Whelping Safely

Whelping a Safe Litter

PREPARATION FOR WHELPING

In the last week of pregnancy it is advisable to have her sleeping in the area you intend her to have and rear her pups.

It is preferable to have a proper whelping box (see http://www.xocom.com/fr/Boxes.htm), this allows the pups to get underneath and prevents them getting accidentally squashed.

Newspaper makes excellent bedding as it can be easily changed, is absorbent and can be shredded by the bitch to make a nest. If any materials or blankets are used they must be washed frequently.

From the 58th day of pregnancy the rectal temperature can be monitored. Within 24 hours of whelping the temperature will drop 1 to 2 degrees from normal. (normal temp is 38.5(C).

LABOUR AND DELIVERY

Labour is divided into three stages. The second and third stages are repeated with the birth of each pup.

STAGE ONE

In this stage the bitch can be extremely restless. She may be nervous and seek seclusion. She may also refuse food. This stage can last from 6 to 24 hours. This is a good time to exercise her lightly and ensure that urine and bowel movements occur.

STAGE TWO

This stage begins with contractions and expulsive efforts. Usually a small greenish sac of fluid will protrude from her vulva first. A puppy and the placenta follow this. If 1 hour passes without expulsion of the pup and she is still straining, get help immediately.

The normal presentation of the pup is nose first, lying on its tummy, although approximately 1/3rd of puppies are born hindquarters first. This is normal.

After the birth the mother will open the sac and clean the pup and bite through the umbilical cord. If the sac around the pup is unbroken during delivery it should be removed immediately.

STAGE THREE

This stage is the resting stage following each delivery. Mild contractions occur resulting in the delivery of the afterbirth. This stage usually lasts for 10 to 30 minutes but can be from seconds to hours.

OBSTETRICAL CARE

The bitch should be observed after each pup is delivered. Normally she will strongly lick each pup to stimulate respiration and clean off all the membranes. If she doesn’t do this remove the membranes surrounding the puppy and rub with a clean towel. After a few minutes the pup should begin to squirm and cry loudly. The umbilical cord should be clamped about an inch from the body for about 5 minutes (a spring peg will suffice) then cut with clean scissors. A drop of diluted iodine should then be added to the cut cord. If a pup is lodged in the birth canal and the mother is unable to expel it rapid intervention is necessary, often there is not enough time to get to a vet clinic. Clean your hands thoroughly and grasp the puppy with a clean towel and exert steady firm traction. You may have to apply traction for as long as 5 minutes. It is important to pull downwards at a 45 degree angle.

BEHAVIOUR OF THE MOTHER

During whelping and nursing, your dog may not be her usual self. She may be nervous and protective of her new family. Any aggression she may exhibit towards her pups will usually fade as time passes.

Please notify your vet immediately if the following occur:

You are unable to remove a puppy lodged in the birth canal

There are weak intermittent contractions for over 3 hours without the delivery of a pup

There are strong and persistent contractions for 30 mins without the delivery of a pup

It has been more then 3 hours since the last pup was born

There is a green-black discharge with no pups delivered within 3 hours

Pregnancy lasts longer than 65 days

The puppies have all been born but the mother will not settle or allow them to suckle

POSTNATAL CARE OF THE BITCH

It is important to keep your pet quiet and free of constant disturbances within her new family. Feeding a complete and balanced diet is essential as described earlier. Ad lib water should be provided at all times. Allow mum to get away from her pups in between feeds if she wants to.

POSTNATAL CARE OF THE PUPPIES

During the first few weeks of life, the mother will provide the necessities: warmth, nutrition and stimulation. It is important to make regular observations to detect any problems at an early stage.

Warmth – Temp should be maintained at 23(C. Keep the pups away from draughts and cold areas as pups cant regulate their temperature until they are 10 to 14 days old.

Nursing – Healthy pups have round tummies and are generally quiet and content. Prolonged crying indicates all is not well. Pups should double their birth weight within the first week.

Eyes – These open from 10 days of age

Weaning – From 20 days old the puppies can be introduced to a puppy diet. It is often necessary to keep mum away for about 2 hours prior to offering supplements. Once they are 4 weeks old the pups only really need to spend the night with their mum, with occasional visits during the day. The pups should at this stage be having three to four small meals a day. At six weeks of age the puppies should be weaned totally. Ad lib water should be provided at all times.

The pups do not need any added supplements as long as they are getting a complete and balanced puppy diet.

Worming – Roundworm treatment should be started when the pups are two weeks old and continuing every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old.

Dew Claw Removal – Done at three to five days of age

It is Important to handle the pups regularly from a young age. This has shown to improve learning and helps produce pups that are more balanced.