Supplies for Whelping Bulldog Puppies

Whelping is another term for the birthing process of canines. Some breeds are blessed with a by-the-book birth while others, like the bulldog, may have some issues. Bulldogs feature large heads but also very narrow hips, making it difficult for the puppies to pass freely through the birth canal. (See References 1) Therefore, approximately 95% of bulldogs will undergo a Cesarean section. (See Reference 2) If your bulldog is one of the 5% who are able to free-whelp, you will need to be prepared.

  1. Whelping Box

    • The whelping box is one of the most important supplies for an owner and her pregnant bulldog. If a whelping box is unavailable, the bulldog will seek out another comfortable spot to give birth―meaning your sheets and mattress, or couch, will be ruined. A whelping box also provides the puppies with a safe place during their first few weeks of life. The whelping box should be small enough to accommodate the mother, but large enough to contain all of the puppies until they are old enough to explore. (See References 1, 2, 3; Resources 1)

    Protecting Home Surfaces

    • Birthing, no matter what species, is a messy process. Remember to protect the surfaces in your home with newspapers, old towels or rags and paper towels. You want to keep the whelping box and surrounding area clean until after the birth. Then, the dirty towels can be removed and replaced with clean blankets or towels to keep the bulldog pups warm and comfortable. (See References 3; Resources 1)

    Umbilical Cord

    • Following the birth of each puppy, you need to cut the umbilical cord with sharp scissors. Once the cord has been cut, it should be clamped with a hemostat. If any bulldog pup's umbilical cord continues bleeding, it can be tied off at the end with a piece of unwaxed and flavorless dental floss. (See References 3; Resources 1)

    Keeping Records

    • You need a scale, notebook and pen to keep track of each puppy's birth weight, date and time. You should also note each bulldog's weight gain during the first few weeks of life. The information can also indicate potential health problems. (See References 3; Resources 1)

    Sanitizer

    • Hand sanitizer should be on hand during the first several weeks of the pups' lives. The owner and any visitors who will be handling the puppies should sanitize their hands before handling puppies to prevent the spreading of germs and illness. (See References 3; See Resources 1)

    Emergency Supplies

    • Since bulldogs are a tricky breed to whelp, the regular veterinarian and emergency veterinarian should be listed on the refrigerator or other area where it can be found quickly in an emergency. There should also be plenty of extra blankets, a flashlight and extra batteries in case of a power outage. If possible, make arrangements with a close family friend or neighbor who can watch your children or help out during an emergency. (See References 3; Resources 1)

    Nutrition

    • Before beginning any supplemental regimen, be sure to consult your bulldog's veterinarian beforehand on what will be needed immediately following birth. Some veterinarian recommendations may include nutritional supplements for the mother dog, puppy milk and syringes, sodium-free broth or even vanilla ice cream. (See References 3; Resources 1)

    Additional Supplies

    • During the birthing process, the owner will need sterile rubber gloves, Vaseline, a thermometer, ribbons to identify each puppy, bottles (or syringes) for the puppies, baby wipes, baby oil and eyedroppers. (See Reference 3; Resources 1)