Cutting the umbilical cord

Question
I have a Boston Terrier that is due in a couple of weeks.  My question is about cutting the umbilical cord.  I have purchased a whelping kit that contains some umbilical tape and a pair of 4 1/2 inch scissors for cutting the cord.  Would you recommend that I use this or some other method.  Have you ever used umbilical tape before?

Answer
Hi Pam.  No, I have never used umbilical tape.  

I normally use (if necessary) dental floss.  Depending upon the experience of the mother dog, normally she will cut the cord and eat the afterbirth without any help from you.

If this is her first litter, she may not do it with the first puppy born, but normally by the time the second puppy is delivered, mother nature kicks in and she will do what comes naturally.

With my dogs, even if I try to help by cutting the cord, the mother dog will put her finishing touches on the cord, and remove the dental floss (or the umbilical tape).  So it really doesn't matter what you use.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.
Sincerely,
Penny DiLoreto
www.puppies-dot-com.com