What should I do if my dog gives birth? - briefly
If your dog is about to give birth, ensure she has a comfortable and quiet place to deliver her puppies. After delivery, monitor both the mother and the newborns for any signs of distress or complications, contacting your veterinarian immediately if needed.
What should I do if my dog gives birth? - in detail
If your dog is about to give birth, it's essential to be prepared and provide her with the necessary support and care. Here are some detailed steps you can follow:
Firstly, ensure that you have a quiet, safe, and comfortable space for your dog to deliver her puppies. This area should be free from drafts and other disturbances. You may want to set up a whelping box or use a large cardboard box with soft towels or blankets inside. Make sure the sides of the box are low enough for your dog to easily get in and out.
As the birth process begins, monitor your dog closely but try not to disturb her unless it's absolutely necessary. The entire birthing process can take several hours, so patience is key. Here’s what you might expect:
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First Stage: Labor - Your dog may start nesting by digging or moving bedding around. She might also appear restless and may pant more than usual. This stage can last from 6 to 12 hours.
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Second Stage: Delivery of Puppies - Contractions will become stronger, and your dog will begin pushing. The first puppy should arrive within an hour after strong contractions start. If no puppy arrives after two hours of strong contractions, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta - After each puppy is born, the placenta (afterbirth) will follow shortly. Your dog should deliver one placenta per puppy. If a placenta doesn’t appear within 10-15 minutes after the delivery of a puppy, contact your vet.
During the birthing process:
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Cleanliness - Keep the area clean to prevent infections. Have clean towels and warm water ready to gently clean each puppy as it is born.
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Cord Care - The umbilical cord should be cut about 1-2 inches from the puppy’s body using clean scissors or dental floss. Do not pull on the cord; allow your dog to chew and sever it naturally if possible. Tie a piece of dental floss around the cord close to the puppy's belly and apply a small amount of antiseptic solution, such as iodine, to prevent infection.
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Monitoring - Count the number of puppies born to ensure all have arrived. If your dog has difficulty delivering a puppy, or if more than two hours pass between deliveries, contact your veterinarian immediately.
After delivery:
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Warmth - Ensure that both the mother and her newborns stay warm. You can use heating pads set on low heat under blankets to maintain a comfortable temperature.
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Feeding - Allow the puppies to nurse as soon as possible after birth. This helps to stimulate milk production in the mother and provides crucial colostrum, which contains vital antibodies for the puppies.
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Monitor Health - Keep an eye on the newborns to ensure they are nursing and their abdomens appear full. If a puppy is not nursing or appears weak, contact your veterinarian promptly.
By following these steps and providing a supportive environment, you can help ensure a smooth and successful birthing process for your dog.