Some notes to help you before whelping your bitch:

If you have not consulted a vet we advise a visit would be a good idea before mating, or if there has been an unplanned mating as soon as possible after.

The gestation period, before the whelping occurs, is between 60 and 65 days. If you are planning to have her scanned this is best done around the 32nd day. It is not always possible to confirm the number of puppies expected but will determine whether or not she is in whelp.

It is normal for your bitch to go off her food a day or so before whelping. Her temperature will drop from 38.5 degrees c to 37.5c. You can take her temperature rectally. She will feel the need to relieve herself so make sure you have a torch to hand at night!! Once her temperature has dropped whelping should start within 8 to 12 hours.

During the whelping it is very important for you to keep as relaxed and quiet as possible. Any tension you feel can be transmitted to your bitch.

This is now the time to put your bitch in your Newdog disposable whelping box with one Newdog whelping mat in the base. A good tip is to put whole newspapers or old towels on top of the stiffener, underneath the fleece top. This will help absorb the fluids from the whelping.

When labour begins your bitch will become restless and then take short naps. A discharge will appear and she will clean this away. The contractions will have started and her tummy will feel very hard. She will start pushing. You will need to keep an eye on her during this time because if nothing happens for about 30 to 40 minutes encouraging her to take a walk around the garden can sometimes help. She will follow her natural insticts during the whelping process so you should only assist if there appears to something wrong.
If this does not help consult your vet. He may suggest taking her to the surgery, if there are complications they have everthing to hand. Trust in your vet. They have trained for years and have years of experience behind them.

Whelping can take between 2 to 6 hours but there is no way of being sure about this. It would be advisable to contact your vet if labour continues longer than this.

Once she gets going with the whelping you should not need to do anything other than observe giving gentle words of encouragement. Ensure that there are no obtructions to the mouth and nose of the puppies by removing the mucus. Usually the bitch will sever the unbilical cord by chewing it, however, if she does not you can sever it by using your thumbnail and forefinger and rub firmly across the cord approx 2" (5cms) from the pups tummy. It is not recommended to use scissors. Mum will clean up and it is important that you allow her to do this as this will replenish a lot of nutrients and energy which she had lost during the whelping.

Once all the puppies are born change the Newdog whelping mat for a clean one and put the soiled mat in the washing machine at 40c.

Extra tips for whelping:

• Wash your hands and keep the environment as germ free as possble


• Keep a clean towel close to hand in case you need to handle the pups


• Finally stay calm and enjoy the whelping experience using your whelping box and non-ruck mats