How can I prepare for my dog to give birth? What do I need to take care of a puppy and mom after birth? When puppies are on the way, these eight products are must-haves to keep moms and babies healthy.

• Fenbendazole

Fenbendazole can safely be given to pregnant dogs to prevent the transmission of roundworms through the placenta into the pups and to prevent the transmission of hookworms through the milk and into the pups. Use the label dose once daily from day 42 of pregnancy to day 14 of lactation.

• Breeder’s Edge NurseMaid Wipes

NurseMaid Wipes are specially designed to reduce the risk of mastitis and keeps the pups from ingesting parasites.

• Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma

Start pregnant dogs on Breeder’s Edge Oxy Momma five to seven days before whelping and give it while nursing. This prenatal supplement stimulates milk production and helps mom recover from birthing. Stop about a week before you wean so she begins to dry up.

• Chlorhexidine Solution

Use one ounce of Chlorhexidine to a gallon of water. Clean anywhere you like since this disinfectant is very safe for puppies at any age.

• Medicated Shampoo

Bathe your pregnant dog with a medicated shampoo four or five days prior to expected whelping or C-section. Clean moms have healthier puppies with fewer parasites.

• Breeder’s Edge Clean Cut Iodine

Use Breeder’s Edge Clean Cut Iodine on all puppy umbilical cords at birth. Dip the cord at birth, two hours and twice a day until the cord drops off to disinfect and dry up umbilical cords. This will protect puppies from an infection that ascends up the cord and can cause peritonitis and rapid death in very young pups.

• Breeder’s Edge Nurture Mate

Use Breeder’s Edge Nurture Mate on any puppy that is struggling at birth (not nursing or very small). It is rich in colostrum and can be used up to two weeks if needed. Put a pea-sized amount on your finger and rub on the roof of the puppy’s mouth. It will melt in their mouth and go down. Use once a day for two weeks on any puppy smaller than its littermates. Use it three to four times a day on any puppy that is sick or struggling.

Nurture Mate does help fight bacteria and viruses by supporting a strong immune system, but the big thing here is colostrum. Colostrum is what is necessary to turn on the gut to digest food. That doesn’t happen in the uterus, colostrum says it’s time to start!

• Probiotics

Can I give probiotics to a pregnant dog? The answer is yes! Start pregnant dogs on Doc Roy’s GI Synbiotics gel two weeks before whelping and use up to two weeks after birth. GI Synbiotics changes gut flora so mom only gives good bacteria to puppies. However, that change takes time, so start mom on GI Synbiotics two weeks prior to birth. Reports suggest probiotics can reduce mastitis and metritis in the dams.

Once the puppies are born, start them on Breeder’s Edge Nurture Flora on day two. Put a pea-sized amount on your finger and rub it on the roof of their mouth. It will melt in their mouth and go down. No aspiration concern. Use this newborn puppy probiotic three to four times a day.

The couple weeks before and after whelping are a lot of work, but so worth it when the end result is a litter of healthy puppies. If you ever have a question about pregnancy, whelping or any other pet health issue please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 800.786.4751. We love to help!

Be Prepared for Whelping

Revival’s Whelping Kit is a one-stop-shop for all your whelping must-haves.