Whelping French Bulldogs at Home a Safe Option

Whelping French Bulldogs at home can be a safe and rewarding experience for breeders, as long as they have the right knowledge and support. With proper preparation and care, French Bulldog mothers can have a successful and healthy whelping experience.

French Bulldogs typically have a relatively easy whelping process, with most births occurring within 10-15 minutes of active labor. However, it's essential to be prepared for any complications that may arise.

Having a whelping kit on hand is crucial for a safe and successful whelping experience. This kit should include essential items such as a scale, thermometer, and clamps.

Before whelping, it's essential to create a safe and comfortable space for the mother and her puppies. This whelping box should be large enough for the mother and her puppies to move around comfortably, but not so large that the puppies could get lost or separated from their mother.

You'll also need to gather various supplies, such as clean towels, heating pads, a thermometer, lubricant, scissors, and a suction bulb to clear the airways of the puppies.

Suggestion: English Bulldog Pup

To prepare the mother, she should be given a healthy and balanced diet leading up to the whelping process, and her temperature should be monitored daily.

It's also crucial to set up a whelping box with vinyl flooring, which is easy to hose off and disinfect, and a metal pen to contain the whelping area and keep poop and pee off the carpet.

Here are some essential items to include in the whelping box:

• Whelping pad/blankets

• Heating pad

• Heat lamp

• Thermometer

• Puppy potty training pads

• Turf mat

Remember to keep the whelping box clean and well-maintained to prevent disease and keep the mother and puppies healthy.

Consider reading: Healthy English Bulldog

As you prepare for the big day, it's essential to create a safe and comfortable environment for your mother and her puppies. Create a whelping box that's large enough for the mother and her puppies to move around comfortably, but not so large that the puppies get lost or separated from their mother.

Gather essential supplies, such as clean towels, heating pads, a thermometer, lubricant, scissors, and a suction bulb to clear the airways of the puppies. These will come in handy during the whelping process.

Monitor the mother's temperature daily leading up to the expected delivery date. A healthy and balanced diet is also crucial for the mother, so ensure she's getting the nutrients she needs.

Before the puppies arrive, set up a whelping box with a heat source, such as a heat lamp or a heating pad. A programmable thermostat can help regulate the temperature. You can also use a turf mat over puppy pads to make cleanup easier and prevent disease.

It's also a good idea to have a thermometer in the room to monitor the temperature. The mother's crate should be set up next to the whelping box with vinyl, whelping pads, or a tarp underneath it for easy cleanup.

A word of caution: the mother's behavior may change after the puppies are born, so be prepared to adjust her diet and provide extra care.

Here's an interesting read: French Bulldogs Gassy

Reducing fatigue is crucial during whelping, especially for French Bulldogs with multiple puppies.

Frenchies have small pelvises, which makes natural birth more challenging due to their puppies' large heads.

A natural birth requires lots of energy, which can tire your dog.

As you bring your new furry family home, keep in mind that it will take mom 24-72 hours to become comfortable with her surroundings.

You'll want to separate her from the puppies even when you're not with her, as she may not be fully aware of her surroundings due to the drugs and anesthesia.

Limit interactions with mom, as accidents can happen and she may cause injury to the pups.

Be cautious about allowing mom to clean the puppies, especially within the first 72 hours, as she may accidentally injure them.

If you're lucky, mom will be receptive to cleaning the puppies, so try putting the puppy's behind in her face and letting her sniff and lick.

I once had a litter where mom had injured a pup just hours after birth, so it's essential to keep a close eye on them.

If mom does need to be given calcium, a daily support like Oxy momma can be a great option, as it provides all vital nutrients for recovering and nursing moms.

Fenugreek can also be given as lactation support, and when we use it, we give three pills a day until her breath smells like maple syrup and milk comes in, which can take a few days.

If mom's milk doesn't come in with normal support, domperidone may be given, but this needs to be prescribed by your vet and can take at least 24 hours to kick in.

As you prepare for the whelping process, it's essential to be attentive and alert. The mother will usually become restless and may pant or pace as the delivery time approaches.

You should monitor her behavior closely and be ready to assist if necessary. This may involve gently pulling on the puppies to help them out, clearing the airways, and cutting the umbilical cords.

After the delivery, you should monitor the puppies to ensure they are breathing and nursing properly. You should also weigh them daily to ensure they are gaining weight.

Here are some key steps to take during the whelping process:

The whelping process can be a nerve-wracking experience, but being prepared can make all the difference. You should monitor the mother's behavior closely, as she will usually become restless and may pant or pace as the delivery time approaches.

The mother's behavior is a clear sign that she's getting ready to give birth. It's essential to be attentive and alert during this time to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you notice any unusual behavior, it's best to consult with a veterinarian.

As the delivery approaches, you should be prepared to assist with the process if necessary. This may involve gently pulling on the puppies to help them out, clearing their airways, and cutting the umbilical cords.

Here are the key steps to take during the whelping process:

Monitoring the puppies after delivery is crucial to ensure they're breathing and nursing properly. You should also weigh them daily to ensure they're gaining weight.

Yes, French Bulldogs can give birth naturally. However, a natural birth is not advisable for Frenchies as it comes with lots of risks. Frenchies have a unique body shape that can make natural births complicated, and their babies are often larger than their mother's pelvis. Natural birth can lead to complications such as cesarean sections or even the death of the mother or puppies.

A natural birth comes with certain risks for your Frenchie.

Inverted hind feet or metatarsal hyperextension is common in large litters due to pups being cramped in the womb.

Treatment for this condition includes physical therapy at every feeding, moving the feet and legs gently in the direction they need to go, and bumpy bedding to help build muscle and strength. By 6-8 weeks, pups should be back to normal and will live a completely normal life.

Pelvic abnormalities are a major issue for French Bulldogs, making it hard for the head to go through the pelvis. This is because Frenchies have a small pelvis and it won't expand during the whelping process.

Lack of proper expansion makes natural birth impossible and increases the chances of fatal deliveries.

French Bulldogs typically give birth to litters of 1-4 puppies, with an average of 2-3 puppies per litter. This is due to their small uterus size.

As a breeder, I've seen that French Bulldog pregnancies last around 58-68 days, with the average being 63 days. This is slightly shorter than other breeds.

French Bulldogs often experience whelping difficulties due to their narrow pelvic canal, which can make delivery more challenging.

Colostrum is the first milk produced by a mother, and it's a game-changer for newborn puppies.

It's full of vital nutrients, white blood cells, and antibodies that boost immunity, gut function, and digestive health.

This first milk is usually golden yellow in color but can range from clearish and light/pale yellow, also known as liquid gold.

Colostrum has a laxative effect that helps clear meconium, the puppy's first poop, which is thick, sticky, and dark.

Meconium is made of fats, proteins, mucus, bile, and cells the puppy ingested inside its mother.

As a new mom, it's essential to check for colostrum in the days leading up to labor and the day the puppies are born.

Milk drop takes a few days to come in, so initially, pups will only be eating colostrum.

As you wait for your French bulldog to give birth, it's essential to recognize the signs that indicate labor is near. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:

Nesting is a common sign that labor is approaching, often accompanied by restlessness and pacing.

Puppies typically start showing labor signs 24-48 hours before whelping, which can include vomiting or diarrhea.

A drop in body temperature is a significant indicator, and you should have your dog go to the bathroom and retake her temperature in 30 minutes to an hour to confirm the drop.

If the temperature stays low, it's likely go-time!

Here are some signs to look out for when labor is imminent:

Keep an eye on your dog's temperature and behavior, and be prepared to head to the vet when you notice these signs.

Puppy care and development is a crucial aspect of whelping French Bulldogs.

French Bulldog puppies are born with their eyes closed, but they begin to open around 10-14 days after birth.

The mother's milk is rich in antibodies that help protect the puppies from infections during the first few weeks.

Puppies start to crawl and move around at around 2-3 weeks old, and their eyes are fully open by around 3-4 weeks.

French bulldog mothers need assistance with cleaning their puppies after birth and tying their umbilical cords.

You'll also need to tidy up the delivery area to keep everything clean and safe for the puppies.

If the mother's vaginal canal rips, tears, or bleeds, you or a veterinarian will need to suture her.

She may also require antibiotics and painkillers to ensure her recovery.

A C-section is the safest way for French bulldogs to give birth, so be prepared for a surgical delivery.

After a C-section, the mother will need time to heal and adequate space to nurse her puppies.

For the first few weeks, keep a close eye on the puppies to make sure they don't scuff her stitches.

This requires careful monitoring to prevent any complications or injuries.

In the first few weeks, the puppies will rely on their mother's milk for nutrition, so ensure she has access to a safe and comfortable place to nurse them.

As they grow, the puppies will need regular check-ups with a veterinarian to monitor their health and development.

Related reading: Why Are French Bulldogs so Popular

At 2 weeks, you'll start to notice some exciting developments in your puppies. You can begin feedings every 2.5-3 hours, which will help keep them satisfied and energized.

Nail cutting is relatively easy at this stage, and you can use human nail clippers to snip their talons. Eyes will start to open, although it's not uncommon for some litters to start opening their eyes as early as 3 days old.

If your puppies experience any issues with vomiting after eating mush, try offering a super-soaked food that's lightly mashed but still chunky. This can help alleviate any discomfort they may be feeling.

Don't forget to set up a vet appointment as soon as possible for their check-up before they go home. This check-up typically takes place between 6-7 weeks of age, just one week before they'll be leaving with their new families.

By 3-3.5 weeks, your puppy's teeth will start coming in. At this time, it's essential to introduce mush to their diet. We soak the puppy kibble in Leerburg Formula until it's soft and then blend it in a blender until it's mousse-like. This helps them get used to the taste and texture of solid food.

We use muffin tins to feed our puppies, as they keep them cleaner and separated. Once they're comfortable with licking mush, you can start them on a water bowl.

French bulldog mothers typically give birth to 2-4 puppies, but it's not uncommon for them to have up to 6.

As a responsible breeder, it's essential to have a whelping box ready for the new mother, which should be at least 2x3x4 feet in size.

The whelping box should be lined with towels or blankets and a heat source such as a heat lamp or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel.

French bulldog mothers need a safe and quiet place to deliver and care for their puppies, away from drafts and other pets.

The average weight of a newborn French bulldog puppy is around 1.5 pounds, and they should be able to stand and walk within the first few hours of birth.

For more insights, see: French Bulldogs and Heat