whelping
birth
Quick Summary
Whelping refers to the act of giving birth, specifically used for canines and other carnivores. It is the process by which a mother animal delivers her young. For dogs, the gestation period typically lasts 63 days, though this can vary. While most dogs whelp naturally, certain breeds with large heads and short bodies, as well as toy breeds, may require cesarean sections for delivery. The broader term for the period of development from conception to birth in mammals is gestation.123
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