Whelping

Whelping, or puppy birth, can be an uncomplicated process or be a life-threatening emergency. Some dogs, such as the toy breeds, bulldogs and other round-headed breeds, are well known for having problems delivering puppies.

General Information

The gestation length for dogs averages 63 days, but may be as short as 58 or as long as 70 days. In dogs, it has been found that they have a brief temperature drop before going into labor. Taking your dogs temperature morning and night the last week of her pregnancy may help you predict when the puppies will come. (Normal body temperature for dogs is 101.0^o F to 102.5^o F.) The temperature drop is usually to less than 100.0^o F.

The dam should also be fed a high quality growth formula food during the latter half of her pregnancy and during lactation. Calcium supplements should only be given as directed by your veterinarian.

Another good idea is to have the dog radiographed (x-ray) during her last week of pregnancy. This can tell you the number and size of puppies which will help you and your veterinarian be better prepared for the new litter.

Normal Parturition - 3 stages

Stage 1 - This first stage of labor is noticed as restlessness, panting, loss of appetite, shivering and perhaps vomiting. Dogs may also try to build a nest. This stage generally lasts 6-12 hours. No obvious contractions occur.

Stage 2 - Stage 2 labor is when the puppies are born. You will notice obvious straining and contractions. It usually takes 1-2 hours of this effort before the first puppy is born. After the first pup the mother may rest for just a few minutes or several hours. The contractions and straining will start again 5-30 minutes before the next pup. If the dog is actively straining for more than 30-60 minutes without delivering a pup you should call your veterinarian for assistance.

In general, small litters tend to have more time between pups and large litters frequently have 2-3 pups in rapid succession.

Stage 3 - This final stage of labor is when the placentas will be expelled that didn’t already pass with the puppies. Retained placentas can be a source of infection and illness in the mother dog.

Delivery

As the puppies are born, the dam should remove the membranes surrounding the newborn, sever the umbilical cord and maybe eat the placenta. If she doesn’t clean up the puppy quickly, you may need to help her out by clearing the puppy’s nose and mouth. Vigorously rubbing the puppy with a soft cloth will stimulate breathing and activity. If the mother doesn’t sever the umbilical cord, you can use dental floss to tie a knot around the cord about 1/4 inch from the puppy’s belly. Be sure to cut the cord on the placenta-side of the knot.

Dystocia

Dystocia, or difficult birth, is characterized by protracted or strenuous straining for more than 1 hour without a puppy being born. This is an emergency. Both the well-being of the dam and her puppies are at risk.

Responsibility

Having a litter of puppies is fun, hard work and a big responsibility. Due to the tremendous dog overpopulation problem in this country, we strongly recommend spaying all female dogs. This can be done soon after the puppies are weaned to prevent another litter.