20-Sep-2018 posted-by My Pet Desire
Unlike humans pregnancy in dogs last up to 69 days. It is immensely important for the owner to monitor its pregnancy with care. When your dog is about to give birth, it goes through various stages. Maintaining patience during this is assist to smooth labor.
Before Labor.
The gestation period of a dog lasts for 63 to 69 days. The gestation period varies for different breeds. for toy breeds it can be a week earlier and in case of larger breeds it can be later. In order to check whether your dog is due for delivery, use a rectal or oral thermometer rectally. If the temperature is between 101 and 102.5 F there is nothing to worry. If the temperature falls down to 100 F, it signals your dog should deliver the pups in less than 24 hours.
Stage 1:-
In the first stage of labor the cervix of the dog contracts and expands. It can cause immense pain and anxiety to your dog. The contraction is painful and perplexing. At this stage of time, your dog may want to spend some time alone, usually hiding itself inside the bathroom. She will turn restless and uncomfortable, causing discomfort, restlessness and often vomiting.
This stage lasts for the longest period. Try to keep the environment calm and silent for the mother. By the end of hours, its cervix would have got totally diluted for the puppies to pass.
Stage 2:-
During the second stage of labor, the contractions will begin with force. The placental water will break through and the sack will break and straw- colored fluid will pass. Placentas are expelled occasionally after each pup is expelled. Pups appear after 15 to 30 minutes of strenuous pushing.
Once the pups are born, the mother dog licks the to clean them of the residues and usually bites off the umbilical cord by herself. It is recommended to let the mother dog do this as it will help the mother dog to recognize and bond with her children. This licking by the mother will help stimulate breathing in her puppies. In case if the mother fails to clean away the fluid out of the pups, it is recommended to the owner to clean the puppies completely using a towel or a cotton, lest it will find difficulty in breathing.
Sometimes long hours may pass between two labors and the dog will take some rest in between. If there has been no labor for more than four hours, but you do believe there are still puppies left inside or your dog is straining forcefully without any pup getting delivered then take your dog to a veterinarian. If you see the dog’s leg has got stuck and it is getting more difficult then, gently assist in pulling the leg out. Do not apply force as the pups are vulnerable at this stage.
If the mother dog is stuck in incomplete labor, it is advisable to administer oxytocin to induce labor.
Stage 3:-
The stage is similar with that of humans. Once all the puppies are born, the uterus starts to contract and expels out remaining blood, placenta and fluid. This stage is known as midwifery, a termed borrowed from human labor.
It is usually noticed, after thirty-two days of pregnancy, appetite doubles. At this time, make sure to feed your dog twice of what she eats, and when it is in the lactating stage, its meal should become thrice that of usual.
Keep taking your pet for routine check up. By forty-fifth day get a detailed examination done. It will help the veterinarian know about the position and state of the puppies and will be able to guide better.
The puppies are born covered in amniotic membrane. It is immensely important to get it removed or peel it off if the mother dog fails to lick the fluid in order to let the pup breath.
The stages of labor is going to be a period of testing and change for both your dog and to you. It is important to have your temper at check and monitor it better to have a peaceful labor for your dog.
