🏥 How Much Does Postnatal Care for a Dog Cost?

The cost of postnatal care varies based on your location, the specific services needed, and your vet clinic’s rates. On average, here’s what you might expect:

• C-section: $500 – $2,000+ (depending on emergency or scheduled, and location)
• Overnight vet stay: $150 – $600
• Postnatal checkups: $50 – $100 per visit
• Medications, worming, flea treatments: $30 – $150
• Whelping supplies: $100 – $300 (whelping box, heating pad, towels, gloves, etc.)

“I paid $1,200 for an emergency C-section when my dog went into labor at 2 a.m. Worth every penny, but I wish I’d known it was coming.” — Reddit user, r/dogs

🐶 What to Expect When Your Dog Is Pregnant

A dog’s pregnancy typically lasts around 63 days (about nine weeks). Here are signs to look for:

• Swollen belly and nipples
• Mild mood changes or increased affection
• Shedding around the abdomen
• Milky discharge in later stages
• “Swaying” or waddling walk as the pups develop
• Nesting behavior: digging or rearranging bedding

To confirm pregnancy, your vet may perform an ultrasound (around day 25) or X-ray (around day 45).

📋 How to Care for a Pregnant Dog at Home

1. Visit the vet regularly: Early checkups help detect complications and allow your vet to recommend prenatal vitamins or dietary changes.
2. Feed a quality diet: Switch to puppy food by week 5 of pregnancy—it’s higher in calories and nutrients. Continue until pups are weaned.
3. Prepare a whelping box: Place it in a quiet, warm area. Encourage your dog to sleep there so she feels comfortable before labor.
4. Limit strenuous activity: Gentle walks are okay, but avoid jumps, long hikes, or rough play.
5. Watch for signs of labor: Restlessness, panting, and loss of appetite are common. Temperature may drop below 99°F 24 hours before birth.

Example: Sarah, a golden retriever owner, noticed her dog scratching at blankets and refusing food. “She went into labor the next day. Thankfully, we had a whelping area set up already!”

🧼 After Birth: Postnatal Care Tips

Once the puppies are born, here’s what to do:

• Ensure pups are nursing within the first hour
• Keep the whelping box clean and warm (around 85°F for the first week)
• Monitor mom for infection signs: foul-smelling discharge, fever, or lack of appetite
• Schedule a vet visit within 24–48 hours for mom and pups
• Continue feeding mom puppy food while she nurses

If your dog had a C-section, follow post-surgical instructions closely. Keep the area clean, prevent licking, and administer any prescribed antibiotics or pain meds.

📆 When to Call the Vet

Contact your vet if you notice:

• Labor lasting more than 2 hours without a pup
• Green or black discharge before the first puppy
• Bleeding that seems excessive
• Fever, tremors, or weakness in mom

Even if everything seems fine, a postnatal vet visit ensures there are no retained placentas, infections, or hidden complications.

📦 Must-Have Supplies for Dog Pregnancy & Whelping

• Whelping box (with low sides and washable liner)
• Heating pad or lamp (safe and adjustable)
• Clean towels and puppy-safe wipes
• Latex gloves and scissors (for emergencies)
• Milk replacer (in case mom can’t feed)

You can find affordable kits online or make a DIY version using a large plastic storage bin and soft bedding.

✅ Final Thoughts

Dog pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and veterinary support, it can be a beautiful journey. Remember, early preparation, regular vet visits, and postnatal care are the keys to healthy puppies and a happy mama dog.

Whether you’re planning for future litters or caring for a surprise pregnancy, knowing what to expect makes all the difference.

Have questions about your dog’s pregnancy? Drop them in the comments or consult your vet for breed-specific guidance.