Dear Folks,

I am often asked how to birth puppies. Having been a dog breeder for almost 15 years I have become a bit of an expert in this field.
The following is a letter of instruction I put together for a client. I hope you find it useful. For a humorous account of my dog breeding adventure read my post; “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DOG BREEDER”. Please leave a comment and mention, which story you are referring to, other wise I do not know which one you are talking about. Thank you all for your support.

These happy puppies are laughing not yawning.

Dear Martha,

My number is 530-511-xxxx. You may call me at any hour day or night. I am use to interrupted sleep, so even if it is 2:00a.m. call me and I will walk you through it.

I give my Momma a shot of Cal-PHO-Sol (calcium) which helps prevents Esclampsia. I also give them a shot of Oxytocin to help with the labor contractions. You can get these from a Vet. Or a feed store.

Get a note book and pen handy to write down the time of birth of each puppy and the time they lock on to a tit and nurse.

You need to have on hand some septic powder to stop the bleeding. If you don’t have that, baking soda will work. You put a pinch of this on the imbecile cord after you cut it, about 2inches long from the belly. You need scissors, lots of old towels, newspapers, for bedding. When the puppy is born I cut the bag and clip the cord. Then I put my finger in the pup’s mouth to make sure it is clear. Then I rub the puppy dry with a warm wash cloth, or small towel and a hair dyer. I then give it to the mom and try to get her to let it nurse. When the next contraction comes with the next puppy, I remove the first puppy and put it in a “Hot Box”. { A box with a towel and two water bottles fill with hot water and covered with a sock.} Then I tend to the next puppy. Let Mom eat all the after birth she wants. It is good for her. The biggest killer of new puppies is letting them get cold. You need to set up a shop light on Mommas’ kennel. I leave this on 24/7 until the puppies are two weeks old. Make sure Momma can get away from the heat so she doesn’t get to hot. You need to buy unflavored; “Pedilite” from the baby dept. Give this to her for drinking water while she is nursing. Have on hand raw beef liver and cottage cheese as well as cheddar cheese to feed her, she will need lots of calcium. I also give them lots of Tums.
Remember to always balance Protein with Calcium so as to not damage the kidneys.

The puppies need to go to the Vet for dew claws removal and tail docking at three days old.

I usually set the kennel up next to my bed and listen with my over active Mother’s ear for squeals out of the ordinary. You will be surprised what peril these babies can get in. Little heads in between the wire in the kennel. I use cardboard and make crib type bumpers to prevent this. Mother often looses one under a fold in the towel or just laying on it. They make a lot of noise when they are in trouble. So, listen !

If you have any questions feel free to call me.

I find the birthing very exciting. I hope you will have a great adventure. Remember to have fun.

Love,
Mary