The key to a successful dog birthing process really comes down to proper care.  Being properly prepared for the birth and having thorough care throughout the entire pregnancy are critical steps to take. Be sure to prepare a clean, nice and calm atmosphere for your dog before she delivers the pups. Also, a good diet and a proper exercise routine will be vital to the dogs health. Finally, it is also crucial to have proper prenatal vet care. Gestation is usually between 60 and 70 days, so this would be the time to set up, help deliver and take care of not only the mother but also the newborn pups.

The Best Tips to Prepare your Dog for giving birth

Providing Initial Healthcare

What is the first step to providing for your dog? Well, If you believe that your dog is pregnant, then you would first have to take her in to a vet that has the proper equipment. Your vet will need to perform x-rays with an ultrasound machine, such as the ones provided by Keebovet. The amazing thing about this is that you can not only confirm pregnancy but even count the number of expected puppies! It is important to know the number because if you’re expecting five and only three come out, you know there is an emergency situation, and she needs to be rushed to the vet. Another tip to keep in mind is to have your dog checked for worms. The last thing you would want is for worms to be passed onto the pups.

How to keep Your Dog Healthy While Pregnant

In keeping your dog healthy, do not administer any kind of medicine or treatment that is non-prescription. Talk to your vet about prescription flea and tick treatments, and your vet will probably prescribe a heart worm pill during the last trimester. A tip that some may look over yet is important is to feed your dog a quality dog food brand for the first month of pregnancy. After the first month, you should switch to a quality puppy food and increase the amount of food you give her by about 25 percent. When she is in her last few weeks of pregnancy, you should increase her food by another 25 percent. You may begin to see how getting regular exercise is so important for the dog, but be sure to go easier on her workouts the last few weeks.

How to keep Your Dog Safe

If you own other dogs, make sure the mother stays away from them during the last three weeks of pregnancy. This even includes the father. Why do this you might ask? This will eliminate the risks of fighting and injury because her maternal instincts will kick in and make her more aggressive.

How to keep Your Dog Comfortable

You can buy or make a whelping box which is designed to protect the puppies from the cold and from the danger of being squished by the mother. The box should be long enough for her to stretch out in, and wide enough so the puppies don’t get crushed and can nurse. Also, make sure the walls are high so that the puppies don’t end up crawling out. They should also be low enough to allow the mother to move in and out freely though.

By following these tips you will be more than ready to care for your pregnant female dog. Don’t be afraid to ask you veterinarian about any questions you may have. Finally, as an extra safety precaution, be ready to rush the pregnant dog to the vet in the case of an emergency situation. Congratulations on your new litter of puppies!  Don’t forget to  follow up with your vet and enjoy!