Dog Lovers Manual

The number of afterbirths (placentas) expelled should correspond with the number of puppies born. If one is retained it can cause a fatal infection. If your bitch appears to become off-colour within a few days of whelping. Then seek immwdiate veterinary assistance. It is doubtful that the bitch will accept food until all the pups have been born, but water (with glucose added for energy) should be available to her. The bitch will bite the umbilical cord to separate each puppy from its placenta (which she will eat), and then clean the baby. Once delivery is complete, the bitch will appreciate a light meal of egg and milk, or cereal and meat broth, and may want to go outside bedding and replace it with her puppies. Check that they are all feeding.