The first 24 hours
- Check that every puppy is warm, breathing well and nursing within the first hours.
- Keep the whelping area warm and quiet. Limit visitors.
- Offer her water and small meals. Remove soiled bedding and replace it.
- Book a vet check for the mother and the litter, ideally within 24 hours.
What is normal, and what is not
| Normal | Call your vet |
|---|---|
| Dark green, red-brown or bloody discharge, lessening over weeks | Foul smell, pus, bright red heavy bleeding, or a sudden rise in discharge |
| Tired, protective, eating more and drinking a lot | Fever, refusing food, vomiting or acting dull |
| Quiet, warm puppies that nurse and sleep | A puppy that cries constantly, is cold, limp or loses weight |
| Mammary glands full and slightly firm | Hot, hard, red or painful glands, or discolored milk |
Emergency signs in the mother
- Restlessness, panting, stiff or wobbly walking, muscle tremors or seizures (possible eclampsia).
- A retained placenta or puppy: fever, lethargy, foul discharge or straining after birth.
- Heavy bleeding that does not slow, or collapse.