GotoAID Dogs - Birthing (Whelping)

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Birthing (Whelping)

Whelping or giving birth comes naturally to most female dogs. Supervision and proper care of the neonatal pups following delivery is essential for their survival. Whelping occurs in several stages and can last anywhere from 24-36 hours depending on how many pups there are. If your female dog has been straining or pushing for more than 30 minutes, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Symptoms

Pregnant	Restlessness
Pain	Bleeding from Vagina
Bleeding	Discharge from Vagina
Panting	Frequent Urination
Vomiting	Passage of Feces

Steps

To pinpoint the first stage of labor is going to begin take her temperature rectally by having someone first restrain the front end of the dog by hugging her neck

Lubricate the thermometer with a water based lubricant such as KY Jelly and gently insert into the rectum and hold it in place for 3 minutes. Normal body temperature of dogs is 99-102 (37.8-39.2).

Remove the thermometer and wipe it clean and read the temperature, if the temperature drops 1-2 degrees from her normal temperature (usually 99 F - 102.5 F) you can predict she will go into labor within 24 hours

Trim any extremely long hair around the rear end with electric clippers

The mother will start pushing and the babies will start to come out but if the mother pushes and the baby does not come out after 20 minutes you will need to help

It is best to avoid taking an active role in the labor unless problems develop

Take a dry cloth and gently grasp and pull the puppy in a curved downward motion towards the mother's legs coinciding with the mother's pushing, making sure not to fight her body

If the female dog continues to strain and push for 20-30 minutes with no pups, seek immediate veterinary attention and DO NOT attempt to assist delivery without previous training or experience

After delivery the mother will lick and clean the baby but if she does not after 30 sec of birth you will need to break open the membrane and open it up and peel it away from the baby's face so it can breathe

If the baby does not appear to be breathing or crying within 10-30 sec then pick it up with a clean towel and vigorously rub him all over across and both sides of the chest to stimulate circulation and stop this when it begins breathing

If the rubbing does not help check inside the mouth and use a bulb-suction syringe to suck out any mucus or fluid in the nose or mouth

If a bulb syringe is unavailable support the puppy upside down between your legs and swing him in a rapid arcing motion to allow gravity to clear the lungs repeat 1-3 times as needed until the pup stats to breathe or cry out.

If the mother doesn't chew through the umbilical cord within 5 min then obtain some latex gloves, thread or dental floss, sharp scissors or scalpel blade and some iodine and soak the thread/dental floss, scissors/scalpel blade in a clean dish filled with iodine.

Tie a thread or dental floss around the umbilical cord in a double knot approximately 1/2 - 1 inch away from the puppy's body and then use very sharp scissors or scalpel blade to cut through the cord on the far side of the knot you just made (away from the puppy's body)

Dip the severed end of the cord in iodine to prevent bacteria from entering and leave the thread tied on as it will eventually dry up and fall off the body

The end attached to the placenta may bleed a little but the placenta will detach from the uterus, however if there is constant dripping of blood from the mother for more than 5-10 minutes you will need her to be checked by a vet immediately

After the babies are born give the mother some privacy so that oxytocin hormone can flow and she can produce milk

Ensure the mother is producing milk and all the pups are able to nurse and if the mother is having trouble giving milk after about 30 minutes you can stimulate the nipples with a warm wet washcloth and massage them gently

Have the puppy and mother checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

Warnings

DO NOT pull the baby out straight, pull it out gently in a C-shaped method

Keep an eye for discharge from the mother for 4 weeks and if has a foul odor or there's a lot of blood in it after 3 weeks after birth there could be an infection, take her to the vet

DO NOT interfere with the umbilical cord, the mother will take care of it in most cases

It is important that the female dog gives birth in a clean, dry, warm & quiet environment

Ensure your dog’s privacy with as few assistants as possible. Limit visitors in the first few days so the mother can bond with her pups

Tips

Pups are delivered normally within 10-20 minutes but because labour is so exhausting, it may take up to an hour before the female dog starts pushing again

If you have to pull out the baby it helps to have the mother standing so that gravity can help with the process

Keep puppies warm by using dry blankets and water bottles filled with hot water. (Be sure to wrap the hot water bottles in a towel or blanket before use).

Keep pups in a clean, warm, and dry environment

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