Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping in Puppies: Healthier Newborns

Cut the Cord? Why You Should Wait

In recent decades, human medicine has shifted dramatically toward delayed cord clamping (DCC) over immediate cord clamping (ICC). The World Health Organization recommends delaying cord clamping for all births, regardless of delivery method or term status, due to its clear health benefits.

As dog breeders and veterinary professionals, we can learn from this research and apply the same principles to newborn puppies. In fact, delayed cord clamping may be one of the easiest and most effective interventions to improve puppy outcomes—especially in small, premature, or compromised neonates.

The Science Behind Delayed Cord Clamping

Studies in human infants show that waiting just 1–3 minutes before cutting the umbilical cord results in:

Up to 30% increase in blood volume
Improved haematological status (higher haematocrit, haemoglobin, and iron levels)
Reduced need for transfusions in premature infants
Lower rates of late-onset sepsis and intraventricular haemorrhage

For full-term vaginal deliveries in humans, a 2–5 minute delay is ideal. In caesareans and pre-term births, even a 45-second delay can significantly improve outcomes compared to 20 seconds.

What This Means for Puppies

Unlike humans, dogs have multiple offspring per pregnancy. Each puppy travels down the uterus with its own placenta still attached. That placenta acts like a biological “to-go-bag,” supplying oxygen-rich blood even after uterine detachment—and even during the puppy’s journey through the birth canal.

Why is this important?

The placenta continues to provide blood and oxygen for a short time after birth. If clamped too early, puppies may lose up to 30% of their potential blood volume. This can result in:

Hypovolaemia (low blood volume)
Low blood pressure
Reduced cardiac output
Poor oxygenation and perfusion of organs

These effects can compromise a newborn’s chance of survival, especially in weak or struggling puppies.

Practical Tips for Breeders at Home

In most home whelping situations, breeders can make the biggest difference. Follow these best practices:

Delay cord clamping for 2–5 minutes after birth (or 45 seconds in caesarean sections)
Do not rush to cut the cord, even if you begin drying and stimulating the puppy
If possible, hold the placenta above the puppy to help blood drain towards the neonate (though this is not yet proven effective in dogs)
Watch for early placental detachment or bitches who aggressively chew cords—intervene if necessary
Track the number of placentas—a retained placenta can lead to infection and require veterinary care

What Is Haematocrit and Why Does It Matter?

Haematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a puppy’s blood. Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body and remove carbon dioxide. A higher haematocrit means better oxygen delivery—essential for newborn puppies adapting to life outside the womb.

If blood volume is too low (hypovolaemia), organs can fail to receive enough oxygen, which impairs function and reduces survival chances.

What If the Placenta Doesn’t Come Out?

Normally, the placenta follows the puppy within minutes. If a placenta hasn’t passed within 20 minutes or if your bitch continues to have dark green discharge, it may be retained.

Watch for signs of:

Foul-smelling or excessive discharge
Fever or lethargy in the bitch
Incomplete expulsion of placental tissue

Seek veterinary assistance promptly.

Final Thoughts: Take the Free Blood

The blood inside the placenta is one of the best freebies you’ll ever get. By simply delaying clamping the cord for a few minutes, you give your puppies a better start in life.

In fact, when performing resuscitation or stimulation, you can often do this with the cord still attached—allowing blood transfer to continue uninterrupted.