Hi Tyler,

What kind of dog do you have? There are certain breeds of dogs (English Bulldogs, for example) which are more prone to problems while giving birth. Some of these dogs will need C-sections.

However, ANY breed of dog will benefit from a pre-whelping exam. The doctor will check to make sure there is enough milk and that the mother is healthy. An xray is usually recommended which will tell you how many pups to expect.

The vet will likely not keep the mother in the hospital unless there is cause for concern. Make sure you know all the signs of impending labor and you know what to do when the whelping begins. You should also know what to look for if the delivery runs into problems.

How long has your dog been pregnant? This can be helpful to tell you when labor will start.

Good luck
drphilvegasvet