Things You'll Need
- Two extra-large boxes or crates
- Several thick towels
- Heating pad
- Heating lamp
- Milk replacement
- Scale
- Washcloths
Instructions
Set up two boxes or crates for your pregnant dog. One should have a heating lamp set up over the top of the box, high enough that it can keep half of the box warm. Set up the other box with heating pads set on low heat. Cushion the bottom of both boxes with thick towels. The puppies need to be kept at a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Set up your pregnant dog in the crate or box with the heat lamp when she goes into labor. When she has a puppy, allow her to care for the pup, and then allow the pup to nurse. When the contractions start again, take the puppy away from the dam and place it in a separate box. Do this for each puppy, allowing all the puppies to nurse between contractions.
Weigh and record the weights of all the newborn puppies. This will help you keep track of how well each puppy is growing.
Monitor the nursing of the newborn puppies. Make sure each puppy is able to nurse sufficiently and that the mother is providing enough milk for all of her puppies. If she is not, you can use milk replacement as a supplement.
Make sure that the puppies are deficating properly. Their bowel movements should be yellowish-brown and soft, and they should urinate quite frequently. If a puppy seems constipated, rub a warm, wet washcloth on its rectum. If diarrhea occurs, then you need to take the puppies to the veterinarian.
Take the puppies to the veterinarian at six weeks of age if everything seems normal. Take any records you have made over the first six weeks of their lives.