If your female dog is about to give birth, don't panic! Our canine companions are naturally equipped to deal with this, sometimes even better than us. The best thing to do is nothing, just make her comfortable and be prepared to intervene. Watching from a safe distance is also a good idea.

To ensure everything goes well, there are some things you should know first.

Always be prepared
Since birth's often occur at night, it's a good idea to have your vet's off-hours number on hand. You'll need some essentials such as scissors, a clean dry towel and an extra basket, just in case the litter is a large one, in which case you'll have plenty of room for the new puppies.

How can you tell when the puppies will be delivered?
Begin taking your dog's temperature with a rectal thermometre, twice a day, when your dog enters the first week of pregnancy. When the mother's temperature drops from 38.5º C to 37º C, that's the first noticeable sign of labour, although normal body temperature can vary slightly from dog to dog. This usually occurs 12 to 24 hours before birth.

Pregnant female dogs will lose their appetite, may experience vomiting and will probably begin scrabbling at their bedding to prepare the den for the new arrivals in the final stages of pregnancy. Another obvious sign is a lot of contractions, in which the dog will tense and relax once they pass. Your dog will may also become very restless and unsettled, beginning to pant and shiver in some cases.

A discharge from the vagina is the final sign. This often starts out a clear fluid, changes to a pale green before changing to a dark green. This dark color means the placenta has detached, and that the new puppies will be arriving soon. If, an hour after discharge, your dog still has not given birth, get in contact with your veterinarian for assistance.

Labour
Usually, puppies are born with around 20 minutes interval between each, however bitches can 'take a rest' halfway through delivery. This means they will not exert themselves for up to 2 hours between puppies. Please note that if you see your dog straining hard and appears restless and unsettled for over an hour, or taking longer than a 4-hour break, it's best to contact your veterinarian.

Delivery
It is not abnormal for some puppies, (approximately half the litter), to be born tail first. Your proud mother dog will clean them thoroughly, licking them (This is to clean the sac from their face so they can breathe) and biting through the umbilical cord.

If this is your dog's first pregnancy, be ready to offer some calming words as she may require more help and reassurance. Occasionally, the previous puppy will require assistance when the mother is in the midst of giving birth to the next. In this event, you will need to remove the membrane covering the puppy and tie a knot approximately one inch from where the umbilical cord attaches to the body. Using a piece of thick thread. After this, tie another knot further from the first. Using clean, preferably sterilized scissors, cut the cord between the knots. After this, use a clean cloth to dry the puppy (Rub against the grain of the hair, facecloths work well because they're big enough to cover the puppy but won't hinder you). Lastly, brisk rubbing with a warm cloth will dry and warm the puppy. This vigorous rubbing also has the effect of stimulating it to take it's first breath. If you possess a suction bulb, gently use it in each nostril. Crying has the effect of clearing all fluid from the puppy's airway.

If labour takes a long time, your dog may require to use the toilet before or in between deliveries. Keep an eye on her, she may start giving birth to the next pup at the same time.

Once the labour is complete, provide the new mother with some food and drink and help her out. The last may prove difficult, however once you've succeeded, remove and replace the soiled covers and then leave the new family alone for some time.

If your dog doesn't feel inclined to care for her pups, you may need to take over (consult your veterinarian immediately in this case), especially if this lack of interest goes on for more than an hour. Sometimes, hand-rearing is necessary, this is due to parental neglect, or the mother lacks the ability to produce milk for the pups.