An exciting event is expected in your family - your beloved dog will soon become a mother. In order for the birth to go well, you need to carefully prepare for it.
Instructions
Step 1
A little about physiology. Pregnancy of a bitch lasts an average of 59-64 days - it all depends on the breed, genetics, the number of puppies in the womb. A few days before giving birth, the dog's belly "sinks" down, the animal begins to worry, prepare a "nest", refusal to eat is possible. The day before giving birth, the dog's body temperature decreases by 1-1.5 degrees. From this point on, it is necessary to monitor the expectant mother, since labor should begin within 12-24 hours.
Step 2
The delivery site should be equipped in advance. For these purposes, a box with sides is suitable, through which the mother can calmly step over, but the puppies will not be able to get out. At the bottom of the box, you should lay an oilcloth with a sheet or disposable napkins, which are sold in pharmacies. It is also necessary to prepare in advance a heating pad with warm water, sterile scissors, 5% alcohol solution of iodine, hand sanitizer, clean rags.
Step 3
A normal delivery takes place with minimal host intervention. To avoid unforeseen situations, carefully read the literature on this issue, call your veterinarian in advance, notify him so that he can come in case of problems. Reassure your family members: the calmer the atmosphere in the house, the calmer your dog will be.
Step 4
As soon as the dog has contractions, help her to get into the birthing box, talk to her, pet. If the dog is giving birth for the first time, then it can be very scared, so the presence of the owner is very important. Contractions and attempts can last up to 2-3 hours. In normal delivery, the puppy appears head or hind legs forward. If the puppy appears in the amniotic sac, and the dog is confused and does nothing, then it is necessary to break the membrane with clean disinfected hands, free the mouth and nose from mucus with a clean cloth, gently rub the puppy and apply it to the mother's belly. The dog should start licking the baby. As a rule, the mother herself bites the umbilical cord, if this does not happen, take sterile scissors and cut the umbilical cord 2 cm in small breeds or 4 cm from the tummy in large breeds. To stop the bleeding, cauterize the end of the umbilical cord with iodine. Change the litter as it gets dirty - small puppies should lie dry and clean. The intervals between the birth of babies are about 30-40 minutes. If your dog has been pushing for more than two hours to no avail, call your veterinarian!
Step 5
In between births of babies, you can drink the dog warm tea with sugar or honey. When the afterbirth comes out, the dog will try to eat it - this is normal. But do not give more than 2-3 pieces to eat, otherwise then severe stomach upset is possible. Be sure to count the afterbirths - their number should be equal to the number of puppies.
Step 6
After labor is over, care must be taken to ensure that the litter is dry and that all puppies suck on the nipples. At the moment, mother's colostrum is the most important for health and proper formation of immunity. At first, do not disturb the dog, do not let young children take puppies - first, let the dog rest, come to his senses and begin to fully perform the functions of a mother.
Step 7
If you suspect the wrong course of labor, long contractions and attempts, bleeding from the birth canal, the wrong position of the puppies in the birth canal - urgently call your veterinarian. In difficult situations, only a specialist will be able to determine the severity of the mother's condition, and will also make every effort to ensure that your dog gives birth to healthy and full-fledged offspring.
