When your dog is giving birth, his instincts take over, so you shouldn't interfere. However, if your dog is pregnant, you should know what will happen when your dog gives birth and how to help with the delivery if needed. Certain purebred breeds tend to have some problems during labor. If you have a bulldog or pug, for example, preparing for labor is crucial. For other dog breeds, make sure you consult with your veterinarian first and take your pregnant dog for a check-up.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Labor
Step 1. Take your dog to the vet
If you are planning a pregnancy for your dog, take him to the vet for a checkup before mating. Re-check your dog about 30 days after the pregnancy progresses. If the pregnancy is unplanned, get your dog checked by the vet as soon as you learn of the pregnancy.
- If you are planning on mating your dog, it is best to wait until he is 24 months old. When he is old enough, your dog's health problems will be visible.
- Some breeds of dogs are more likely to have genetic health problems such as dental problems, kneecap dislocations, hip dysplasia, spinal problems, allergies, heart problems, and/or behavioral problems. It's important to be aware of these health issues before mating a dog.
Step 2. Be careful when giving your dog any medication or vaccines that are pregnant
Do not give your dog any medication that is unsafe for pregnancy, unless instructed by your veterinarian. You can't get vaccinated either.
- Dogs should be vaccinated before they become pregnant so that the mother dog's antibodies can pass down to her puppies. However, if you have not been vaccinated before, do not vaccinate your dog while you are pregnant because some vaccines can harm the developing fetus or fetus.
- If you are taking flea medication, make sure the product you are using is safe for a pregnant dog.
- Make sure that your dog is free of worms. Untreated parents will pass on roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms to their offspring.
Step 3. Understand the normal development of a dog's pregnancy
The normal gestation period for dogs is about 58 to 68 days. Try to accurately mark when fertilization occurs so that you can anticipate the birth process correctly.
- When you are 45 days pregnant, your vet can take an X-ray of your dog's womb to find out how many puppies are in the womb.
- You can also watch your dog's behavior when he's about to build a nest and shows a tendency to distance himself; these behaviors are normal and natural to happen.
Step 4. Discuss the nutrition your dog needs with your veterinarian
Most non-obese pregnant dogs are required to eat puppy food for one-third to one-half of their gestational age.
- Puppy food usually has more calories than adult dog food, and these calories are needed by the mother dog to deliver nutrients to her fetus.
- Do not add extra calcium to your dog's diet unless advised by your veterinarian. Milk fever (a metabolic disease in the mother after giving birth) or eclampsia is quite common in small dogs in the weeks after giving birth. The disease is more likely to occur if the mother dog takes excessive calcium supplements during pregnancy.
Step 5. Have the vet take an X-ray of the dog's womb
Veterinarians can count the number of puppies in the womb by using X-rays when the dog is 45 days pregnant.
- If your dog is a large breed such as a German Shepherd or Labrador, the usual number of puppies is 10.
- If your dog is a small breed such as a chihuahua or a shih tzu, the usual number of puppies is 3 to 4 puppies.
- If the vet can only see one or two tails, there may be problems during the birthing process. If the number of puppies is less, it means the puppy is larger in size, and will not be able to go through the birth canal naturally. In such cases, caesarean section is the wisest option.
- Although a planned caesarean section will be more expensive, it will still cost less than an emergency caesarean section. So it is better to plan a C-section for your dog.
Step 6. Prepare a nest for your dog
About a week before the dog gives birth, prepare a nesting box in a quiet and isolated place for the delivery.
- Help your dog feel comfortable by setting up a box away from your other pets.
- You can use a box or a kiddie pool with bedding in the form of clean used towels or blankets.
Step 7. Prepare a home for the future puppies
As soon as you find out that your dog is pregnant, whether planned or not, start thinking about a home for your future puppies.
- If you can't find homes for all of your puppies, be prepared to nurse them until you find someone who can adopt them. Thousands of dogs end up in shelters because many irresponsible dog owners breed their dogs without thinking about a place to live for their puppies. Don't be like them.
- Be prepared to care for the puppy until at least 8 weeks before he leaves your home to live in a new home. In some areas such as California, it is illegal to adopt a puppy under 8 weeks of age.
- To ensure your puppies will be adopted in a good home, set up an interview process and ask potential owners a few questions to adopt your puppy. You can also sell your pup at a suitable price. That way, you can make sure that they are serious and committed to adopting the puppy.
Step 8. Purchase formula for your puppy before he is born
Newborn puppies should eat every 2-4 hours. Always have formula on hand just in case your pup is having trouble feeding his mother.
You can buy puppy formula at your nearest pet store
Step 9. Separate the mother dog for three weeks prior to delivery
To protect the mother dog and puppies from diseases such as canine herpes, separate her from other dogs for three weeks before giving birth.
You should also separate the mother dog from the other dogs for three weeks after giving birth
Part 2 of 3: Helping the Childbirth Process
Step 1. Pay close attention to the signs of labor
There will be several signs to help you anticipate your dog's labor; recognize the signs so you can be prepared when your dog is about to give birth.
- Your dog's nipples will appear enlarged when it's time to give birth because the milk will start to come out. This can happen over the course of a few days or during labor, so pay close attention.
- Your dog's vulva will begin to stretch for a few days before delivery.
- Your dog's temperature will drop a degree or two about 24 hours before delivery. Take your temperature every morning in the last weeks of pregnancy to find out your normal body temperature. To take your dog's temperature, grease the rectal thermometer and insert it about 1 cm deep. Leave the thermometer for about three minutes to get an accurate measurement. Your dog's normal body temperature is usually around 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. When you notice a drop in temperature of a degree or more, there's a good chance your dog will give birth in 24 hours or less.
- In the early stages of labor, the dog will be heard panting, whimpering, and making restless movements such as discomfort, or hiding. He may lose his appetite, but still provide water even though he may not drink it.
Step 2. Watch for contractions
Contractions in dogs will be easier to identify--contractions in dogs will form like waves along the stomach.
If you notice contractions and you think your dog is about to give birth, let her have access to the nest and monitor her development from a distance. Many dogs will give birth at night to get a lot of privacy. You don't need to be near him, but you should pay attention to the timing of the contractions and the birth process
Step 3. Supervise the delivery process
Always remember to supervise the delivery process from afar and don't interfere unless you need to.
Contractions will be more frequent and more noticeable as your dog approaches birth. She may give birth standing up, and it's okay to force your dog to lie down
Step 4. Watch the birth of each puppy
When she begins to give birth, always pay attention to every process of her birth and watch for signs of problems.
- Puppies will be born from the tail or head first; both are normal things to happen.
- Your dog will bark and whimper when the baby is born, which is normal. However, if your dog seems to be in a lot of pain, contact the vet as soon as possible.
- Typically, puppies will be born every thirty minutes or so, after the mother dog has pushed for ten to thirty minutes (although the time span can be as long as four hours in each birth). Call the vet if no puppies are born within 30-60 minutes of the intense contraction. Likewise when no more puppies were born during the four hours after the last birth but there are still puppies that have not been born.
Step 5. Monitor the development of each puppy after birth
Watch each puppy after birth and watch for signs of trouble, even if you don't have to interfere.
- When a puppy is born, it will be in a pouch; the mother dog will tear the pouch and chew on the placenta, then she will lick the puppy. It would be better if he did it without any human assistance, because it is part of the bond-building process between the mother dog and her puppies.
- However, if he doesn't tear the bag for two to four minutes, you should open the bag gently and make sure your hands are clean. Wipe any fluid from the puppy's nose and mouth, then rub the puppy vigorously and slowly to stimulate breathing.
- Make sure the puppy is born warm, however, you shouldn't interfere in the labor process unless you notice a problem. Neonatal births (for example, newborn puppies that only last a few hours or days) are common in mammals, so always be prepared for that possibility. If you see a puppy that is not breathing, try cleaning its mouth and stimulating its breathing by rubbing its body to see if it can breathe or not.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Dogs After Childbirth
Step 1. Continue to feed your dog high-calorie foods
Provide a menu of high-calorie foods (such as puppy food) to maintain nutrition during breastfeeding.
It is very important for both mother and puppies to get adequate nutrition. This can help the mother dog to return to health and help the puppy to grow and develop
Step 2. Supervise the mother dog for a few weeks after giving birth
Dogs are susceptible to certain diseases and complications after giving birth.
- Watch for signs of metritis (inflammation of the uterus), including fever, strange-smelling stools, lethargy, loss of appetite, reduced milk production, and disinterest in the puppy.
- Watch for signs of eclampsia, including tension, restlessness, disinterest in the puppy, and a gait that looks stiff and painful. If left untreated, eclampsia can cause muscle cramps, inability to stand, fever, and seizures.
- Watch for signs of mastitis (inflammation of the breast), which is a red, hard, painful mammary gland. The mother dog will try not to breastfeed her puppies, but you will have to force her to breastfeed. This will clear the infection without hurting the puppy.
Step 3. Always hope that everything goes smoothly, but you must remain alert in case of complications
Make sure the mother dog doesn't stop caring for her puppies or shows signs of illness after giving birth.
If this happens, contact your veterinarian to come to your home if needed
Necessary Things
- Rubber gloves (available at the nearest pharmacy)
- Clean towels and used blankets
- Sturdy box
- The vet's phone number (including emergency phone numbers) on your speed dial
- Puppy formula (just in case the puppy can't suckle)
Warning
Unsterilized female dogs have the potential to develop a uterine infection called pyometra after your dog has a fever. This condition is serious and can be life-threatening, and requires immediate veterinary care. Watch your dog after several cycles of fever to make sure that he is not showing signs of illness such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or excessive thirst
Tips
- Make sure your dog has plenty of room when giving birth.
- Write down and have your vet's phone number and emergency veterinary phone number ready in the days leading up to the birth.
- Keep children away from dogs and newborn puppies in the house. Dogs may be more protective and show signs of aggression, which is normal for some dog breeds. Do not allow your child to approach a newborn puppy as this could cause injury to the puppy. While your dog is giving birth, try to take him to a safe room out of reach of small children and other animals to calm the dog down. Help your dog if he starts to get anxious or in trouble. If necessary, pet the dog and say something to calm him down.
- Most dog deliveries go smoothly without serious complications; it is best to keep an eye on the delivery process from afar and assist the process if needed.
