My dog is going to have puppies soon, but I am a little worried because this is her first litter. Where I am staying she has to stay outside on a chain. Is is sanitary for her to have them in the dirt? Is there anything in particular I need to do? Please respond, I am nervous about it, even though I know I probably shouldn't. Thanks.
Well, out in the wild they run off to a secluded spot to have the pups, I don't think a spot out in the middle of your yard will cut it. Maybe, for the time being, you could put her in another room and put some blankets down in the corner. If you can't do that, put her in your room, and sleep on the couch for a little while.
You should absolutley let her inside to have the pups. They will be wet and slimy a bit upon birth so you dont want all that dirt outside to stick to them. I have never had a dog that had puppies, so I really dont know much about it. You should call a vet and ask them for some pointers or general info that will be useful to you. But I think you should definatley bring her in to a comfortable warm soft place for the puppies to be born, for her sake and the puppies as well.
At the very least, give her a "whelping" box. Search this on the internet and you'll get some good ideas. She'll need an enclosed area, with blankets and some protection from the elements if you can't bring her inside (which is the best thing to do if it's at all possible). As well, the puppies will benefit from the cleaner environment of a whelping box. Good luck.
Well she had them last night. 7 of them and they are beautiful. I have decided to keep them outside and put some hay a box that she has. She is a wonderful mom. Thanks for the advice.
Take the dog to the vet. When she has the pups they can bathe the dog and wash off the pups. It's a natural thing for animals to give birth but I feel no one should have to do it outside. (That's mean. You wouldn't want to lie in the dirt and give birth.) SHe will need to be fed to keep up her stength and the pups have to be kept clean.
