“Pregnancy and whelping can go smoothly, but when complications arise, they can be serious and require immediate attention.”
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I recently had the pleasure of doing a vet house call to an amazing young female dog who had just birthed her first litter of little pups.
My first call to this dog, Melody, several months before was kind of a distress call as she had become incredibly anxious when going into the vet hospital to check up on some hair loss around her eye. Even in her own home, she was quite nervous about letting me examine her, but we managed to do some testing and found a mite infection, which we successfully treated.
I’ve been back a few times for various things, and she has definitely settled more and more, but is always quite wary.
This time was different – she was now a mother!
Though she was most anxious to get back to her puppies and didn’t want to leave them alone, she was very calm and settled around me and allowed a full veterinary checkup. As soon as I was finished examining her, she found the shortest route back to her pups and jumped back in! Quite an amazing transformation from this shy and anxious young dog to a doting and devoted new mother.
Les, the proud “father”, is mesmerised by Melody and her pups and could spend all day watching them. He said it was totally amazing to see her have the 8 pups, which took 12 hours.
She has been great, immediately cleaning them up and getting them to snuggle against her to suckle. First-time mothers are often bewildered and unsure what to do with their pups, and some even totally ignore them.
Fortunately for her pups, Melody is engrossed, taking to them like a duck to water. You can see she wouldn’t be anywhere else for all the doggie treats in the world. The hard part for Les is deciding which pup he wants to keep, since they’re all so cute! It will certainly be great for Melody to have one of her pups around now as her new companion. Hopefully, all the others will go to great homes in the local area so they can all meet up at the dog parks.
Pregnancy and whelping advice
Pregnancy and whelping are certainly amazing experiences for your pets and companions.
However, it is not something to take lightly. I get a lot of questions from dog owners about where to find a mate for their dog or how best to have a litter. To be honest, most of the time I try to discourage them. Though it is an amazing miracle to experience, it is a serious undertaking and should really be left to experienced breeders.
There are many considerations regarding the dam (mother) and the sire (father), and the dam’s health must be closely monitored at all times. Whelping (birth) can be dangerous, and all warning signs of potential problems must be fully understood and readily recognised. If it goes well, everyone smiles; if it doesn’t, the outcome can be disastrous. What’s more, the pups are usually born in the wee hours of the morning, so don’t expect any sleep!
The situation with cats is even more hazardous, and I would strongly urge anyone not to consider having a litter of kittens. Definitely leave this one to the breeders!
If you are considering having a litter with your pet, make sure you get plenty of information and are very well prepared before you start. This is very important for your pet’s health and welfare, the new puppies’, and your peace of mind.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you want to discuss any of this further, as I’m more than happy to have a chat. Also, don’t forget to check out the rest of my website for valuable details on my mobile vet services, as well as interesting photos and other information.
“An anxious dog can behave very differently once she becomes a mother, often becoming more settled and focused on her litter.”
Key Takeaways
- Pregnancy and whelping require careful planning and close monitoring
It is not a simple process and carries risks for both the mother and puppies. - Behaviour can change significantly during pregnancy
An anxious dog may become calmer and more focused when caring for her litter. - Home visits can improve the examination of nervous dogs
Assessing a pet in its own environment can make handling and examination easier. - Breeding decisions should be made carefully
Without proper preparation and understanding, complications can arise quickly.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does pregnancy affect a dog’s behaviour at home?
Pregnancy can lead to noticeable behavioural changes. In this case, a previously anxious dog became calmer and more cooperative during examination. Her focus shifted strongly toward caring for her puppies.
Can a mobile vet examine a nervous pregnant dog effectively?
Yes, being assessed at home can help reduce stress for anxious dogs. Familiar surroundings often make it easier to handle and examine them properly. This can allow for a more thorough check than in a clinic setting.
What should I expect during the whelping process?
Whelping can take many hours and may occur overnight. In this example, the litter of eight puppies was delivered over a 12-hour period. The mother then cleaned and cared for the puppies immediately after birth.
Is it safe to breed my dog without experience?
Breeding is a serious responsibility and not something to take lightly. The health of the mother must be closely monitored, and complications during birth can occur. Without preparation, the risks can be significant.
What are the risks during a dog's pregnancy and birth?
There are risks both during pregnancy and at birth. Complications can arise quickly and may affect both the mother and the puppies. Recognising warning signs early is important for a safe outcome.
Should I consider breeding my cat at home as well?
The risks are generally considered higher for cats, particularly during birth. The content advises against attempting this without experience. It is recommended that breeding be left to those with appropriate knowledge and preparation.