Discovering that your dog is a mum-to-be is an exciting time.

Since the gestation period only lasts just over two months, you can expect to be delighted by tiny furry faces and wagging tails in your home very soon!

However, most of us don’t learn about dog pregnancies in school, and when your beloved pet is expecting, you may understandably have a whirlwind of queries and concerns. Rest assured that dog labours are way less complicated than human ones, so your furry friend should have no trouble bringing her babies into the world.

Whelping Your First Litter

This doesn’t mean complications cannot occur, so be sure not to leave your dog’s side and have a vet on call during labour.

It helps to be as prepared as possible when your dog goes into labour, so we’ve created this beginner’s guide to whelping your first litter – keep reading to find out more.

Prepare An Area For Whelping

One of the first things you should do when preparing to whelp your first litter is to prepare an area in your home that is fit for whelping. This should be a temperature-controlled space in a preferably quiet area of your home that is large enough to accommodate your whelping kit.

Newborn puppy incubators can be invaluable if you have a puppy who needs extra support or if your dog doesn’t take to caring for the puppies well. This is normal, as some breeds are less maternal, and working dogs may be excited to get back to work. You can ensure the health of your puppies by getting them an incubator instead.

However, for most dogs, maternal instincts will kick in and they need a space to properly care for their puppies. This space should have Whelping Pads, which is where your dog will birth and raise her puppies for the first two to three weeks of their life. It provides a safe, draught-free, warm area for your dog and her pups and is available in many different styles, from disposable to reusable. It provides a safe, draught-free, warm area for your dog and her pups and is available in many different styles, from disposable to reusable.

Source products for your whelping kits using reputable whelping item suppliers like Petnap. As well as supplying boarding kennels, pet bet heaters, supplements, hygiene products etc., they specialise in a range of products to make whelping your first litter much more straightforward.

For more insight, consider heading to their website or following their blog for more whelping-related topics.

Take Notes

While your dog is in labour, you should be taking notes for your vet just in case they need them if complications arise.

Ensure to take note of the following stages:

• Decrease in temperature.
•  The dog starts nesting.
• The dog loses its appetite.
•  Panting starts.
•  Contractions start.
• When the first puppy appears in the birth canal.
• When all puppies are out of the birth canal.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Although welcoming several puppies into the world is a fantastic experience, it can be a stressful and confusing time for you and your dog. Even though female dogs have been giving birth without our help for centuries, complications can still arise, and without the assistance of a medical professional, they can quickly turn nasty.

On the rare occasion that something happens, it’s essential that nearer your dog’s due date, you ask your local vet or animal rescue centre to be contactable during the early morning hours or late at night. Or ask if emergency calls are listed as one of their services. If this is the case, be sure to record their information where it is easy to find just in case it is needed.