Even if you’ve helped deliver dozens of litters- it’s always a good idea to have a checklist to ensure you have all of the supplies you may need for that special moment. We do not recommend novices whelp by themselves for their first litter. Having experienced or professional veterinarian assistance and guidance can often be the difference between joy and tragedy.
Whelping Supplies You May Need
Some of these supplies are easy to find at your local pharmacy or medical supply store. Other items may be harder to find locally and may be better to order online.
It’s important to ensure you have all necessary supplies on hand to provide the best care for your animals. Always check the availability and expiration dates of your supplies regularly. Proper preparation can make a significant difference in the outcome of whelping.
This list was compiled with the assistance and guidance from our good friend and breeding specialist Dr. Marty Greer at Veterinary Village.
We highly recommend consulting with a veterinary professional for any specific needs or concerns. Regularly updating your knowledge on whelping practices can also be beneficial.
1. Bulb syringe – to suction mouths of newborns
2. DeLee Mucus Trap – to suction newborns' airways
3. Exam gloves, latex or vinyl – to protect breeders from vaginal discharges and placental fluids and the bitch from ascending infections
4. K-Y Jelly® – to lubricate gloves if vaginal examination is indicated
5. Hemostats – to clamp off umbilical cords
6. Suture or dental floss – to tie off umbilical cords
7. Tincture of Iodine - to treat the umbilicus at birth, 2 and 8 hours post partum
8. Chlorhexidine disinfectant solution – to disinfect surfaces in the whelping and nursery areas
9. Heating pads, rice bags, or Snuggle Safe® – to keep pups warm during transport
10. Puppy formula – if supplemental feeding is indicated
11. Feeding tube – for tube feeding puppies – there are red rubber feeding tubes and silicone tubes
12. Hair blow-dryer - to aid in drying wet puppies.
Thanks to Dr. Marty Greer for sharing this valuable content from her Breeder’s Library
Her book “Canine Reproduction & Neonatology” is invaluable to breeders and is available on Amazon.