Childbirth in dogs: helping puppies to be born

Giving birth to a pet is a joyful event, but at the same time responsible, requiring from the owner not only deep knowledge in physiological matters, but also practical obstetric skills. Most often, a dog is whelped at home. Proper preparation for the natural process will make obstetrics easier for the owner. In emergency cases, the animal may need qualified veterinary care.

Preparing for the adoption of offspring

Preparation for the birth of puppies consists of the correct choice of place for delivery, the continued stay of the mother with the offspring and the provision of the necessary minimum obstetric set of materials and instruments.

Selecting a location

The birth of offspring, even in a dog that has given birth repeatedly, causes not only painful physical sensations, but is also accompanied by stress in the animal. In this regard, it is important to properly organize the place for the birth of your pet.

To ensure that the birthing procedure takes place in a calm and relaxed atmosphere for the animal, the owner must ensure that the chosen place is first and foremost quiet and warm. For these purposes, a separate heated room without drafts or dampness should be allocated for this event.

If the pet is a large breed, the owner should remove carpets, rugs, and expensive upholstered furniture from the premises. The birth process in animals is accompanied by bloody discharge, especially in large animals, which must be taken into account when choosing a place.

It is convenient to receive offspring from a pet in a pre-made playpen. An old playpen or a partition made of plywood or boards is suitable for this purpose. Such a structure after the birth of the puppies will limit their movement and ensure the safety of the offspring.

A small dog can give birth on a sofa or bed, having previously protected the upholstered furniture with waterproof oilcloth or plastic film. However, in this case, the owner should constantly be with the animal throughout the entire period of birth of the babies in order to avoid injuries associated with a fall.

When setting up a place for giving birth to a domestic dog, you should remember that for newborn puppies it is necessary to maintain a certain temperature regime. If necessary, infrared lamps are used, which are suspended in such a way that the temperature in the nest in the first 10 - 12 days is at 28C.

We recommend reading about the signs of labor in a dog. You will learn about preparing for the birth of your pet, the first signs of labor beginning, and the stages of labor.

And here is more information about uterine prolapse in a dog.

Obstetric kit

During the delivery process, the owner will need a set of certain materials and tools. An obstetric kit should be prepared in advance. To provide competent assistance to an animal you will need:

Waterproof material (oilcloth, polyethylene film). Childbirth is accompanied by discharge from the genital tract, so a waterproof cloth should be placed under the woman in labor.
A cardboard box or basket with high sides for newborn puppies.
Diapers or cotton towels. You will need 6 - 8 pieces of such materials, at least half a meter in size. It is convenient to use disposable sterile diapers when providing obstetric care. They can be used to wipe newborns.
Sharp scissors with rounded ends, tweezers. Metal instruments are sterilized by boiling for at least 5 minutes in a sealed container. The umbilical cord of newborn puppies is cut with scissors; tweezers will be needed to hold it.
Antiseptic liquids. During obstetrics, the following disinfectants will be needed: chlorhexidine solution, Miramistin. To treat the umbilical cord stump, veterinary experts recommend using a solution of brilliant green.
Syringes with a volume from 1 to 10 ml.
Pipette, small syringe. In some cases, the owner has to perform resuscitation measures on a newborn puppy. It is convenient to free the airways from mucus with the help of these devices.
Strong silk threads for tying the umbilical cord. The material is first disinfected in 70 degree ethyl alcohol for 12 hours.
Thermometer for monitoring the condition of the animal.
Electronic scales for determining the weight of newborn puppies.
Notepad and pen for notes.
A bag or container for collecting and disposing of contaminated fabric materials.
Electric heating pad for emergency warming of the offspring.

On the recommendation of a veterinarian, the obstetric kit should include medications such as Oxytocin, 40% glucose solution, 10% calcium chloride solution, No-shpu, Vikasol, Sulphocamphocaine, Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) for intramuscular administration. You should not use medications on your own.

For convenience and compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis during childbirth, the hair around the dog’s genitals and mammary glands should be removed in advance. If your pet has a bushy and long tail, it must be wrapped in a bandage before giving birth.

The owner should also prepare. Clothes should be spacious, comfortable, and clean. It should be disposed of after delivery. Nails should be cut short, long hair should be tucked under a hat.

To learn how to prepare for the birth of a dog, watch this video:

childbirth, obstetrics

Expecting offspring is always an exciting process. How successful the Spaniel’s pregnancy and childbirth will be depends on the owner’s training. Dogs of the English Cocker Spaniel breed usually cope with childbirth easily. Nevertheless, the owner needs to be present during whelping to avoid all sorts of troubles and complications. This is especially true for those whose bitches are young and giving birth for the first time. In order not to disturb or irritate the woman in labor and not to slow down her labor for a significant period of time, it is necessary to exclude the presence of strangers in the apartment during childbirth, it is advisable to turn off the electric bell, refrain from telephone conversations, and from unnecessary walking. The dog should give birth in a calm, familiar environment in your presence. During the entire birth, there should be a bowl of water at the birth place.

PHASES OF LABOR.

There are 3 stages of labor:
1.

CONTRACTIONS
2.
PUSHINGS
3 .
EXPIRATION OF THE PLACENTA

1. stage-CONTRACTS:

This period can be short or long (normally it lasts from 6 to 30 hours), is accompanied by contractions and lasts from several hours to a day and a half (in first-born dogs, excitable and nervous puppy dogs, this period can last up to 36 hours). The stage of preparation of the birth canal depends on the physical condition of the dog and on the level of hormones in the body.

At this stage, the muscular layer of the uterus becomes toned and relaxation occurs (opening of the cervix).

Behavioral changes

: The dog is experiencing discomfort, it runs around, cannot find a place for itself, rushes about, digs, vomits, the dog has chills interspersed with shortness of breath. The dog looks as if it is very cold, it is shaking, there is trembling of the skin - the bitch is shaking with small tremors.
Then the chills disappear, the dog becomes hot, rapid breathing appears, the mouth opens, the tongue hangs out, saliva drips, and the heartbeat quickens. In the first stage, water may leak (rupture of the first amniotic sac - amnion). After this, the appearance of the first puppy should occur no later than 12 hours!
In each dog, the signs of the preparatory period are expressed to varying degrees, sometimes strongly and noticeably, sometimes quite secretly; this stage can be asymptomatic and may not be noticeable to the owner. If these signs are present, then the dog should not be left alone. Many dogs feel much more confident and calm around their owner.

By the end of the preparatory period, uterine contractions become longer and more frequent.
The membranes rupture. 2. stage - PUSHING:

It begins when the cervix is fully dilated and the first puppy or part of that puppy is squeezed into the birth canal. There are barro receptors in the vaginal wall (receptors that respond to pressure)
When a puppy enters the vagina, it puts pressure on these receptors and initiates the Fergusson reflex - causing pushing (contraction of the abdominal wall).

How to know that the first stage has ended and the second stage of labor has begun:

the temperature dropped and rose again (12-24 hours before birth, the temperature drops, then begins to rise and by the second stage of labor it rises to the dog’s physiological norm.)
water broke (the amnion of the first puppy burst)
Visible abdominal contractions began (contractions on the abdominal wall)

It’s interesting that the uterus contracts only in the area behind the puppy that is about to be born, and is in a relaxing state throughout where other puppies are.
Puppies are born alternately from each horn (sometimes 2 from each) Therefore, in case of stillbirth, underdevelopment, etc. It is possible, by tracking the order in which these puppies are born, to presumably determine the pathology in one of the horns of the uterus. The position of puppies in the uterus before the onset of labor is cephalic and pelvic 50 to 50%; during the 1st stage of labor, they turn in a longitudinal position 60-70% into cephalic and 30-40% pelvic presentation.

Both breech and cephalic presentations are considered normal. The only thing is that the puppy’s ventral position should be oriented towards the mother’s stomach (belly down).

Pathological presentation -

bicornual (transversely located in both horns of the uterus)
when, due to incorrect contractions of the uterus, the puppy is partially driven into the other horn.
Double -
when both horns of the uterus contract simultaneously and 2 puppies meet in the body of the uterus.

It is believed that the second stage of labor - the period of expulsion of the fetus should last from 2 to 24 hours and in rare cases up to a day. This depends on the number of puppies.
The interval between puppies is from 15 to 120 minutes. Behavioral changes:

A convulsive contraction of the abdominal muscles begins to occur, waves go along the sides of the body, the strength of which gradually increases. The dog actively licks the loop, from which liquid flows quite abundantly.

When the placenta begins to separate, stage 2 of labor begins. When the placenta is destroyed, the pigment Utheroverdine is released. It is green in color (green colored discharge indicates the destruction of at least one placenta)

IMPORTANT - If this discharge appears during childbirth, then this is normal. But if green discharge appears and labor has not yet begun, this is a pathological condition that indicates that at least one puppy has begun to separate the placenta, and if the survival of the puppies is important to us, it is necessary to contact us urgently to the veterinarian.

The dog develops very strong convulsive contractions of the sides and abdomen - pushing begins. Typically, this condition lasts approximately 40-60 minutes before the birth of the first puppy. At the same time, the bitch either lies on her side, curled up as far as her large belly allows her to do this, or stands up, hunches her back, and pulls her tail back. Before the birth of a puppy, the dog “calms down” and prepares to give birth. During pushing, strong contractions of the uterus and abdominal wall push the amniotic sac through the fully dilated cervix into the vagina and then out. Usually a bitch gives birth to a puppy in 3-4 attempts. In one push

the puppy cannot pass through the loop: the head (or pelvis) goes through first. Then follow more attempts - contractions that push the newborn out completely. The puppy can be born in the fetal (amniotic) bladder or without it, and the umbilical cord trails behind the newborn puppy. If after several attempts the puppy does not move further, having only partially come out of the loop, then the bitch needs help.

Stage 3 - EXPIRATION OF THE PLACENTA:

The placenta can be expelled immediately after each puppy (5-15 minutes after the puppy is born)
Placentas can stick together and then come out later, several placentas together.
2 puppies can have one placenta between them.
Checking the remaining placentas can be done manually by palpating through the abdominal wall. The placenta remaining in the horn is palpated as less dense and smaller in size than the remaining fetus; if you wait a little and inject contracting drugs, the placenta usually displaces.

15-20 minutes after the puppy is born, the placenta comes out (is born) and is accompanied by green discharge.
It happens that a puppy is born with a broken umbilical cord, the placenta never comes out or has gone inside. This placenta may be born with the birth of the next puppy. If the puppy is born, the umbilical cord is not broken, but hangs from the genital slit and does not separate within half an hour, then after breaking (cutting) the umbilical cord, it must be intercepted with a clamp, surgical scissors with rounded ends, so that the afterbirth does not go inside. Then you need to wipe the puppy, treat the umbilical cord, weigh the newborn and attach it to the mother's nipple. If during this time the placenta has not come out, then it is removed with gentle rocking, gentle movements without pulling, and pulled out by hand so that it does not interfere with the birth of the next puppy. The release of the placenta may be accompanied by slight bleeding and green discharge. It happens that not all traces come out. If in doubt, you need to show the dog to a veterinarian, do an ultrasound of the uterus and follow the recommendations and prescriptions of the veterinarian.

After labor is completed, the litter should be changed.
The bitch's nipples and loop should be washed with a warm, weak solution of potassium permanganate.
During the postpartum period, hygiene should be observed for the dog (before feeding the puppies, treat the bitch’s nipples with a weak solution of furatsilin or potassium permanganate), puppies, and the child’s place.
It is necessary to carefully monitor the discharge from the loop, the condition of newborn puppies, and their mother.

If the birth was successful, all the placenta came out, then the cervix should close, usually the next day no discharge is observed.
A day or two after the end of labor, mucous discharge appears from the uterus - lochia, which has a greenish-brown or dark red color, then the lochia becomes light and viscous, after 7-8 days the discharge brightens and acquires a transparent light pink tint.

In lactating bitches, the lymph nodes are palpated, the normal temperature is 39.1*C.

Two weeks after giving birth, the bitch and puppies should be dewormed.

SIGNS OF CONCERN:

The temperature dropped and rose to normal, but nothing happened. This suggests rather that the primary energy of the uterus is present (primary labor weakness)
If there is green discharge, but the first puppy has not appeared within 2 hours
If there is leakage of fetal fluid during labor but the puppy is not born for more than 3 hours
Weak and irregular labor and the puppy is not born within 2 hours
But if the attempts are strong, then the interval should not be more than 30 minutes (since this means that the puppy is standing in the birth canal)
More than 2 hours have passed since the last puppy was born, and the next one has not yet been born
If labor lasts too long - the 2nd phase of labor lasts more than 12 hours since there are still puppies in the uterus (then when the muscles contract, intercellular calcium reserves in the muscle layer of the uterus are selected and secondary labor weakness (uterine fatigue) may form, and in this case the dog You may need medication support
If the puppy has stood up in the birth canal and the obstruction needs to be removed.
Dystocia is a pathological course of labor when a dog needs help.

Dystocia: cause mother in 75%
primary inertia of the uterus -72% narrowness of the birth canal - 1.1% torsion of the uterus - 1.1% hydroalantois (polyhydramnios) -0.5% vaginal septum -0.5%

Risks of dystocia:

mother's weight (the risk of dystocia increases by 2 times if the weight is more than 51 kg and by 3 times if the weight is more than 71 g) number of pregnancies (the risk of dystocia increases by 2 times if the dog is a first-time mother - 24%, a first-time female over 4 years -16%)

Dystocia: cause in puppies in 25%

malpresentation - 15.4% fetal large fetus - 6.6% breed small litter monsters fetal death - 1.6%

Fetal dystocia:

ratio of body weight and size of the fetus and mother giant breeds 1-2% dwarf breeds 4-8% obstruction is more likely when the fetal weight is more than 4-5% of the mother’s weight

Manipulations when the puppy is in an incorrect position:

“Helping with your hand”
Sometimes
the puppy will only appear from the loop, but will not go further. When providing assistance to a bitch, the removal of the puppy should be carried out under sterile conditions - the assistant’s nails should be cut short and filed. Hands should be washed thoroughly and lubricated with some antiseptic (for example, levomekol). Very carefully you need to insert your finger into the vagina so that you can hook the puppy with it, presumably from the withers. Then, while pushing, be sure to gently but firmly pull the puppy, as if in an arc—outward and downward. This is often just the little help that the bitch needs, especially if this is the first puppy, usually the largest, or one of the last puppies of a large litter and the bitch is already very tired. In difficult cases, it is always better to invite a veterinarian, but he may be delayed and then you still need to try to help the bitch as quickly and correctly as possible.

Difficult cases with cephalic presentation

Head presentation is the norm during whelping, but even in this case, difficult births can occur.

If the puppy's head appears, but the puppy, despite efforts, does not come out within a few seconds, you need to rupture the membrane of the amniotic sac near the puppy's muzzle so that he can breathe, although his lungs are still compressed. If this puppy walks normally - with its back up - then it is advisable to grab the upper part of its neck just under the head with two fingers, like tweezers, and when the bitch tries, pull the head down and towards the stomach between the bitch's hind legs. If the puppy doesn’t get out even with help—apparently the shoulders don’t go through—gently pull the head one way, then the other, and the shoulders should be free. If any leg is sticking out, it should be pulled forward and outward towards the bitch's tail. In this case, one shoulder will pass through the edge of the entrance to the pelvis, the same must be done with the other leg. As soon as the shoulders pass through the entrance to the pelvis, the puppy no longer needs to be pulled in the direction of the bitch's tail, but only down and towards the belly as stated above. The shoulders often become wedged at the entrance to the pelvis. The important thing here is to release your shoulders one at a time. Once the shoulders are gone, a slight twist will often help free a tightly held puppy. If the puppy is very large and held tightly, you can change the grip after the shoulders come out. Taking a small piece of fabric, you need to grab the puppy by the entire protruding part and continue to carefully but firmly pull everything in the same direction along an arc. The head and shoulders are the bulkiest part of the puppy, and if they come out first, the center of gravity will be forward and this will help expel the puppy from the birth canal more quickly during contractions.

Breech presentation

If the puppy walks with its tail and hind legs, and the amniotic sac has not ruptured, the legs should be immediately grabbed as soon as they appear and held tightly so that they do not disappear again into the bitch’s birth canal. With a breech presentation, especially when the puppy is large or if the amniotic sac has ruptured, every second counts. Feet covered with film are very slippery, and in small breed puppies they are also very tiny, so they can very easily slip out of your hand. Then they will go back into the birth canal and it may take several precious minutes before they appear again, and during this time the puppy may suffocate, especially if the bubble has burst. It is always easier to hold any part of the puppy that comes out with a piece of cloth. You need to be very careful not to squeeze your puppy's legs too tightly, but you need to pull calmly and firmly. Overly enthusiastic people have been known to actually pull a puppy's legs out, so you need to be confident, but careful! So, grab both legs of the puppy tightly and regardless of whether the bitch is pushing or not, try to pull the puppy out by pulling calmly, carefully, without jerking, but firmly, because if the puppy does not come out within one or two minutes and will linger for a long time at the exit from the pelvis, the blood supply through the umbilical cord will stop, the puppy will not be supplied with oxygen and will die.

All the books on the subject say that a puppy should never be pulled when he is not contracting, but when the puppy is walking feet first there is no choice to save him. It is also easier for the bitch to endure the instant pain of removing a puppy than to exhaust herself in a fruitless attempt to remove it dead. Puppies are amazingly strong and can withstand quite a lot of stretching, but the main thing is to pull slowly, evenly and in the right direction, i.e. in an arc downwards and at the same time in the direction of the bitch’s belly. It is relatively easy to pull the puppy up to the shoulders. It then needs to be pulled lightly to one side to release one shoulder, and when it has passed the edge of the hole, the puppy needs to be pulled in the other direction to release the other shoulder. Unfortunately, when the shoulders are already freed, difficulties often arise when pulling out the head. If the puppy is expected to be large, you can squirt a little Vaseline oil into the vagina as soon as the legs appear. The oil will lubricate the birth canal. (It will be better if you fill one of the syringes without a needle with syntomycin emulsion in advance - it is easier to administer it and at the same time the sterility that is so necessary here is maintained - note by the compiler). When a puppy has difficulty walking during a breech presentation, you can provide the bitch with much more help if one of the assistants puts the bitch on her feet and supports her under the belly, putting his hand between her hind legs so that the bitch rests on the wrist and the puppy lies on the palm; the other assistant should grab the protruding part of the puppy, often the hind legs. The puppy needs to be pulled strongly and continuously by the legs, and then, when something else appears, then, without letting go of the legs, you need to grab the other hand further and gradually pull the puppy in an arc direction - from the loop down and at the same time bending it towards the bitch’s belly. All this is easier to do if you grab the puppy with a piece of cloth, as it is very slippery. Puppies born with difficulty will obviously need to be revived using artificial respiration.

Low back position

Most often, the puppy enters the birth canal with its back up, i.e. his spine, passing through them, has only a natural curve, regardless of whether he is born with his head or pelvis forward. But sometimes the natural curve of the puppy’s body and the direction of the bend of the birth canal do not coincide. This happens when the puppy enters them in an inverted position, i.e. his belly is facing the bitch's back. In such cases, if any part of the puppy has already appeared and it is clear how it is located in the birth canal, it is necessary to inject “lubricant” into the vagina

“
and try to carefully turn his back up so that it is parallel to the bitch’s back.
If the puppy can be turned over, it will be born very easily. If the puppy is only partially in the wrong position, it is always better to turn him into the correct one and then he will be born much easier. When it is not possible to turn the puppy, you will have to help him be born in this position. If the puppy walks with its head, you need to break the bubble, wipe its muzzle and the puppy will begin to breathe, maybe even squeak. Now you can slowly try to pull it out while pushing. But you should only pull downwards obliquely, gradually turning upward what has already come out. If the puppy follows with its tail, you need to act the same, only more decisively and faster. The most important thing is, on the one hand, to prevent an unnatural deflection of the puppy’s spine, and on the other hand, not to cause extreme stretching or tearing of the upper corner of the fold of the loop when turning the curve of the puppy’s back and the birth canal of the bitch in this position of the puppy does not coincide. If the puppy walks with its head bent, you can try to push it back into the birth canal a little and try to straighten the position of the puppy's body.

Dead puppy

If it is absolutely clear that the puppy is already dead and there is no hope for it, wait a few minutes - maybe the bitch will struggle and then you need to try to get the puppy out. Dead puppies are usually born heavier than live ones. A dead puppy should not delay the birth of other puppies, because the next one may also die by suffocation in the birth canal. When there is no veterinarian

There are cases of difficult births in conditions where there is no hope for help from a veterinarian. Then, in case of emergency, the dog breeder has to provide the bitch with such assistance that would never be recommended under normal conditions. It must be emphasized that under no circumstances should any tools be used! When tools are used by an inexperienced person, he can cause serious damage to the bitch.

If your bitch's contractions continue for two hours, it may be necessary to determine how things have progressed. Place your hand under the bitch's belly, thumb on one side of the belly, the rest on the other, and try to feel the puppy to see if it has reached the outlet to the pelvis. It is usually quite easy to find a puppy by feeling with your fingers, if you move it from side to side, you can determine whether it is going into the pelvis with its head or whether it is breech. At this time, you can feel the perineum with the fingers of your other hand to find out if there is something hard under it and if the head has passed through the opening of the pelvis.

In exceptional

circumstances, you can insert a finger into the vagina (the little finger in the case of dwarf breeds and the index finger for large breeds), of course, it must be very clean with a short-filed nail. The finger must be lubricated with some kind of antiseptic (synthomycin emulsion). By carefully moving your finger, you can feel a small mouth, which sometimes even moves, as if trying to suck. This way you can determine what position the puppy is in, the presence of the Fergesson reflex, assess the tone of the vagina (pronounced tone is good muscular activity of the uterus. Lethargy is an indicator of inertia of the uterus). Inserting a finger into the vagina is very unpleasant for the bitch and, moreover, dangerous, as it can introduce germs. It must be emphasized again and again that this can only be done in absolutely exceptional circumstances. Inserting a finger into the vagina and gently massaging its walls often stimulates contractions that are strong enough to force the puppy past the pelvic opening.”

After the first puppy is born

, an experienced mother in labor will gnaw on the membranes, bite the umbilical cord and begin to lick the newborn, then actively turn it with her nose and push and move the newborn puppy towards the nipple. The amniotic fluid that the bitch swallows stimulates labor and promotes the formation of the natural hormone oxytocin, which is produced by the pituitary gland of the dog's brain. Also, ingestion of amniotic fluid contributes to the development of maternal behavior. Licking is a guarantee of acceptance of the puppy by the bitch. A newborn puppy needs careful licking by the mother to stimulate breathing and excrete feces. Sometimes bitches lick their puppies so actively that they tumble and roll to the side. Don’t worry or worry, the bitch won’t do anything bad to the newborn puppy. After the mother has nursed the newborn puppy, it should be examined, weighed and applied to the mother's nipple. There are situations when the mother does not respond to the newborn. Most often this happens to young bitches who are whelping for the first time. The woman in labor may get scared and run away. In case of multiple pregnancy, a very large belly, the bitch cannot reach the loop and free the born puppy from the membranes. It happens that puppies are born one after another with a very short interval (3-5 minutes) and the bitch simply does not have time to handle and lick the born puppies. In such situations, you should remain calm and treat the newborn puppy yourself.

If the puppy comes out with an amniotic sac and afterbirth, then:

— it is necessary to quickly rupture the amniotic sac above the head (in the muzzle area) of the puppy, remove the membranes, do not allow the bitch to pull the umbilical cord, in order to avoid the appearance of a hernia, even if she tries to do everything herself;
- use a soft sterile cloth (gauze) or a small syringe (rubber bulb) to clear mucus from the newborn’s mouth and nostrils,
- wipe the body to stimulate breathing and blood circulation. The puppy is picked up head down quickly and thoroughly rubbed with a previously prepared dry cloth, the back is massaged with movements from the tail to the head and vice versa. A normal healthy puppy begins to squeak loudly.
- deal with the umbilical cord, first squeezing the blood out of it to the puppy’s tummy, bandage it and cut it with sterile scissors, leaving approximately 3-4 cm in length and treat it with a disinfectant (iodine, brilliant green). It is better to pinch the umbilical cord with two fingers of your left hand at a distance of 2-3 cm from the puppy (squeeze the blood out of it to the newborn’s tummy), and with your right fingers, with a slight rotation, tear off the umbilical cord (in this case, there is no need to bandage it, there is no bleeding). There is no need to leave the umbilical cord too short; a woman in labor can gnaw the umbilical cord even more, and this can cause the baby to develop a hernia.
— place the puppy against the mother’s face, let her lick him from the belly side; — examine the puppy for fetal anomalies;
— place the newborn on the mother’s nipple, squeeze a few drops of milk (colostrum) into the mouth, secure the newborn puppy on the bitch’s nipple.

Newborn puppies have innate reflexes to search for food, they know how to find nipples and suck milk.
They navigate by smell and heat. If the puppy cannot find the nipple, then you need to squeeze out a drop of milk (colostrum) and place the nipple in the mouth. The first milk (colostrum) contains antibodies and globulins that will help the newborn puppy cope with the new environment. Sometimes a puppy does not take the nipple in the first minutes after birth; he had a difficult birth canal and needs to rest. After 15-30 minutes, you should try again to attach the puppy to the nipple. It happens that some newborn puppies, before they are born, immediately find the nipple on their own and suck on it very actively, and it happens that up to an hour and a half passes and only after that the puppy, rested, licked and massaged by the bitch, begins to suck. In the intervals between the birth of puppies, when the bitch is resting, she licks her firstborns, turns them over, and massages their bellies with her tongue. The best course of birth is for the puppies to be on the mother's teats. Puppies sucking milk stimulate further labor. If the born puppy shows no signs of life, gently but intensively rub it with a towel, wipe it dry and massage its chest. Carefully open his mouth slightly. You need the puppy to make a sound, then he will start breathing. To stimulate cardiac activity in a puppy, you can drop a drop of cordiamine or diluted validol on the tongue. After making sure that the newborn's breathing is regular, he needs to be placed next to his mother, put the nipple in his mouth and squeeze out a few drops of colostrum.

Usually the first 3-4 puppies are born at shorter intervals than subsequent ones. An interval of no more than an hour should be considered normal (but if two puppies were born at once, the interval before the birth of the next puppy may increase). Each subsequent puppy has to go through a longer birth path. The interval between the birth of fetuses averages 15–20 minutes, but can be much shorter, when puppies are born one after another with a time interval of 3–5 minutes. During multiple pregnancies, periods of rest (rest) can last up to 2 hours or much longer. When 2/3 of the litter is born, which is 7-9 puppies, the walls of the uterus “get tired” and contract poorly, the uterus is depressed. A long rest begins; from the moment the puppy is born until the birth of the next one, about (+ -) eight hours can pass

Pauses in the process of expulsion of fetuses and between their births are necessary for sequential advancement to the cervix and coordinated excretion, for contraction of the uterine segment after the birth of each fetus.

To intensify labor activity, in the intervals between the birth of puppies, it is advisable to take the dog for a short walk, run a little (if the woman in labor expresses a desire), you can go up the stairs home, but it is not advisable to go downstairs. You need to take a diaper or towel with you for a walk; a puppy may be born.

In dogs, multiple litters and depletion of the myometrium (the muscular strength of the uterus) usually occur towards the end of labor. In such cases, the dog should be allowed to rest between puppies and given weak tea with milk and honey. If these measures are not enough and the first stage of labor was long, the woman in labor looks exhausted, then 5-20 ml of a 5% glucose solution should be injected subcutaneously.

“A drug that has no contraindications for administration during childbirth is Travmatin; it acts on the neuroendocrine system, stimulates the production of endogenous (own) oxytocin, which leads to uterine contractions. In addition, Travmatin has an analgesic and hemostatic effect. Traumatin should be administered both at the beginning of labor and at the end of the process. This allows you to avoid complications both during childbirth and in the postpartum period, prevents inflammatory diseases of the genital organs and promotes normal involution of the uterus (when the uterus returns to its original state). For medium dogs - 1.5 ml. Traumatin is injected subcutaneously into the withers area or intramuscularly. In addition, the drug can be given orally in 5-15 drops (if it is impossible to give an injection, a very small or nervous animal), if necessary (weakening of labor in case of large fetuses or large litter size), frequent oral administration is possible (every 15-20 minutes). »

To relieve spasms, you can give half a tablet of nosh-pa or 1 ml/10 kg. And after 1 hour, give an injection of oxytocin 0.2 ml per 10 kg of weight - subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Oxytocin promotes the penetration of calcium ions into myometrial cells, causing increased contractions of the uterus. Any medications should be administered only after consultation with a veterinarian.

Attention:

An overdose of oxytocin can lead to uterine rupture in a woman in labor. Be very careful and always consult your veterinarian before doing anything. During normal labor, greenish discharge and slight bleeding are observed after each fetus is born. If the need arises and you have to go to the veterinary clinic, then newborn puppies must be taken with you.

caring for newborn puppies

Features of childbirth for the first time

The first birth of a dog is associated with a number of features. The animal encounters unusual physical sensations for the first time. Many primiparous individuals are overly emotional, and therefore the owner should closely monitor that the mother does not harm the offspring.

Some dogs, on the contrary, are involved in maternal duties too sluggishly or completely shift the care of the born offspring to the owner. The first birth may be difficult and complicated. Veterinary experts recommend not to provide obstetric care in such a situation yourself, but to enlist the support of an experienced breeder or doctor.

Harbingers of childbirth

The owner can not miss a significant moment and provide competent assistance to the pet by knowing the main precursors of labor in dogs. First of all, before childbirth, a prolapse of the pregnant female’s abdomen is observed due to hormonal and mechanical preparation of the uterus. The animal becomes restless. Some pets seek solitude or, conversely, relentlessly follow their beloved owner.

Shortly before giving birth, the dog experiences whitish discharge from the vulva and frequent urination. The animal often licks its genitals for a long time. When you press on the nipples, colostrum begins to be released from the female's mammary glands 2 - 3 days before the puppies are born. The dog is actively making a nest for future newborns.

One of the characteristic signs of approaching labor is a decrease in overall body temperature by 1 - 2 degrees Celsius. This phenomenon is observed, as a rule, 12 - 24 hours before a significant event.

How can you tell if your dog is about to give birth?

The female's pregnancy lasts 55-72 days. The specific period depends on the breed of the animal and its individual characteristics. A number of specific signs will help determine the onset of labor in a dog, which mainly include temperature readings and the dog’s behavior before giving birth.

A week before the event, the female begins to worry, look for a cozy place for herself, and tries to stay closer to the owner. At this time, the pet needs care, love and attention more than ever. You need to pet the dog, talk to it, and then it can feel more secure and confident.

If your pet refuses to eat, there is no need to worry about it. You can pamper the girl with her favorite treats; it is also recommended to give dairy products and broths, making portions smaller than usual.

On the 58th day of pregnancy, the animal’s temperature is measured every day at least 2 times a day. The purpose of the procedure is to record a decrease in the indicator by 1-2 degrees. After the fall, the temperature does not rise until labor begins and the first puppy is born.

This sign is the surest and most reliable harbinger of a long-awaited event: contractions should begin in about 24 hours.

The temperature also needs to be measured at 2-6 weeks of pregnancy in order to accurately know the main indicator with which a further decrease in temperature will be compared.

The baseline may vary depending on the size of the dog: for example, a Labrador's normal body temperature is 38 degrees, while a Toy Terrier's normal body temperature is 39 degrees.

Important! The temperature measurement procedure is carried out using a rectal thermometer for 5-7 minutes. If, after the temperature drops, it remains this way for more than a day in the absence of contractions, or, on the contrary, rises above 39 degrees, then you need to urgently contact a veterinarian. These symptoms may indicate fetal death and subsequent intoxication.

You can understand that a dog is giving birth by the onset of contractions, which are evidenced by the anxious behavior of the bitch: she begins to lick her genitals, dig at the floor, and squeal pitifully.

Stages of labor

The physiological process of the birth of offspring in dogs occurs in stages. Each phase has its own characteristics and characteristics.

Contractions

At the first stage, under the influence of hormones from the fetus and the mother herself, the vaginal muscles relax and the cervix opens. During this period, the dog breathes frequently and worries. A characteristic sign is the appearance of contractions - contractions of the uterus. The movements are aimed at pushing the fetus towards the birth canal.

Contractions are initially repeated every 10 - 15 minutes, then the owner observes that contractions become more frequent and are observed every 2 - 3 minutes. The duration of the period is from 6 to 12 hours.

In primiparous dogs, the stage may be delayed. At this point, the owner must monitor body temperature. If it increases, you should seek help from a veterinarian. Hypothermia in the rectum indicates that the delay in contractions is not pathological.

Exile

Full dilatation of the cervix leads to activation of the abdominal muscles and mechanical expulsion of the fetus from the mother's womb occurs. The dog's efforts may be accompanied by shortness of breath and even vomiting.

The puppy is born in the amniotic sac. The dog chews it, freeing the newborn, gnaws the umbilical cord itself, or the owner ties it up and cuts it. As a rule, the interval between the appearance of puppies from the birth canal is on average 10 - 30 minutes.

Postpartum period

After the birth of each baby, the dog loses its placenta. This process must be closely monitored by the owner, since the retention of a child’s place in the uterus is fraught with serious consequences for the health of the new mother.

Some breeders allow their dogs to eat 1 - 2 placenta, believing that this stimulates the birth of the next puppy and strengthens the mother's body, weakened by childbirth, with the necessary protein.

The birth of offspring lasts from several hours to a day. As a rule, labor lasts longer during the first pregnancy.

How are puppies born and what should be done?

As soon as the dog goes into labor, everyone except the owner should leave the room. The birth of each puppy is divided into three stages:

Preparation. At this time, the female experiences pain and behaves restlessly. The period lasts from 6 to 30 hours.
Exile. Before the onset of this stage, adrenaline is released, the animal feels good and even tries to run. The owner must calm the pet down, talk to it, and help it sit comfortably. Then the contractions turn into pushing, as a result of which the peritoneum becomes very tense. At this moment, it is better not to touch the dog, calming the pet with a gentle intonation.
Postpartum period. After the puppy is born, the dog continues to push. Then the female eats the departed placenta, thereby restoring her strength. The dog should not eat all the placenta - a maximum of 4. At this stage, the female needs to drink plenty of fluids.

Drinking plenty of fluids
The general procedure for giving birth to a dog involves doing the following:

The firstborn should be next to his mother for a few seconds (4-6).
Then the baby is picked up and brought to the “mother’s” face.
If there is no reaction on her part, you can open the bubble to remove the mucous mass from the puppy’s mouth. Here they check whether the baby’s tongue is stuck.
Next, the umbilical cord is tied, measuring 2 cm from the abdomen, and then cut.
After rubbing the puppy and checking its breathing, the newborn is applied to the mother's nipple.
As soon as new attempts begin, the puppy should be transferred to a separate box. It is important that it is within the dog's visibility.

How to properly take part in the process and help the animal

The owner’s task during the dog’s whelping is to carefully observe and control the situation. You should interfere with the physiological process only if the dog cannot cope on its own.

When a puppy is born, it is important to ensure that it is completely out of the birth canal, and only then allow the dog to chew through the amniotic sac. If the new mother sluggishly shows maternal instinct, then the owner needs to independently tie the umbilical cord with nylon or silk thread at a distance of about 1 cm from the tummy and cut it with sharp scissors.

After this, the puppy should be wiped dry and the airways should be cleared of mucus. A solution of brilliant green is most often used to treat the umbilical cord stump.

The newborn baby should be placed on the dog's mammary glands, and the dog should be allowed to sniff and lick it. This is done with every puppy. It is important to ensure that babies are warm, since at this age the processes of thermoregulation are not yet perfect. An electric heating pad or infrared lamp can be used to keep newborns warm.

To learn how to help a dog during a normal birth, watch this video:

Childbirth from start to finish

The process of childbirth in dogs can be rapid or sluggish, taking three to four hours or dragging on much longer. Its main stages:

Contractions, pushing and opening of the birth canal.
Birth of a puppy.
The exit of the placenta (baby place).

Contractions and pushing

Prenatal contractions are uterine muscle contractions. They accompany with attempts. It may seem that the female wants to go to the toilet in a big way. There is a wave movement from the top of her belly to the loop.

Dogs giving birth for the first time may worry and whine at this time, but dogs that have been whelped more than once experience the process of contractions calmly.

The first contractions are weak, but the repeated contractions become stronger and stronger, thanks to them the puppy moves along the birth canal towards the exit. The fact that the puppy is already on the way can be understood by the compaction near the loop.

Do not confuse the fruit with a water bubble; when palpated, the fruit is dense and the bubble is soft. Do not burst the bubble before the due date.

First aid for the birth of a puppy

The dog itself chooses the position for childbirth. She can whelp lying on her side or in a semi-standing position, sitting slightly on her hind legs (in this case, you should not force her to lay down).

In the mother's womb, the puppy is under reliable protection in two bladders: water and fetal. The water bladder protects the puppy from injury. During childbirth, it should rupture, wash the birth canal and act as a natural lubricant.

As soon as the dog’s tail becomes wet and the place where it lies is wet, the first waters have broken and in at least 20 minutes the first puppy should be born.

If within 3 hours there are no attempts or contractions, medical intervention is urgently required!

The norm is that puppies come out into the light with their heads or hind legs forward, with their backs up. At the moment of their appearance, they are in the birth membrane (amniotic sac). It looks like a film and the dog tears it with his teeth, releasing the newborn puppy into the world.

When providing obstetric care, you cannot break the bladder until the puppy is completely out of the loop, otherwise he will choke on the liquid and die.

Let's look at the birth process step by step.

Stage 1

The puppy is completely out of the loop, but is still connected by the umbilical cord to the baby's place (afterbirth). The bubble in which it is located must be quickly broken in the muzzle area and the puppy freed from it. He will open his mouth, may squeal and begin active movements of his paws.

The puppy should not be lethargic. Open his mouth and see if his tongue is stuck.

Be prepared for the fact that you will have to clear the newborn's airways, suck the liquid out of the puppy's nose with your mouth and force air into his mouth. There is nothing wrong with that, because today you are an obstetrician!

Stage 2

Wrap the puppy in a soft cloth and, grasping the umbilical cord with tweezers, tie it tightly with a silk thread at a distance of 2 cm above the puppy’s tummy. This way you pinch the blood vessels. Next, cut off the umbilical cord with sharp scissors and treat the cut with green paint.

Ideally, the dog should chew the puppy's umbilical cord itself, disinfecting it with saliva and preventing blood flow. If she tries to do this, don't stop her .

Stage 3

Rub the puppy dry with a clean, warm cloth. It can be heated with an iron. Bring the newborn baby to the mother and let her lick him.

Stage 4

Direct the puppy's muzzle towards the bitch's nipple and, pressing on it, drop colostrum into the puppy's mouth. From the first minutes of life, the puppy already has a sucking reflex.

Colostrum contains antibodies that protect the puppy from its new environment. The suckling of the puppy stimulates the contraction of the dog's uterus, which speeds up the labor process and promotes a large amount of milk.

Stage 5

It is correct to leave the puppy next to the mother dog until the next contraction begins. By putting the puppy immediately into the box, you can provoke anxiety in the mother. When the next contractions are noticeable, the puppy should be placed in a box with a clean diaper and a heating pad.

When do you need veterinary help and stimulation?

Labor does not always occur without pathology in a dog. Situations often arise when an animal needs qualified help. It is necessary to call a veterinarian at home for the following symptoms:

The animal has too strong or weak attempts. Weak abdominal movements should not last more than 2 - 3 hours, and strong attempts should alert you if they continue for more than 20 - 30 minutes without the birth of another baby. If labor is weak, the veterinarian resorts to stimulation with hormonal drugs.

Oxytocin, which has a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus, is most often used for this purpose.

Pushing too hard can cause the puppy to get stuck in the birth canal. This phenomenon is observed as a result of spasms of the vaginal muscles. It is strictly forbidden to forcibly pull the newborn out in such a situation. A veterinarian, as a rule, injects the dog with an antispasmodic agent - No-shpa, Spazgan, Papaverine, and only after relaxing the muscles carries out the manipulation to remove the puppy out.
Large puppy. Large size and the presence of edema of the brain make it difficult for the fetus to emerge from the birth canal and endanger the health and life of the unborn offspring.
Incorrect presentation of the fetus. In rare cases, the puppy may occupy a transverse position in relation to the dog's genital tract, which significantly complicates its birth. Veterinarian assistance should be urgent.
Detention of placenta expulsion. After labor is completed, the placenta should come out within 2 to 3 hours. Delay in this process requires the intervention of a veterinary specialist.

In rare cases, to save a dog's life, obstetrics may result in a cesarean section with simultaneous sterilization.

Sluggish labor - problem and solution

The cause of weak or sluggish labor in a dog can be several factors:

• physical fatigue; • the animal is too old; • age has not reached puberty; • genetic predisposition; • exhaustion of the body after illness; • a large number of puppies in the litter; • the birth of the first child is too long; • the appearance of a dead puppy.

Contractions and efforts may already be weak at the beginning of labor, or may weaken during the process. In this case, the dog will need medicinal stimulation. The following injections are prescribed:

ascorbic acid 2-3 ml intramuscularly;
5% glucose subcutaneously;
10% calcium gluconate intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

Helps activate contractions and massage the abdomen. Having caught the birth wave, you should slightly give it movement, running your hand along the wave towards the tail, lightly pressing on the stomach. Expressing colostrum also reminds the dog's body of labor functions.

Without the advice of a veterinarian, do not give your dog any injections, including oxytocin and potassium salts. Only a specialist can determine how dilated the uterus is and whether injections will help in this situation. A caesarean section may be required.