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Welcoming Our Golden Retrievers into the World: Being Prepared for the Birthing Process
Updated: Feb 26
Golden Retrievers hold a special place in our hearts with their gentle nature, intelligence, and loyalty. When one of our Goldens is expecting puppies, it’s always an exciting and heartwarming time in our household. Here, I’ll share how we care for our beloved dogs through the birthing process, from preparation to post-delivery care.
Pregnancy in Our Golden Retrievers
Pregnancy in our Golden Retrievers typically lasts between 58 and 68 days. During this time, we see noticeable changes in the mother as she prepares for the arrival of her puppies:
Behavioral Changes: Our expectant mom often becomes more affectionate and seeks out quiet spaces.
Physical Signs: Her belly grows rounder, her mammary glands enlarge, and she gains weight.
Appetite Shifts: Early in her pregnancy, she might eat less, but as the days go on, her appetite grows.
To ensure everything is progressing well we confirm the pregnancy, monitor the health of the puppies, and even get an idea of the litter size through ultrasounds or X-rays. This information helps us prepare for the big day.
How We Prepare for Whelping
Golden Retrievers need plenty of space to feel comfortable during whelping, so we create a dedicated area for the mother about two weeks before her due date. Here’s how we set it up:
Whelping Box: We use a large, sturdy pen with a door that has a low barrier so the mom can easily step in and out but high enough to keep the puppies safe.
Bedding: We line the box with soft, clean bedding that’s easy to replace.
Heat Source: If the area isn't warm enough, a heat lamp or pad can ensure the area stays warm for the puppies, who can’t regulate their temperature yet. In our home, we use a wood stove in winter months. Our whelping pen is right next to the wood burning stove which keeps it nice and warm.
Supplies: Clean towels, gloves, nose suction device, and scissors are kept nearby to assist as needed. We also have an incubator and oxygen concentrator just in case any puppies need extra assistance.
The Birthing Process
The birthing process unfolds in three stages, and each time, it’s a beautiful and unique experience for us.
Stage 1: Early Labor
During early labor, which lasts 6 to 12 hours, we notice signs like:
Restlessness and pacing.
Digging in her whelping box to make a nest.
Panting and occasional shivering.
We keep a close eye on our girls and take their temperature twice a day starting the week prior to their due dates. When their temperature drops to around 98°F, we know the puppies are coming soon. At that point, our whole family camps out in the living room. Nobody wants to miss the arrival of the puppies.
Stage 2: Delivery of Puppies
This is the most exciting part! Each puppy usually takes 20 to 60 minutes to arrive. Here’s what we do:
Monitoring: We watch for contractions and the appearance of each puppy. As long as momma has a puppy within an hour of having contractions, we just monitor. If she struggles for longer than an hour of pushing, then we will assist. Thankfully, our girls have never needed assistance with the birthing process.
Assisting with puppies: If the mother doesn’t remove the sac around a puppy, we gently step in, tear the sac, and rub the puppy with a clean towel to stimulate breathing. If the puppy struggles to breath, we will perform CPR. We also have an incubator and oxygen concentrator on hand just in case.
Encouraging: We encourage the mom to rest between puppies, especially if it’s a large litter. We give her tums and pudding between each puppy to give her the calcium and energy she needs.
Stage 3: Placenta Delivery
After each puppy, the placenta follows. We count the placentas to ensure none are retained, as this can lead to complications. While it’s normal and healthy for the mom to eat a few placentas, we make sure she doesn’t overdo it. Too many placentas can give her an upset stomach.
Caring for Our New Family
Once all the puppies have arrived, we shift our focus to ensuring everyone is comfortable and thriving:
Warmth: The puppies are kept warm with a heat lamp, heating pad, or the wood stove.
Nursing: We make sure each puppy gets a chance to nurse and receive colostrum, which is crucial for their immune systems.
Mom’s Recovery: Fresh water and high-quality food help the mom recover and produce plenty of milk. We make many batches of mother's pudding for our girls during and after whelping. We also make over easy eggs and give them all the food they want.
Health Checks: We keep an eye on both mom and puppies for any signs of distress or illness. We massage her teats twice a day to check for mastitis, and keep an eye on her temperature. The puppies get their weights measured daily to ensure proper growth and development.
When We Call the Vet
While we’ve been fortunate that our Goldens are great mothers, we’re always ready to call the vet if needed. Some situations that warrant a call include:
Labor lasting more than 24 hours.
Contractions for more than 1 hour without a puppy being born.
The mom showing signs of fever, distress, or rejecting her puppies.
Cherishing the Experience
Every time one of our Golden Retrievers gives birth, it’s a moment of joy and wonder. We feel privileged to care for these beautiful dogs and their puppies, ensuring they get the best possible start in life. Watching the puppies grow and thrive is a reward like no other, and it reminds us why we love our dogs so much.
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