My dog gave birth what to do? - briefly
If your dog has just given birth, it's crucial to ensure both she and her puppies are comfortable and safe. Monitor their behavior closely for any signs of distress or illness, and consult with a veterinarian promptly if needed.
My dog gave birth what to do? - in detail
When your dog gives birth, it's crucial to ensure both her and the puppies' well-being. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through this process:
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Prepare in Advance: Before your dog's due date, prepare a whelping box. This should be comfortable and spacious enough for the mother and her litter. Line it with clean, soft blankets or towels. Place the box in a quiet, warm location where she can rest undisturbed.
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Monitor Her Temperature: During labor, your dog's body temperature will drop slightly. If you notice this, it's a sign that labor is progressing normally. Keep an eye on her temperature using a rectal thermometer. A normal temperature for a pregnant dog is between 100°F to 102°F (37.8°C to 38.9°C).
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Stage One: Contractions Begin: The first stage of labor involves contractions that help the cervix dilate and efface (thin out). Your dog may appear restless, pant heavily, or dig at her bedding. She might also refuse food. This stage can last up to 12 hours.
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Stage Two: Delivery: In this stage, your dog will deliver the puppies. Contractions become more frequent and stronger. Each puppy is usually delivered within 15-30 minutes of the other. If more than two hours pass without a puppy being born, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Assist if Necessary: Sometimes, a puppy might need assistance. If a puppy is stuck or your dog seems unable to push it out, gently pull on the puppy using a clean cloth or towel. Be careful not to pull too hard; you should feel some resistance as the puppy moves through the birth canal.
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Clean Each Puppy: After each delivery, clear the puppy's airways by gently rubbing it with a clean towel and suctioning any mucus from its nose and mouth using a bulb syringe. This helps stimulate breathing. If the puppy doesn't start breathing within a minute or two, perform gentle chest compressions or mouth-to-snout resuscitation.
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Stage Three: Afterbirth: After all the puppies are born, your dog will deliver the placenta (afterbirth). This should happen within a few hours of each puppy's birth. Count the placentas to ensure none are retained inside your dog, which can lead to infection.
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Post-Partum Care: Once all the puppies are born and the afterbirth has been delivered, encourage your dog to nurse her litter. Puppies need their mother's milk for nutrition and immunity. Keep the whelping box clean and warm. Monitor your dog for any signs of illness or discomfort, such as fever, lethargy, or unusual vaginal discharge. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian right away.
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Support Your Dog: Provide plenty of fresh water and high-quality food for your dog. She'll need extra calories to support milk production. Ensure she has a quiet place to rest and nurse her puppies undisturbed.
By following these steps, you can help ensure a smooth and successful birthing process for your dog and her puppies. If at any point you feel unsure or concerned, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian for guidance.