(I should have been a doggie mid-wife.)

Whelping box needs to be in place a few weeks prior to whelping. Mom needs to get familiar with her temporary cave.

But, when the time comes, she'll choose when and where she will deliver, which is often on your most expensive piece of upholstered furniture!

So, have vinyl shower curtains and clean blankets ready!

If this is the case, and the puppies come fast, the human mom and dad will have to use those wash clothes to carefully but briskly rub newborns. This is why the heat is so important. If newborns are not near mom and are exposed to a draft, their core temperature will drop quickly. Put newborns close together (touching) on top of the warm whelping box.

When mom is finished, she'll get in the box and rearrange the towels. She'll lie down and the newborns will be struggling to find a nipple. It's amazing.

If someone gets pushed away from mom, put him on a nipple. You can use your little finger to open babies mouth. You'll feel suction. Just guide baby to the nipple.

cont.