Oh Doganjo that must have been distressing. What is the purpose of clipping? Is it just to try and encourage the bitch not to chew too close to pup and prevent injury/hernias or is there another reason.
Just read about the herpes infection - sounds nasty. Not such a problem for older dogs just whelping then.
My pups breeder talked about injections the bitch had been given. Thought he mentioned parvo being given at a certain time in order that pups had maximum protection.
I put the clips on to stop the bitch chewing the cord too short, or tugging, and as a direct consequence of that incident. Never want to repeat that!
If you try to cut or tear the cord yourself or the bitch does then the risk of hernia is increased.
Your bitch should already be protected against parvo and that immunity will be passed on to her pups but only for a certain length of time. So make sure she is kept away from any other dogs while you have them, and not walked where other dogs have been. I keep my bitches at home for the first few weeks after whelping, and my other dogs too, but I have enough ground for that. Plus I give them mental stimuli so they don't need so much physical exercise. I would check with your vet whether it is safe to give her any injections at all while she is in whelp. Personally I prefer to have everything dealt with before mating - health tests, vaccinations, worming etc.
Unfortunately, I no longer have any breeding bitches and I wouldn't breed in this economic climate anyway. Perhaps I will in the future, but it will be at least 3 years from now, more likely to be more than that, depending on when I can find a bitch pup with my own lines.
You shouldn't need your vet - most whelpings go by the book, but have his number to hand just in case.
I well remember the night Sandy had her first lab litter, She called me about 11.30 pm I think - I was there helping for 4 hours till the first 6 or so were born! Was it Christmas time?
It was a long night - but so exciting
, and not a breed I had whelped before, Islay was so good - good luck with yours. Be prepared and enjoy it. Sandy has whelped three or is it four litters now so quite experienced.