There’s nothing quite like the first time a dog gives birth to puppies. Pups might have been something we always wanted, but now that they’ve arrived, it can be hard to know how to handle it all. This blog post will discuss what we need to know about pregnant dogs and how we can help them give birth.
How to Prepare for a Dog’s Pregnancy
If we’re thinking about breeding our dog or if our dog is already pregnant, there are a few things we should do to prepare for her big day.
- Make sure she is up to date on all of her vaccinations. This will help protect her and her puppies from disease. Next, start feeding her high-quality puppy food. This will give her the extra nutrients to support herself and her developing puppies.
- It would help if we also started taking her temperature regularly. Normal dog body temperature is between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Suppose our dog’s temperature drops below 100 degrees or 103 degrees. This could signal that something is wrong, and we should contact our vet immediately.
- Ensure we have everything we need when our dog goes into labour. This includes clean towels, a heating pad, and gauze if the delivery doesn’t go smoothly and we need to tie off the umbilical cord.
What to Expect During Labour and Delivery
It is usual for dogs to start showing signs of labour anywhere from 58-68 days after the last day of their heat cycle. During delivery, our dog’s temperature will drop slightly, and she will start to experience contractions. She may also vomit or have diarrhoea as her body expels the mucus plug blocking her cervix.
As labour progresses, our dog will become more restless and may even try to nest by digging at her bedding or pacing back and forth. When ready to deliver, she will lie down on her side and push. Each puppy will be born inside its amniotic sac, which our dog will break open with her teeth. Letting her do this alone is vital, as intervening could cause her to reject the puppies.
After each puppy is born, our dog will lick it clean and cut the umbilical cord with her teeth. She may eat the placenta, which is perfectly normal and provides valuable nutrients. Once all the puppies are born, our dog will settle in for a long rest period. It is essential to give her plenty of quiet during this time so she can bond with her new babies undisturbed.
What to Do in the Aftermath of Labour
Once our dog has given birth, taking care of her and her puppies is essential. Here are some things we should do in the aftermath of labour:
- Provide our dog with a comfortable place to recover, such as a crate or pen. She will likely want to lie down and rest after giving birth.
- Offer her plenty of food and water. Birth is strenuous work, and she will be hungry and thirsty.
- Keep an eye on her temperature. A normal temperature for a dog is between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Call a veterinarian if her temperature drops below 100 or rises above 103.
- Check her vulva for discharge and swelling. After birth, there should be bloody discharge from the vulva, but it shouldn’t be excessive.
- The vulva should also return to its average size within 24 hours. Call a vet if you see excessive bleeding or if the vulva isn’t returning to normal.
- Observe the puppies closely. Make sure they are nursing and gaining weight. Call a doctor immediately if one has any concerns about their health.
What If My Dog Has a Problem?
If our dog is having difficulty giving birth, there are a few things we can do to help. First, ensure that she is in a quiet, comfortable place where she will not be disturbed. Then, check to see if the puppies are positioned correctly for delivery. If they are not, gently assist the dog in repositioning them. Contact a trusted veterinarian immediately if the dog is bleeding excessively or in distress.
Dogs and the Miracle of Life
Dogs giving birth is a beautiful yet challenging event. It’s essential to be prepared and have everything on hand, including a clean area for the dog to give birth in, plenty of towels, and some form of pain relief if needed. Be sure to stay calm and reassure the dog throughout the process. Handling dogs giving birth can be a rewarding experience with proper preparation and care.
