Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for greyhound whelping
- Estimate and record anticipated greyhound whelping date
- Identify the whelping area
- Thoroughly clean the whelping area
- Line the whelping box with appropriate bedding
- Prepare the whelping box and bedding in a warm, dry, quiet place, according to industry rules and regulations, animal welfare and ethics codes of practice and requirements
- Prepare an action strategy that includes access to veterinary support in the case of difficulties presenting
- Monitor greyhound whelping
- Assist with greyhound whelping
- Ensure that the breeding greyhound female is in a safe and accessible place at the time of whelping
- Clear membranes from the pups, if the breeding greyhound female is unable to
- Tie off and treat the umbilical cord, if the greyhound breeding female does not chew through it
- Watch the breeding greyhound female closely between delivering puppies, and monitor bonding
- Record the time each pup is born and the colour, sex and weight of each pup
- Assist pups to attach to a nipple if necessary
- Ensure appropriate temperature of the newborn pups is maintained
- Conclude greyhound whelping
- Enable the breeding greyhound female to have a toilet break and give her a clean-up
- Encourage the breeding greyhound female to have some food and water
- Maintain whelping area and box and replace bedding as required
- Ensure the breeding greyhound female is settled and all the pups are suckling
- Arrange for a post-whelping check with a veterinarian and the safe disposal of stillborn pups, if required, and according to workplace processes and legislative requirements
- Complete greyhound registration processes