How can I help my dog have a natural birth?

Normally a natural birth needs little interference. Before labor, give a warm, comfortable, undisturbed space. Then wait; if the mother doesn’t bite open the sac after delivering, put on gloves, tear the membrane around the pup’s face and nose, tie the umbilical cord with thread, and cut the excess.

Place the pup by the mother, who will usually eat the placenta and start nursing. If there are many pups, feed the mother some wet food between deliveries to help her regain strength.