Early signs of Labour
There are many signs indicating that whelping time is near (within 12-24 hours), such as:
- Drop in temperature-we typically have the owners take the rectal temperature of the bitch every 12 hours starting 7 days prior to anticipated due date. Usually 8-24 hours prior to delivery, the temperature will have a significant drop of 2 degrees to about 98.6° F.
- Loose stools
- Decrease in appetite
- Nesting/digging
- Increased mucoid vaginal discharge
- Milk in mammary glands
Natural Delivery
Labour in the female dog (bitch) can be divided into three stages. The second and third stages are repeated with the birth of each puppy.
STAGE 1:During the first stage, the mother seems extremely restless and very nervous, and often seeks seclusion. She may refuse food even if offered her favorite treats. This stage may last 6 - 24 hours. This is a good time to exercise the mother to allow her to urinate and defecate.
STAGE 2:In the second stage, contractions and expulsion of the puppies begin. Usually a small greenish sac of fluid protrudes first from the vulva. This is followed by the puppy and its attached placenta. The normal presentation of the puppy is nose first, stomach down. About one third of all puppies, however, are born hindquarters first. This presentation is considered normal in the dog.
After delivery, the mother opens the sac, cleans off the pup and severs the umbilical cord. You may have to perform these functions for the mother (see Obstetric Care). Make sure the sac is removed from the puppy immediately if it is unbroken during delivery.
STAGE 3:The third stage of labour is the resting stage, which follows each delivery. Mild contractions and delivery of the afterbirth should take place in this phase. This stage usually lasts 10 - 30 minutes, but it may range from a few seconds to an hour.
STAGE 1:During the first stage, the mother seems extremely restless and very nervous, and often seeks seclusion. She may refuse food even if offered her favorite treats. This stage may last 6 - 24 hours. This is a good time to exercise the mother to allow her to urinate and defecate.
STAGE 2:In the second stage, contractions and expulsion of the puppies begin. Usually a small greenish sac of fluid protrudes first from the vulva. This is followed by the puppy and its attached placenta. The normal presentation of the puppy is nose first, stomach down. About one third of all puppies, however, are born hindquarters first. This presentation is considered normal in the dog.
After delivery, the mother opens the sac, cleans off the pup and severs the umbilical cord. You may have to perform these functions for the mother (see Obstetric Care). Make sure the sac is removed from the puppy immediately if it is unbroken during delivery.
STAGE 3:The third stage of labour is the resting stage, which follows each delivery. Mild contractions and delivery of the afterbirth should take place in this phase. This stage usually lasts 10 - 30 minutes, but it may range from a few seconds to an hour.