How to deliver a dog's puppies?

How to deliver a dog's puppies? - briefly

To assist in delivering a dog's puppies, ensure you have clean towels and warm water ready. When labor begins, monitor the mother closely; if she struggles for two hours without progress or appears distressed, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to deliver a dog's puppies? - in detail

Delivering a dog's puppies is a delicate and critical process that requires careful preparation, close monitoring, and sometimes professional assistance. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this important event:

1. Preparation:

   • Ensure the whelping area is clean, warm, and comfortable. A quiet, secluded space with bedding materials like blankets or towels is ideal.
   • Have necessary supplies ready, including clean towels, scissors (to cut the umbilical cord), and a thermometer to monitor the puppies' temperature.
   • Familiarize yourself with the normal stages of labor in dogs: pre-labor, active labor, delivery, and postpartum.

2. Monitoring Labor:

   • Pre-labor can last up to 12 hours. The dog may appear restless, nesting, or panting heavily. Her body temperature will drop slightly, around 99°F (37°C), indicating the start of labor.
   • Active labor begins when strong contractions occur every 5-30 minutes. You might see greenish discharge, which is normal and helps to lubricate the birth canal.
   • The dog will push during contractions, attempting to expel the puppies. This phase can last several hours.

3. Delivery:

   • When a puppy appears at the vulva, do not interfere unless there are signs of distress or the mother seems unable to deliver it.
   • The puppy should emerge headfirst, followed by the front legs, then hindquarters, and finally the tail. If any part other than the head emerges first, contact your veterinarian immediately.
   • Once the entire puppy is out, the mother will usually lick and clean it, stimulating its breathing. If she does not, gently clear the puppy's mouth and nose of fluids using a soft cloth or towel.
   • Clamp and cut the umbilical cord about 1-2 inches from the puppy's body using sterile scissors. Tie off the cord with a piece of dental floss or string, leaving about an inch of cord attached to the puppy.

4. Post-Delivery Care:

   • Place each newborn puppy next to the mother so she can continue cleaning and bonding with them. Ensure they are warm and dry.
   • Monitor the puppies' temperature using a rectal thermometer. Ideally, it should be around 97°F (36.1°C). If a puppy is cold, wrap it in a warm towel or use a heat lamp to maintain its body temperature.
   • Observe the mother for signs of postpartum problems such as fever, excessive bleeding, or difficulty urinating or defecating. Contact your veterinarian if any issues arise.

5. When to Seek Professional Help:

   • If labor lasts more than 4-6 hours without a puppy being delivered.
   • If the mother appears weak, lethargic, or has severe pain during labor.
   • If a puppy is stuck in the birth canal for more than 5 minutes.
   • If there are signs of infection or abnormal discharge from the vulva.

By following these steps and maintaining a calm, supportive environment, you can help ensure a smooth and successful delivery for both the mother dog and her new puppies.