Preparing For Whelping Pups!
This is a very exciting time, and if it is your first experience in birthing puppies, then you probably have a lot of questions! ©Photo Courtesy of Rowena Meineck Before your female actually goes into labor, make sure you're totally prepared for what's to come! There are “technically” 3 stages in your dog’s whelping. The first stage is not always obvious and can be easily missed, if you are not watching for it. However, once you know what the signs and symptoms are, you will be easily prepared and ready! The second stage is extremely obvious and the end result is the birth of your gorgeous pups! Golden Retrievers are notorious in taking their time and have been known to take 20 hours or more from the birth of the first puppy to the birth of the last! The third stage involves the passing of the placenta and the cutting of the umbilical cord. From this moment on, your dog will go back and forth between stage two and stage three until she is finished whelping all of her puppies. It is very important to remember that most dogs giving birth go through every stage without any trouble at all. However, it is always best to be prepared and learn what to watch for and know what is normal and what is not. You will want to already have her box set up and ready, plus any necessary supplies on hand long before the big day arrives and plenty of coffee! :) Remember that your Golden will take her cue from you, especially if this is her first litter. If you are nervous, she will sense this and be more nervous herself.
©Photo Courtesy of Helena Lo Bello
"Bella" The best advice I can give you is to remind you that birthing puppies usually goes off without a hitch and that you know your Golden Retriever better than anyone else in this world, and therefore, will know if something is not right. So, calm down, relax, and enjoy this beautiful experience!
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