Discharge in a dog after childbirth: a natural process or a threat

Normal and pathological discharge after childbirth in a dog

The birth of newborn babies does not mean the complete completion of the physiological process of procreation. The body of a new mother requires a recovery period, during which discharge from the female genitals is observed. It is the owner's responsibility to promptly recognize when lochia is considered normal and when to seek veterinary help.

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Discharge after childbirth in a dog as a natural process

Lochia after childbirth is associated with the processes of natural cleansing of the female genital organs. During this period, under the influence of hormones, the smooth muscles of the uterus contract, which helps to free the organ cavity from the remnants of dying epithelium, from fragments of amniotic sacs, and blood clots. The healing process of the uterine mucosa at the placenta insertion site is accompanied by postpartum discharge.

During labor and in the first days after the birth of puppies, physiologically normal discharge from the genital slit is brown-red in color with a greenish tint. Remains of amniotic fluid and placenta cause the gray-green color of postpartum discharge. Normally, the specific smell from a new mother does not cause disgust. Lochia of this period may contain inclusions of clots of dense consistency, which is not considered a pathology.

From a physiological point of view, in veterinary practice, postpartum discharge from the genital slit is considered normal in veterinary practice. It is dark, almost black in color. Many owners are scared when they see lochia of this nature in their pet. The dark color of the discharge is given by coagulated blood, which is formed when the baby's place is separated from the mucous membrane of the uterus.

Often, dense bloody clots are present in the lochia. If there is no putrefactive odor, there is no cause for concern or urgent contact with a veterinarian.

Experienced breeders and dog breeders know that in the first 1 to 4 days, discharge that is normal in color, smell and consistency may be accompanied by a slight increase in general body temperature. Many owners note that during the same period, the animal, along with vaginal discharge, experiences profuse diarrhea due to the action of hormones.

At the end of three days, the lochia ceases to be bloody and becomes brownish. Subsequently, the discharge lightens, becomes colorless, and after about 2 to 3 weeks it practically stops.

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

Post-operative care

Females who have had a caesarean section require special care. Upon returning from the clinic, owners should take care of the following:

• until the animal has completely recovered from anesthesia, inject water into the mouth more often using a syringe;
• then take the dog outside more often;
• apply offspring to the bitch only after she has fully recovered;
• provide mommy with high-calorie, highly digestible food; If the dog eats ready-made diets, then you can offer small portions of food for pregnant women, lactating bitches or for puppies.

Care of the postoperative suture is prescribed by the surgeon, or it is carried out in a clinic. Veterinarians can say with confidence that a cesarean section does not affect the well-being of puppies, does not worsen lactation processes and is not a contraindication for the subsequent reproduction of offspring by the female.

Caesarean sections are performed for certain indications. It can be planned or emergency. For elective surgery

An examination of the bitch will be necessary, for example, a veterinarian may conduct an examination through the abdominal cavity or vagina to determine the number, size, location and viability of the fetuses, as well as the condition of the organs that will be involved in the birth process. To clarify the diagnosis, an ultrasound is performed, which provides more accurate information. According to research, the veterinarian decides whether it is worth performing the operation, or whether it will be possible to help the animal give birth on its own.

If it is determined that the puppies are large and the birth canal or pelvis is too narrow for them to pass through, then surgery is strongly recommended. This situation is not uncommon in small breed dogs and English bulldogs due to their anatomy. Surgical extraction of fetuses is also carried out if an ultrasound shows that there are dead puppies in the uterus or if any of them have developmental anomalies. Indications for a cesarean section are also tumors of the internal genital organs and scars on them, pathologies of the uterus, twisting of its horns, too long a pregnancy (more than 2 months).

ATTENTION! High (above 39°C) body temperature, rapid heartbeat and breathing in a pregnant bitch may indicate possible infection of the uterus, death of the fetus or fetuses inside it, necrosis of the placenta, so such signs should not be ignored. The dog needs to be taken to the vet as soon as possible.

An emergency caesarean section is performed if the animal begins to give birth on its own, but various problems arise:

1. Weak contractions and pushing
   , which are the result of insufficiently intense contraction of the muscles of the uterus and abdominal muscles. The operation is performed if, after drug stimulation, the first puppy is not born more than 6 hours after the onset of contractions or the interval between the birth of the second and subsequent fetuses is more than 2 hours.
2. Obstruction of fetuses due to pelvic narrowness
   , both physiological (in too young, not yet fully formed bitches) and pathological (underdevelopment or asymmetry of the pelvis, cracks and fractures of bones) and narrowness of the genital tract.
3. The puppies are positioned incorrectly
   or one of them has a bent head or limbs, which interferes with normal movement along the birth canal.
4. 2 fetuses
   in the birth canal .
5. Uterine rupture
   .

In such cases, a caesarean section is started immediately. It is also done if the bitch has died, but it is still possible to save living puppies.

How to prevent complications

In order to keep the situation under control, the owner should lay a white sheet on the dog immediately after birth. Absorbent diapers can distort the true color of the discharge; on white fabric, it will be easy for even a novice dog breeder to track changes in the nature of lochia.

Postpartum recovery of a pet is an equally important period for the owner. The task of a caring owner is to prevent infection of the dog’s genitals. The owner can reduce the risk of developing postpartum complications by following the following recommendations of veterinary specialists:

• Change the litter regularly. First of all, it is necessary to replace the bloody sheet with a fresh one immediately after childbirth. In the first days, the dog should change the sheet at least 2-3 times a day. In subsequent days, the litter should be changed as it gets dirty. Discharge during this period decreases, and you can change the sheet once every 2 days.
• Maintain hygiene of the dog's external genitalia. Immediately after giving birth, it is necessary to wash the new mother’s vagina with warm water and soap. In the future, for regular treatment, antiseptic agents should be used: a solution of furatsilin, potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine, Miramistin.

• After birth, the animal should be kept in a warm and dry room without drafts. Colds should also be avoided while walking your pet. Walking in the first days after the birth of the offspring should be reduced to a minimum.

A feature of decorative breed dogs is the slight elasticity of the vaginal muscles. This is why representatives of small breeds are more often susceptible to postpartum complications. The owner of a miniature dog should take this into account and carefully monitor the nature of the discharge from the genital slit after childbirth.

Postoperative period

What does care involve? First, the animal must be placed in a calm, peaceful atmosphere. There is no need to shout or talk loudly for the first few days. This is due to the fact that dogs after a caesarean section often accept their puppies with visible “wariness”. If during this period the animal is constantly in a state of stress, it may abandon them altogether. At the same time, the dog is prohibited from taking long walks. It is quite enough to walk around the house until the animal does its business, and then go right in. Of course, you need to take your pet out on a leash - and how he will jerk in pursuit of the cat! Of course, after the operation the animal’s behavior will probably be calm, but it’s not worth the risk.

Should you worry if your animal has other discharge?

The natural process of self-cleansing of the uterus after childbirth does not always go well. In some cases, incomplete separation of the placenta from the mucous membrane of the reproductive organ is observed, which is accompanied not only by an inflammatory process, but also by general intoxication of the animal’s body.

Against the background of inflammation, the dog experiences an increase in body temperature to 41 C. The risk of developing diseases such as endometritis and purulent inflammation of the uterus increases. In this regard, the owner must carefully monitor the nature of the discharge from the animal’s genitals.

Bloody, dark

Bloody lochia in the first 1 to 3 days is considered normal and does not require the intervention of a veterinary specialist. However, such discharge after 4-5 days should alert the owner. The nature of this type of postpartum discharge often indicates the presence of uterine bleeding or rupture of the reproductive organ. In this case, the animal requires urgent professional help. From blood loss, the dog quickly loses strength, weakens and may die.

Dark discharge should alert the owner if the lochia is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. This phenomenon may be a sign of the development of an inflammatory process in the uterus and requires immediate medical treatment.

Black

Veterinary experts consider black lochia to be normal only if there is no unpleasant odor and the duration of such discharge does not exceed 1 - 2 days after the birth of the puppies. Otherwise, discharge of this nature may indicate decomposition of the fetus in the uterus and the development of a necrotic process that is life-threatening to the dog.

“The Hidden Threat” – what to watch out for

The biggest danger, a symptom of which is abnormal discharge, is incomplete cleansing of the uterus, an unborn puppy, or the placenta or placenta not expelled. The closing cervix, after 2-3 days, cannot physically allow large accumulations of tissue to pass through, and remaining in the uterus, they begin to decompose.

Copious discharge of a watery consistency, sometimes with blood, is a symptom of an incompletely separated placenta. The situation requires immediate intervention, the placenta will not allow the uterus to contract fully, and in addition, after 4-5 days the process of inflammation will begin, which will be accompanied by purulent discharge. In the early stages, it can be stopped with drugs that stimulate uterine contractions.

Discharge with a pungent odor indicates that there is an afterbirth or a dead puppy in the uterus. Against the background of tissue decomposition, the body becomes intoxicated, which is accompanied by signs of poisoning, an increase in temperature to 39.5–41 C° and rapid death. It can be stopped by surgery.

Bloody discharge that does not stop, the color of which varies from dark red to bright scarlet, indicates uterine bleeding. Despite the relative naturalness of the phenomenon, without assistance, the dog very quickly loses blood, weakens and dies.

How long does discharge normally last?

Physiological cleansing of the female body after childbirth occurs on average 3 - 4 weeks. In some cases, slight discharge from the genital opening without an unpleasant odor can be observed for up to 6 weeks. During this period, it is necessary to carefully monitor the nature of the lochia and if there is pus, blood, or an unpleasant odor in them, immediately seek veterinary help.

The owner should also be alert to the deterioration of the dog’s general condition: refusal to feed, lethargy, increased body temperature.

Pathology

The main sign of trouble is an unpleasant smell. In addition, the following symptoms are observed:

• Vaginal discharge is profuse, mixed with blood. With the development of endometritis, pus is found in the excreta.
• Dark, foul-smelling exudate is a sign of intoxication. Fever occurs. The bitch stops eating.
• Copious discharge of scarlet or dark-colored blood indicates intrauterine hemorrhage.

In such cases, emergency veterinary care is required.

Refusal to eat is an alarming symptom

If it doesn’t stop after a month, should I go to the vet?

Often the owner is faced with a situation where postpartum discharge drags on for 5 to 6 weeks. If the character of the lochia changes to colorless and no unpleasant odor is observed, then this situation should not cause concern. In case of prolonged discharge characterized by an unpleasant odor, the owner should show the pet to a veterinarian to prevent the development of an inflammatory process in the reproductive organs.

Find out more about the signs of labor in dogs here.

After the birth of puppies, the mother's body cleanses itself naturally. Discharge from the female's genital slit 4 to 6 weeks after birth is considered normal in veterinary practice. The owner needs to monitor the nature of lochia and if there is an unpleasant odor, scarlet blood, green or brown clots, he should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

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The natural process of cleansing the uterus

The natural process of cleansing the body in females after the birth process and expelling not only all fetuses, but also the placentas of their uterus, is characterized by the appearance of lochia. These are postpartum discharges that appear as a result of the release of specific hormonal substances into the systemic circulation.

In turn, hormones provoke increased contraction of the muscle fibers of the uterus, accelerating the process of cleaning the uterine cavity from particles of the dead epithelial layer, placenta and formed clots.

Involution, or the return of the uterus to its original prenatal state, is accompanied by discharge from the loop. During childbirth and several days after the completion of the birth process, natural discharge from the vagina and vulva is characterized by a rich reddish-brown color, sometimes with a green tint.

The gray-green color of the discharge is considered normal in the first few days after birth and is caused by the escaping remains of amniotic fluid and parts of the placenta. Lochia should not have a disgusting odor. The presence of grain-like clots is acceptable and does not cause concern.

Physiologically, discharge in dogs after birth lasts 3-4 weeks. The first few days after the birth of puppies, the discharge from the female's loop may be transparent in the form of mucus interspersed with green color (green color in veterinary medicine is considered coagulated protein and does not cause concern).

Lochia can be black in color, which also refers to physiological discharge. They should not have any foreign odor, especially putrid odor. The duration of the first stage of cleansing is several days after the completion of the birth process.

If the owner notices bloody discharge, it is necessary to monitor the pet more closely. If a large amount of blood appears in the discharge, you should contact your veterinarian for help.

In order to control the color and amount of secretion released from the uterus during the process of involution, it is recommended to lay white fabric or disposable waterproof sheets in the dog’s nest. This will allow you to record all types of discharge and monitor the clinical picture.

Normally, a few days after birth, the color of the discharge changes from black-green and brown to brown. At the end of the third week, the discharge should become pale pink and mucous. At the end of the cleaning process, the lochia becomes transparent and stops.

The size of the female, the number of puppies brought and breed predisposition directly affect the amount and duration of discharge.

Normal discharge

Childbirth in dogs is a natural process and most often occurs without complications. But in some cases, something can go wrong. The condition of the animal can be determined by discharge from the genitals, which can be normal or pathological. Every owner of a pregnant bitch needs to be able to recognize the discharge in dogs after giving birth in order to provide her with timely assistance if necessary.

During the period of bearing puppies, significant changes occur in the body of the expectant mother. Not only does her stomach become rounder, but her blood composition and hormonal levels also change. But the main processes still take place in the uterus, where embryo development occurs. After the birth of puppies, this organ should recover quickly, which is the norm.

Bloody, dark brown, greenish

Discharge in bitches immediately after giving birth is a completely natural phenomenon, indicating the cleansing of the uterus. If in the first 2-3 days after the birth of puppies, the dog’s discharge from the genital tract is red-brown in color and has a consistency ranging from thick to mucous, and then gradually lightens and becomes completely transparent or slightly pinkish, then there is no need to worry about anything. At this time, bitches are allowed to have low fever and physiological diarrhea. Also, dogs that have given birth may experience the following discharges:

• greenish with inclusions (this is the amniotic fluid remaining in the uterus and pieces of the placenta);
• mucous dark brown, almost black discharge (they acquire this color from coagulated blood flowing from the smallest vessels during the passage of the placenta).

Such discharges are also considered normal, but only on condition that they are not abundant, do not have an unpleasant putrefactive odor and are not accompanied by febrile temperature (above 39.5-41 ° C).

How long does the discharge last?

The duration of postpartum discharge depends on the number of puppies and the size of the mother, and is always individual for each bitch, but it should not last more than 4 weeks.

Normal postpartum discharge

Normally, from the birth canal of a whelping bitch, mucous, bloody or mixed with blood, discharge - lochia - may be released for another 3-6 weeks. Gradually their number should decrease and eventually stop altogether. However, the process of natural cleansing of the uterus must be monitored so as not to miss the alarming symptoms of pathology. Normally, the discharge from the loop changes its consistency and color. The first few days after birth, lochia can normally look like this:

• grayish or light green discharge, dense consistency interspersed - this is the remains of amniotic fluid and fragments of the placenta coming out of the uterine cavity. The smell of the discharge should not cause disgust;
• lochia of a dark, almost black color without a putrid odor is also considered normal. The dark color of the mucus is given by coagulated blood from the capillaries, which flows out when the placenta is expelled;
• dark mucus with a brownish or greenish tint is ichor and traces of blood in the amniotic fluid and mucus.

If the lochia is not too abundant and has a normal consistency and smell, then there is no need to worry. Discharge from the loop may be accompanied for the first few days by low-grade body temperature and physiological diarrhea, which, as a rule, ends after 1-2 days.

Owners may be alarmed by the strange behavior of the dog - it begins to behave as if a few hours before contractions:

• leaves the nest;
• fusses;
• digs litter;
• breathing heavily and intermittently.

As a rule, this condition goes away on its own, but to be on the safe side, you can consult a veterinarian. The dog is given a mild sedative and painkiller - No-shpu or Baralgin in a dosage depending on the size of the pet. Concerns should arise if lochia becomes more abundant or an unpleasant odor is felt.

Pathological discharge after childbirth

You should pay close attention to the condition of your pet if she experiences discharge from the genital tract:

• a large amount of watery mucus mixed with blood or thick green or red-brown mucus;
• purulent or bloody-purulent discharge with a sharp putrid odor;
• fresh blood with clots;
• dirty-brown, unpleasant-smelling liquid mucus.

Also, discharge that continues a month after birth can be considered an alarming signal.

Other symptoms indicate a pathological state of the dog’s body after whelping: depressed state, loss of appetite, increased temperature, rapid heavy breathing. At the same time, most bitches continue to feed the puppies and care for them, which further aggravates their condition.

What pathologies cause unnatural discharge?

In the first case, the cause of watery mucus is hypotension or uterine atony. This disease is most often observed in dogs during difficult labor, a large number of puppies born, retained placenta, and is also caused by damage to the uterus or its cervix during obstetric care. Predisposing factors for the development of this disease are poor feeding of the pet, its obesity or, conversely, exhaustion, deficiency or lack of exercise.

Bloody discharge is a symptom of necrosis of the uterine wall in the part where the placenta joins it. This is a condition of acute sepsis, which is accompanied by rupture of the uterine wall, effusion of its contents into the abdominal cavity and rapidly developing peritonitis. Necrosis can be caused by a dead puppy remaining in the uterus after birth.

Fresh blood emerging from the dog's genital tract is a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. It occurs due to rupture of the walls of the uterus or vagina or accompanies disturbances in the normal restoration (involution) of these organs.

Another disease that can develop in bitches after giving birth is acute metritis. This pathology is manifested by an inflammatory process in the uterus as a result of infection of the birth canal by pathogenic bacteria during or after whelping. Metritis is also caused by retention of the membrane, placenta or fetus for more than one day, transfer of pathogens through the bloodstream from the genitourinary organs or intestines, as well as infection during unqualified obstetric care through poorly sterilized instruments or hands. If this disease develops, the bitch will have a discharge of dirty brown mucus with a repulsive odor.

Treatment of postpartum complications in dogs

Treatment for complications that may occur in bitches depends on the type of disease. For uterine atony, the animal is prescribed medications that cause forced contractions of the uterus (Oxytocin) and antibiotics to destroy the bacterial infection. Additionally, the dog is given a massage to mechanically stimulate the activity of the damaged organ. Necrosis is treated only surgically in veterinary clinics, and the sooner the operation is performed, the better.

Treatment for postpartum hemorrhage in bitches can be done pharmacologically and surgically. The choice of one or another treatment method depends on the intensity of metrorrhagia. Conservative therapy consists of ligating vessels in case of perineal rupture or vaginal injuries, and in case of uterine rupture - in the use of hemostatic drugs and uterine contracting drugs, as well as antibiotics. For example, in this case injections are used:

• 0.1% adrenaline solution;
• 2-5% solution of stipticine intravenously;
• 10% calcium chloride solution orally or intravenously.

The dose is calculated depending on the weight of the animal. If the bleeding is severe, the dog is urgently taken to the veterinary clinic, where he may undergo surgery to partially or completely remove the uterus. After this, at home, a cold compress is applied to the bitch’s sacrum and lower back and she is given complete rest.

In case of acute metritis, saline solution is prescribed to restore water and electrolyte balance and an antibiotic to prevent the development of sepsis. If this treatment is not successful, and a fetus or a piece of placenta remains in the uterus, then the dog will be sterilized. Puppies that are nursed by a bitch are taken away from her, as the infection can be transmitted to them through milk.

Dog after birth: complications and what to do?

A change in their color or the appearance of a foul odor indicates inflammation of the uterus and requires immediate contact with a specialist. At the age of three days, it is customary to dock the tails of puppies of some breeds (and the ears of Caucasian and Central Asian shepherd dogs). At the same time, the dewclaws are removed (except for Briard puppies). These surgeries are described on the Cosmetic Surgeries website. Most bitches are constantly with the puppies for the first 5-6 days, sometimes you even have to force them out for a walk. But gradually the bitch regains interest in the outside world. Do not isolate your dog with puppies. If scratches and redness of the skin around the nipples are noticeable, you need to trim the claws on the puppies' front paws. Sometimes (especially if there are few puppies) mammary gland lumps can be detected. In this case, you need to do regular massage and place the puppies on the nipples next to which the seal is located. When feeding a bitch, it is recommended to remember: everything that the bitch eats will also be eaten by the babies, since during lactation most of the feed substances are processed into milk. In the first days, puppies' feces are light-colored, soft and unformed. However, diarrhea is easy to recognize: healthy puppies are clean, and those with upset stomachs are stained with feces. Therefore, for the first three days, the bitch is given only dairy food: milk porridge, tea with milk, non-sour cottage cheese, etc. For diarrhea, the bitch is given the drug “Smecta” or the veterinary drug “Bifitrilak”. These medications can also be given to newborns. It is recommended to use medications very carefully, as they can have a bad effect on puppies. Starting from the third day, the bitch can be given meat broth, boiled meat or ready-made food. She should receive as much liquid as possible, which turns into milk. Naturally, all food for a nursing bitch should be fresh and of high quality. On the fifth day after giving birth, the bitch can be given raw meat and switched to a regular diet. But keep an eye on your puppies' stools. If any food that the bitch has eaten causes the puppies to have diarrhea, it is recommended that the food be discontinued. A week after the birth of the puppies, the dog begins to be given a diet that it will receive throughout the feeding period. If you provide ready-made food, then puppy food (Junior) is suitable for a nursing bitch. The “regular” diet must be supplemented with nutrients. for example: 2/3 meat (raw or cooked), 1/3 vegetables or cereals, meat broth and definitely dairy products - cottage cheese, kefir. It is necessary to add mineral supplements to the “regular” diet, since the dog’s need for minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, is very high: the skeleton of the puppies that the bitch feeds is built from these elements. If there is little calcium in the diet, it begins to be “washed out” from the dog’s skeleton, which, of course, is undesirable. The bitch's need for nutrients and minerals becomes greatest at the 3-4th week of the puppies' life. Diseases of this period Perhaps the most dangerous disease of the postpartum period is eclampsia. Eclampsia is a condition caused by a disorder of calcium metabolism in the body of a bitch. Small breed bitches that are nursing large litters are especially prone to this disease. The first signs of eclampsia are severe anxiety, nervousness, unsteady gait, and attacks of muscle tremors. If you wait for a long time and decide whether to call a doctor or not, the bitch may begin to have convulsions, which can even lead to death. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and call a doctor, even if you are mistaken and the “strange” behavior of the bitch is not associated with eclampsia. If treatment is started on time, the signs of eclampsia can be easily eliminated. Typically, for eclampsia, intravenous or intramuscular injections of calcium supplements and sedatives are prescribed. In order to prevent the disease, the bitch should be given mineral supplements during pregnancy. During childbirth and some time after it, a small amount of blood (lochia) is released from the bitch's loop. Quite rare, but postpartum uterine bleeding occurs in dogs: profuse bloody lochia, the dog is depressed, the mucous membranes are pale. This is a dangerous symptom, since large blood loss threatens the dog’s life. Conventional remedies (hemostatic drugs and uterine contractions) usually do not help, so the dog must be shown to a veterinarian. The most common postpartum diseases are diseases of the mammary glands (mastitis). Mastitis is an infectious inflammation of the mammary gland, which is promoted by stagnation of milk. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the puppies suckle all the mammary glands evenly. The inflamed gland swells, becomes hot, and the dog often licks it. It is not milk that is released from the nipple, but pus (sometimes also white, but with a viscous consistency). Puppies can get sick if they suck milk from an inflamed gland. _ It is necessary to begin treating mastitis as early as possible: it begins with a slight compaction in the tissues of the glands. At this stage, massage can soften the lump and prevent mastitis. If the disease has already developed, antibiotics may be needed to treat it. Puppies do not need to be separated from the bitch, but they must be prescribed Bifitrilak to maintain normal intestinal microflora. To resolve inflammation, you can use compresses and lotions (for example, wipes with vinylin) or apply a leaf of fresh cabbage to the inflamed gland. In order to prevent mastitis during the period when the bitch stops feeding, she needs to have regular massages (but not express milk!). The dog is reduced in the amount of food and drink. To speed up the burnout of milk, some breeders recommend not feeding the dog at all on the first day, but giving plenty of water after the puppies are completely weaned. On the second day, a quarter of the normal diet is given, on the third day - half, and so on, and then the bitch is fed as before mating. This is a good method, but it is not applicable to all dogs. Therefore, it is better to simply limit the amount of liquid you drink, tighten the mammary glands as tightly as possible and do regular massage. .

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Prevention of postpartum complications

In order for your dog to give birth as easily as possible, you need to start caring for her even before this crucial moment. The animal is fed well, but not excessively, preferably with natural food, so that it does not become obese. They walk him at least twice a day, and after returning home, wash his paws with warm water and gently massage his stomach. Keep the litter clean and change it more often than usual.

Important! The place where the animal usually lies should not be in a draft or in a cold corner of the room. A cold very often contributes to the development of postpartum complications.

During whelping, if everything goes smoothly, the dog is not disturbed, but only monitored the progress of the process. Immediately after the end of the birth, the bitch is washed, dried with a clean towel and given slightly salted water. The placenta and bedding are removed and subsequently changed daily. In the first days after whelping, the animal is not disturbed unnecessarily, and even more so, strangers are not allowed near it, so as not to irritate it.

After walks, the dog’s genitals and nipples are also washed, but this is done only in case of severe contamination. If they are relatively clean, then they allow the pet to take care of itself.

In cases where the bitch develops any pathological discharge, immediately consult a doctor in order to begin treatment for postpartum complications as early as possible.

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Precautionary rules during the postpartum period

Physiologically, the cervix is ​​closed and serves as a kind of protective barrier against the entry of various pathogenic microflora into the uterine cavity. Before giving birth in dogs and during the onset of heat, the cervix opens, which causes the penetration of various pathogens that provoke the development of pathological processes.

In order to avoid the development of complications during childbirth, it is necessary to carefully monitor the process. It is recommended to call a veterinarian or have the number of the nearest veterinary clinic handy. If complications develop, it is important to seek qualified help as soon as possible.

You can avoid inflammatory processes during the labor and postpartum period by following a number of rules:

• monitor the cleanliness of the bedding in the nest (timely remove dirty diapers with remnants of secretions and water);
• wash your pet and wipe it dry at least once a day;
• disinfect the nipples of a nursing female with a weak solution of furatsilin (if necessary);
• keep track of the number of puppies and the number of children's places (it is better to write them down so that you have a clear idea later).

In the first few hours after the last puppy emerges, the dog should not be allowed to leave the nest. A bowl of clean water and food should be placed near the nest. It is rare for females to feel hungry after giving birth, so refusing to eat even on a schedule should not frighten the owner. It is necessary to monitor the amount of urination. In case of suspicious symptoms, do not delay calling a veterinarian at home.

Normal discharge after giving birth to a dog and how to identify complications

The dog's normal recovery is monitored by discharge after birth and the presence of complications is detected. If the owner knows how the rehabilitation process occurs, he will be able to avoid serious consequences. Problems identified in a timely manner are always resolved by an experienced veterinarian.

After childbirth, the uterus clears out within about a month. Rejection of the various membranes, as well as the membranes and placenta, leaves the surface bare with small blood vessels exposed. Until the mucous membrane of the organ returns to normal, the remains are rejected with blood and its own secretions. Therefore, the following discharge from the dog’s loop may be present:

• Bloody lochia with gray-green clots is acceptable in the first days. This is the remaining fluid from the amniotic sac;
• After a day they become red, the presence of blood clots is acceptable;
• Dark discharge, almost black or brown, may also be normal immediately after childbirth;
• On day 4-5, the liquid becomes brown. This indicates tissue healing;
• Subsequently, the discharge lightens and by 3-4 weeks becomes transparent, and then disappears completely;
• The peculiarity of normal lochia is the absence of an unpleasant, pungent or putrid odor.

Caring for dogs and puppies after caesarean section

A caesarean section in dogs is a complex operation performed to remove puppies from the uterus. This surgery is the most commonly performed emergency procedure when a pregnant animal has difficulty giving birth naturally.

Most dogs recover from surgery fairly quickly, however, if your dog was in labor for several hours before the C-section, she will take longer to recover and will also need extra attention and help with the puppies.

What care does a dog need during the recovery period?

The dog was injected with an anesthetic, which should quickly leave the body. most dogs fully recover from anesthesia by the time they are discharged home. Full recovery from anesthesia can take from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the drugs used, the physical condition of the animal and its age at the time of surgery, and the duration of labor that was ongoing before surgery.

During the first time after surgery, the dog should be kept under close attention so that it does not fall and cause pain to itself or the puppies. Puppies should not be left alone with her until she is fully conscious and can begin caring for them on her own.

The dog should start eating a few hours after surgery. You should offer her small amounts of food and water every 15 to 30 minutes. If she eats food too quickly, she may vomit. The dog's food intake during this time may increase to 1.

5 times compared to normal consumption. In the third or fourth week of feeding puppies, her food intake may increase 2-3 times.

Throughout the feeding period, the animal needs high-quality food for nursing dogs in order to provide adequate nutrition for both it and the puppies.

The dog's temperature during the first 1-3 days after birth may rise 0.5-1°C above normal, but then it should return to normal (37.8º-38.9ºC). Do not give your dog acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin, or acetaminophen without consulting your veterinarian. If your pet's temperature rises above 40°C, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible and seek veterinary assistance.

What to do if your dog has bloody discharge from the vulva?

Discharge containing blood is a normal process that can last up to 3-7 days after birth. The discharge may be very heavy during the first 1-3 days, but then it will begin to decrease.

If the discharge continues for more than a week, or if it changes color or smells, your dog should be checked for infection or other complications.

If the dog has been sterilized (ovariohysterectomy), then there should be virtually no discharge.

When should sutures be removed?

Sutures may or may not be removed depending on the suture material used. If internal absorbable sutures were used that are not visible, they do not require removal. If sutures are visible, they are usually removed within 10-14 days after a cesarean section.

How to take care of puppies?

Puppies will require care immediately upon arrival home. Although your dog may be too sleepy to feed the puppies on her own, you can gently lay her down in a comfortable place and place the puppies next to her. Then, if the puppies are reluctant to suckle, you can gently massage some of the nipples to get some milk to appear.

If the dog does not have enough of its own milk at first, then you can use an artificial milk substitute for the first couple of days. Your veterinarian should advise you on a suitable milk replacer and feeding bottle.

In case of an emergency, you can use the following formula for milk replacer: 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon corn oil, 1 small pinch of salt and 3 egg yolks without white. Mix the consistency until smooth. The mixture should be given to the puppy at the rate of 30 ml per 1/8 kg of its weight. This volume should be divided into 3-5 servings.

The average weight of a newborn small breed puppy is about 1/8 kg, but a large breed puppy can weigh up to 1/4 kg.

Although it is advisable to begin care immediately after birth, a healthy newborn puppy can survive without complications for up to 12 hours without feeding. However, if the puppy is weak or the temperature is low enough, then feeding should begin as soon as possible.

What temperature do puppies need?

A newborn puppy cannot regulate its body temperature well enough. As long as the puppies remain near their mother, the temperature in the room does not matter much. However, unless they are near the dog, the temperature should be between 29.4º and 32.2ºC.

Source: https://petstime.ru/article/uhod-za-sobakoy-i-shchenkami-posle-kesareva-secheniya