Want to increase your female dog’s chances of a successful pregnancy? In this in-depth webinar, Dr. Marty Greer, Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health, shares her knowledge, recommendations and insights on canine pregnancy, reproduction and prenatal care. Backed by years of experience in dog breeding and veterinary pediatrics, Dr. Greer walks you through essential steps like progesterone timing, puppy count X-rays, prenatal nutrition, whelping prep, and C-section planning.

Whether you’re new to breeding or a seasoned dog breeder, you’ll discover veterinary-approved breeding tips to support healthy pregnancies and improve litter outcomes. This educational webinar is ideal for kennel owners, professional breeders, and anyone caring for pregnant dogs.

Give your breeding program a strong foundation—watch this expert-led session designed to help you prepare, plan, and succeed.

View Dr. Greer’s 6 P’s of Successful Dog Breeding Handout

Watch the full webinar to hear all of Dr. Greer’s expert recommendations and insights.

Boost Canine Fertility & Whelping Success with Dr. Marty Greer

Progesterone Testing

Understanding progesterone testing and vaginal cytology is essential for successful canine breeding. Progesterone helps pinpoint ovulation and ideal breeding times, since dogs ovulate immature eggs that take 2 to 3 days to mature. Breeding should typically occur 2 to 3 days after ovulation, depending on semen type. Vaginal cytology supports timing by identifying changes in vaginal cells during the heat cycle, helping determine when to begin progesterone testing or confirm if a female is in heat. Unlike LH or estrogen tests—which are less practical in clinical settings—progesterone levels offer consistent, reliable insight. Monitoring signs like male interest and vaginal cytology results further refines timing. While each veterinary practice may interpret progesterone results slightly differently, this hormone remains the gold standard for managing breeding, whelping, and planning C-sections. Proper technique, including using a long, plastic-handled swab and rolling samples onto slides, can help breeders perform cytology themselves or in partnership with their veterinarian.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care in breeding dogs starts with nutrition—diet is the foundation of fertility and healthy pregnancies. Royal Canin HT42D or Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20, both provide critical micronutrients like amino acids and DHA that support conception, fetal development, and brain health in puppies. Raw or grain-free diets, especially those heavy in peas, are not recommended due to risks like pyometra and poor fertility. Supplements also matter: Breeder’s Edge Oxy Mate provides folic acid to reduce birth defects like cleft palates (particularly in breeds like pugs and Chihuahuas), while Breeder’s Edge B Strong can help trigger delayed heat cycles. Probiotics like Doc Roy’s GI Synbiotics help support postpartum health. Maintain an ideal body condition score—neither too thin nor too fat—to support cycling and pregnancy. Heartworm, flea, and tick preventives must be chosen carefully. Revival’s Flea and Tick Finder can help you find a safe option for your breeding dogs. Intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms can transmit to puppies during pregnancy or nursing, so targeted deworming protocols are essential. If you’re having fertility challenges, my first three questions will always be: what do you feed, what else do you feed, and what supplements are you using?

Puppy Count X-Rays

Puppy count X-rays are second only to well-timed breeding in ensuring successful whelping outcomes, helping determine if a C-section is needed due to too many (e.g., over nine) or too few (e.g., just one) puppies, and confirming when labor is complete to avoid life-threatening complications. For the most accurate results, take your pregnant dog to the vet fasting, make sure she has a bowel movement beforehand (even using a paper match or suppository if needed), and get two digital X-ray views—one with her right side down, one with her left—between day 55 of pregnancy and before labor starts. These steps reduce interference from food or fecal matter and help avoid missed puppies, as switching sides often reveals hidden pups that a single view could miss.

Preparing for Whelping

Preparing for whelping requires a well-organized, fully stocked kit—ideally kept in a clean container—and includes essentials like a whelping box, whelping nest, Breeder’s Edge Repeat Whelping Pads, a Puppywarmer incubator, and oxygen concentrator, especially for brachycephalic breeds. Key supplies include Breeder’s Edge Oral Cal Plus calcium gel to support contractions, oxytocin (used only with veterinary guidance), tools for clearing airways (like a DeLee mucus trap and bulb syringe), glucose for energy, thermometers, digital scales for tracking puppy weight, and a detailed chart for health monitoring. Gloves, hygiene supplies like chlorhexidine, nursing and feeding tools (bottles, nipples, Miracle Nipple, feeding tubes, and formula such as Breeder’s Edge Foster Care) are also vital. Tube feeding, with proper technique, can save runts that might otherwise fail to thrive, and cord care using tincture of iodine prevents infection. With the right preparation, even vulnerable puppies can grow into strong, healthy dogs. Revival’s Whelping Kit is a one-stop-shop for whelping supplies!

Planning for a Dog C-Section

Planning a C-section requires coordination with your veterinarian well in advance—ideally scheduling around 63 days post-ovulation, subtracting one to two days for brachycephalics or large litters—to avoid emergencies and maximize survival rates, which are shown to be 5–6% higher than vaginal births. Prepare a well-stocked whelping kit, especially if traveling, and ensure your vet uses safe anesthesia protocols and pain management. Avoid outdated or risky practices or skipping proper anesthesia. A trained, task-assigned surgical team is essential for efficient delivery and puppy resuscitation, and under no circumstance should a spay be performed during the procedure. Investing in a quality C-section, not a discounted one, can make all the difference in puppy survival and maternal care.

Provider Care

Provider care is crucial—choose a veterinarian and team you trust and work with consistently, rather than hopping between clinics for the cheapest services, which disrupts continuity of care and weakens your relationship with those who will be there in a crisis. A strong, reliable partnership with a single veterinary provider ensures better communication, understanding, and support when you need it most. For further guidance, consider resources such as Dr. Greer’s Canine Reproduction and Neonatology book.

Watch the full webinar above to hear all of Dr. Greer’s expert recommendations and insights.

For more expert advice on canine fertility, dog breeding success, and pregnancy management, give us a call at 800.786.4751.