HOUSING

In short, your pregnant dog doesn’t need any special accommodation until she begins to deliver her puppies. I do encourage you to have the mom-to-be spend time in her whelping area and box, especially if you have a few days before labor kicks in. This can make her feel comfortable and safe in this space so when the time comes, she is more likely to want to go and STAY there. 

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FEEDING

Ensure mom is well fed and hydrated.  Provide unlimited access to a high-quality puppy or an active dog food.  Both are high in calories and tend to be more nutritious than regular dog food.  I have used Purina Pro Plan Sporting Dog 30/20 for years for both mothers and their puppies with good results.  Probiotics, such as FortaFlora or Benebac can be a good addition as well.  

 

 

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VACCINES AND MEDICATIONS

There are risks with vaccinating and treating during pregnancy.  Not so much for mom but in some cases, vaccines may harm her unborn puppies.  For instance, Rabies is safe but most vets advise against vaccinating for Distemper and Parvo during pregnancy. 

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Some medications, such as Panacur, are safe and are recommended be given during the last few weeks of pregnancy and through whelping to help protect puppies from the parasites that may pass to them both in utero and through milk. 

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The figure below provides some guidance on when it is safe to vaccinate and medicate while pregnant, lactating and weaning.   Consult your vet for additional information if in doubt.

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See Appendix C for more information.

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X-RAYS

As a general practice I do not get x-rays in advance of whelping.  In part because other than getting an idea about how many puppies are going to be born, most vets are not going to be able to accurately estimate a whelping time frame.  And for the cost of an x-ray, it doesn’t seem worth it.   

 

​However, I do believe there may be benefits to an x-ray for small dogs.  Specifically concern that a small female could be carrying puppies too large for a safe delivery.  Since we rarely have any idea about the father of the puppies and we know it is possible for a large breed male to breed with a small breed female, I do feel it is worth the cost if feasible.  While it may not be possible to tell how far along a dog is, comparison between skull size and the pelvis of the female should be possible by a practiced vet.  This may allow for decisions or plans to be made for a C Section if the puppies appear too large for natural delivery.​​

 

TEMPERATURE MONITORING

A drop in body temperature in a pregnant dog is a common sign that labor is approaching because as a mom nears birthing, progesterone levels decline, which triggers a decrease in body temperature.  Early contractions may also contribute to a temperature drop.  A pregnant dog’s normal body temperature is between 100.5°F and 102.5°F.  It is thought that a drop of 1 to 3°F is considered significant and could indicate that labor is within 24-48 hours.  Although the due date may be difficult to guess, you can begin charting her temperature well before delivery.  It is suggested that you should do so both morning and at night.  A simple table like the one below can be helpful.  Note the RED temps that can alert you to when labor may be approaching.

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PLAN ON A NIGHTTIME WHELP

While not always the case, plan for nighttime whelping.  Not only is it my typical experience, but this behavior is deeply rooted in a dog’s evolutionary history. In the wild, birthing in a secluded, quiet location during the night provided greater protection from predators and a safer environment for vulnerable newborns.  Also, there is some belief that certain hormones influencing labor may be more active during the evening and night hours.