What should I do with my dog if it starts giving birth? ?

What should I do with my dog if it starts giving birth? ? - briefly

If your dog starts giving birth, ensure she is in a quiet, comfortable environment. Contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and support throughout the process.

What should I do with my dog if it starts giving birth? ? - in detail

If your dog begins the process of giving birth, it is crucial to ensure both her and her puppies' safety and well-being. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Preparation: Before labor begins, create a comfortable and safe whelping box for your dog. This can be a large cardboard box lined with clean towels or blankets. Place it in a quiet, warm area of your home where your dog will feel secure. Ensure that the box is big enough for her to move around comfortably.

2. Monitoring: During labor, monitor your dog closely but from a distance. She may become protective and aggressive if she feels threatened. The first stage of labor involves contractions, which can last for up to 12 hours. Your dog may pant, shiver, or become restless during this phase.

3. Active Labor: Once active labor begins, you will see the puppies start to emerge. This is a critical time, and it's essential to let nature take its course. Do not intervene unless there are clear signs of distress. If a puppy becomes stuck or your dog seems unable to progress, contact your veterinarian immediately.

4. Puppy Care: As each puppy is born, they should be placed directly on the mother's belly. The mother will lick and clean each puppy, which helps to stimulate breathing and circulation. If a puppy is not breathing, gently rub it with a towel to encourage respiration.

5. Cord Care: After each puppy is born, the umbilical cord should be tied off using dental floss or a piece of string about 2-3 inches from the puppy's body. Cut the cord and apply a small amount of antiseptic to prevent infection. The mother will typically chew through the cord herself if left undisturbed.

6. Placenta Delivery: After each puppy, the placenta should be expelled. Count the placentas to ensure that all have been delivered. If not, contact your veterinarian, as retained placentas can lead to infection.

7. Post-Birth Care: Once all the puppies are born and cleaned by the mother, observe them closely for any signs of distress such as difficulty breathing or lack of movement. Ensure that the puppies are nursing properly within the first few hours after birth. If a puppy is not nursing, you may need to supplement with a puppy formula under your veterinarian's guidance.

8. Veterinary Care: It is strongly recommended to have your dog and her newborn puppies checked by a veterinarian within the first 24-48 hours after birth. This will ensure that both the mother and the puppies are healthy and that no complications have arisen.

9. Follow-Up Care: Continue to monitor your dog and her puppies closely for any signs of illness or distress in the days following birth. Provide a clean, comfortable environment and plenty of food and water for the mother to ensure she can produce sufficient milk for her litter.

By following these steps, you will be well-prepared to support your dog during labor and ensure the health and safety of both her and her puppies.