles:
- How Long Does It Take A Dog To Digest Food?
- How To Tell If Your Dog Is Going Blind
- How To Get Your Dog To Like You
- What Dog Has The Strongest Bite?
- Extreme Dog Fence Standard Standard Vs Pro
- Why Does My Dog Bite Me When I Pet Him?
After The Birth
Now the issue of how to help a dog give birth faster encompasses more than just the actual birth process.
After you are sure that she has dropped the last one, you could take her out to have a wee and maybe take a bit of fresh air. Then it is back to the whelping nest for her with her pups. Yes, you want to transfer her pups from that laundry basket creation to their mother so that they can nurse.
Yes, you want to transfer her pups from that laundry basket creation to their mother so that they can nurse.
Your dog should be able to nurse all her pups at once. However, if there is any she can’t nurse, you’ll need to do that for her. You’ll need a feeding bottle and puppy food from your local pet store.
You also want to make sure that your dog is well-fed. She should be back to eating regular adult food after whelping.
How To Help A Dog Give Birth Faster — Something To Note
You need to take your dog and her pups to the vet within 48 hours of the birthing process. This is because your vet needs to check their vital stats and monitor both momma and babies to be sure that all is well.
And if you are not so confident, you could have your vet help your dog with the birthing process right from the very beginning.
How To Help A Dog Give Birth Faster — FAQs
How Do I Know When My Dog Is Done Giving Birth?
The best way to know if your dog is dog giving birth is to pay attention to her demeanor. If she is done, she’ll most likely be more relaxed and will begin to give her attention to her pups.
You’ll have to keep monitoring her, though, just to make sure. If she hasn’t dropped any pup in two(2) hours, she’s most likely all done.
Should I Remove A Dead Puppy From Its Mother?
Do not try to remove a puppy from immediately from the mother, whether dead or alive. Trying to take a dog’s pup from her without allowing her the opportunity of seeing it would make her agitated and she could try to bite you.
So, what you want to do is allow your dog about 10 to 15 minutes with the pup then remove the pup. This should give her enough time to inspect things for herself.
Why Is My Dog Still Panting After Giving Birth?
Your dog panting after giving birth could be a sign of a number of things. For one, it could be that there are more pups and she’s just gearing up to drop the others.
Also, if her panting is just a couple of minutes after she’s giving birth, it could just be that she’s trying to calm herself down.
That said, if your dog has been panting for about an hour and has still not given birth to another pup, call your vet.
How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Give Birth Between Puppies?
A dog would usually give birth to her pups with a twenty minute interval between two pups. However, it could take longer with some, especially if the previous birth was a little straining.
That said, if your pup has been pushing for about 2 hours and still hasn’t dropped another pup, get in touch with your vet.
Does A Father Dog Know His Puppies?
There’s no way a father dog would know a pup is his. So, don’t be shocked when you see a dad pup treat his pups with indifference. He just doesn’t know.
However, with time, the dad pup would begin to relate with the baby pup(s) like basically every other dog.
Can You Touch A Newborn Puppy?
There’s nothing wrong with touching a newborn puppy. However, because they are so fragile, you want to carry and touch them with care.In fact, they shouldn’t be carried or moved about too much or unnecessarily. If they have to be moved, let it be an adult doing that. Children can pet them seldomly but always with adult supervision.
