Assist in Dog Giving Birth is a crucial process that involves several steps. Dog owners, especially those without prior experience in caring for pregnant dogs, whelping, and post-birth care, need to be well-prepared. This guide will help you minimize risks and provide the necessary assistance when a veterinarian isn’t available, particularly if the dog’s water has already broken.
Why Assistance is Necessary During Dog Giving Birth
When a dog is approaching delivery, special attention from the owner is essential. In some cases, owners may need to assist to ensure the safety of both the mother and the puppies. While most dogs can deliver naturally, certain breeds, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Corgis, Miniature Pinschers, Poodles, and Dachshunds, are more prone to complications during childbirth. Additionally, dogs that have been overly pampered or are malnourished may also struggle during delivery.
If the mother dog becomes exhausted during labor, complications can arise. Puppies that remain in the womb for too long may suffer from asphyxiation if not promptly delivered, potentially leading to stillbirths and subsequent infections that endanger both the mother and her puppies.
For these reasons, assistance during dog births is often necessary. However, owners should not rely solely on their experience; seeking guidance from professionals, such as veterinarians or breeding specialists, is highly recommended.
Estimating the Expected Delivery Date
To prepare for delivery, it’s important to estimate the whelping date by noting the first day of mating. Monitor the size of the dog’s belly and consider an ultrasound to determine the number of puppies. Generally, a smaller belly, indicating fewer puppies, might mean a longer pregnancy, sometimes exceeding 64 days. Conversely, larger litters may result in earlier deliveries, sometimes as early as 57–58 days.
Nighttime births are common, which might make it inconvenient to visit a veterinary clinic. In such cases, gently massaging the mother dog’s belly and providing supplemental food can help maintain her strength during labor.
Preparing for the Dog’s Delivery
As labor approaches, the mother dog may become fatigued, making it important to have easily digestible, nutritious food available. Feeding the dog before labor begins is also advisable.
Before labor starts, clean the mother dog’s nipples and the surrounding area, and ensure her genital area is clean. Labor may be accompanied by uterine contractions and pain, causing the mother dog to pant heavily. Her anus and genital area will enlarge as delivery approaches.
It’s best for the owner to be present during delivery to offer support and assistance as needed, although the mother dog should be allowed to care for her puppies as much as possible.
Preparing the Whelping Area and Tools
To ensure a smooth delivery process, prepare a large whelping box or bed for the mother dog, preferably made of wood or another sturdy material. Place the whelping area in a quiet, warm, and draft-free corner. Line the box with clean fabric, but avoid using too much to prevent the puppies from getting trapped. You may need to build a wooden tray for whelping, with a maximum height of 20 cm, and line it with clean fabric. The temperature should be maintained at 26–27°C, with humidity below 80%. A thermometer and hygrometer are useful for monitoring the environment.
Essential Tools for Dog Birth Assistance:
- Clean towels
- Scissors
- Thread
- Cotton cloth
- Disinfectant
- Wash basin
- Old newspapers
- Thermal equipment (such as a heat lamp, electric blanket, or thick towels) if it’s winter
If you’re not familiar with the birthing process, it’s best to consult a veterinarian or someone with experience. For breeds prone to difficult births, it’s advisable to have a veterinarian present. If the owner needs to assist, understanding the entire process is essential to avoid complications.
Recognizing the Signs of Impending Birth
Around 59 to 63 days after mating, the dog will give birth. Signs of impending labor include frequent urination, occasional vomiting, loss of appetite, or reduced eating. The mother dog may also pant heavily, appear tense, have watery eyes, and breathe through her mouth. A drop in body temperature to below 37°C is another key indicator.
Owners should closely observe these signs to intervene if necessary. If the water breaks or contractions last more than 15 minutes without progress, contact a veterinarian immediately, especially if the mother has a history of difficult births.
In the days leading up to labor, the dog may produce milk 3–4 days before delivery, though some may not until labor begins. You may also notice fetal movements in the abdomen. The mother dog might eat less and urinate more frequently. In the hours before labor, she may refuse food, have frequent bowel movements, and display restlessness.
Steps to Assist in Dog Giving Birth
24 Hours Before Delivery:
- The dog’s milk will start to appear.
- The dog may eat less, her belly will sag, and her abdomen will feel soft.
- She may exhibit frequent urination and defecation due to the pressure of the womb.
12–2 Hours Before Delivery:
- Monitor the dog’s temperature rectally; a drop to 36.7–37.5°C indicates labor is near.
- The dog may shiver, especially in cold weather, or after getting wet.
- She may pace, lie down and get up frequently, and show signs of nest-building behavior.
- The dog may seek a quiet, dark place, looking to her owner for comfort.
Caring for the Mother During Labor
Understand the concept of a “breech birth”—this refers to the position of the fetus, not whether the head or tail comes out first. Positions to watch for include:
- The head emerges, but one or both front legs do not.
- One or both front legs emerge, but the head does not.
- The tail emerges first, but one or both hind legs do not.
To assist, gently reposition the fetus so that the head and both front legs, or the tail and both hind legs, emerge together. Eating the placenta is a natural behavior for the mother dog and helps with post-birth care.
Caring for Newborn Puppies
After a puppy is born, the most crucial step is to ensure it is breathing. If a puppy isn’t breathing, wrap it in a towel and hold it with its head down, then vigorously rub the puppy with a towel to stimulate breathing. Once the puppy responds, place it near the mother to be cleaned.
If the puppy is still in the amniotic sac, remove the sac and clean the puppy. Clear the mouth and nose of mucus to help the puppy breathe as quickly as possible.
Assisting with Delivery:
If a puppy is partially out but doesn’t progress further after a few minutes, gently pull the puppy downwards and outwards to help it emerge. Tear the amniotic sac, clean the puppy’s mouth, and ensure it cries.
If the amniotic fluid is green and no puppy has emerged, this is abnormal, and a veterinarian’s assistance may be necessary. If the mother dog struggles to deliver, an emergency C-section may be required.
Umbilical Cord Care:
Avoid using scissors to cut the umbilical cord. If the mother doesn’t sever the cord, use sterilized scissors and clamp to cut it, leaving about 1–2 cm of cord. Disinfect the area with 70% alcohol or Povidone-iodine to prevent tetanus.
Dealing with Complications During Dog Giving Birth
If the mother dog is in severe pain and has been laboring for over an hour without delivering, this could indicate a problem. Contact a veterinarian for assistance. You can gently press the mother dog’s abdomen in rhythm with her contractions and massage her teats to aid in labor.
The mother dog’s birthing position varies; some lie on their sides, while others adopt a squatting position. After the puppy is born, the mother will lick the sac to help it break open, then sever the umbilical cord.
If the mother is too exhausted or doesn’t assist, the owner must step in to help deliver the puppies.
Using Oxytocin to Assist with Labor
Having oxytocin on hand is advisable for dog owners. This medication can be purchased from veterinary clinics or pharmacies, and they will guide you on how to administer it. Regularly consult with your veterinarian for advice on assisting with labor.
If 30 minutes pass after delivering one puppy without another appearing, you may administer oxytocin. However, do not administer it if no puppies have been delivered yet.
If a puppy is stuck in the birth canal, wrap a towel around your hand and gently pull it out in sync with the mother’s contractions.
