whelps

Whelps is a term used to refer to the young of certain mammals, most commonly dogs. The term specifically denotes a litter of newborn puppies, often before they are weaned. The word whelp can also be used as a verb, meaning to give birth to young, particularly in the context of canines. Other animals, such as lions, tigers, bears, and seals, are also said to whelp when they give birth. The duration of whelping varies by species. For dogs, the gestation period is typically around 63 days. The whelping process itself can take several hours, with puppies being born at intervals. Newborn whelps are born blind and deaf, relying entirely on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and care. They develop rapidly, opening their eyes and ears within a couple of weeks. The term whelp can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying something small or insignificant, but its primary meaning is simply the offspring of certain animals.