A sick pup won't gain or will lose weight, and this will be the first sign of illness. Good health can be maintained by disinfecting the pups' navels with half-strength tincture of iodine a couple times a day until it dries up and falls off. The most common cause of puppy death is infection via the belly button. Dr. Burke recommends that bitches be given a shot of oxytocin within a day of delivery so that all placental remnants are expelled from the uterus. Normal discharge can last for two to three weeks.
Good planning is the key.
However, when a problem occurs, time is critical. Plan in advance with your veterinarian for the possible emergency at odd hours. For more information on animal health, contact your local veterinarian.