Ideally, set up the whelping box away from all other dogs and in a quieter area to give the mom privacy. The more you know about dog pregnancy ahead of time, the better prepared you will be to care for your dog. Dogs look for warm, safe places to deliver their puppies. For instance, some mother dogs may consume the puppy in a seemingly cannibalistic act. By the end of the first month, a veterinarian can detect a fetal heartbeat, and the development speeds up into the second month as the embryos develop into recognizable puppies. But sometimes, it is seen that only a single or two puppies are present in a litter. It’s important to have certain supplies on hand in order to help get the … As your dog is getting ready to give birth to her puppies, you will notice that the number and frequency of the contractions increase. When your dog first goes into labor, the best thing you can do is keep your distance while quietly observing her. Dogs typically birth their largest litter the third or fourth time they get pregnant. It is also a good idea to talk to an experienced dog breeder and consider having that person present for the birth. Before giving birth, your dog will secrete a mucous-like fluid that is yellowish-white color through her vulva. Emergencies happen during pregnancy. Keep these supplies in a clean, easy-to-access location. Once this expulsion has occurred, the first … Mum will want a private place in your home where she can relax and give birth to her puppies in peace, so build a ‘nest’ for her in the last two weeks of your dog’s pregnancy. Let's take a look at what to expect when a female dog gives birth. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. A pregnant dog typically shows signs of nesting within about 48 hours of the onset of labor. Eclampsia in dogs (milk fever, hypocalcemia , or puerperal tetany) is a life-threatening condition associated with a drop in blood calcium levels. If your dog is pregnant, or if you are planning on breeding your dog, there is so much information that you need to know, from the signs of pregnancy in dogs to caring for your pregnant bitch. The bitch should also sever the umbilical cord as she cleans her pups. Dogs don’t have the option of picking up a pregnancy test kit from the pharmacy, which means we have to rely on other methods to determine if a dog is pregnant. If you don’t introduce her to the whelping box beforehand, she might decide to deliver someplace else—like your closet. X-rays are probably the most effective way to determine if a bitch is pregnant. If the mother does not remove the membrane within about two minutes, you will need to assist. By the end of the second month and the start of the third, the puppies are ready to be born, which means you need to be prepared for their delivery. This is not abnormal and is not usually a problem unless the pup seems stuck. Unlike humans, dogs generally give birth easily and do not require assistance. Is your dog pregnant and about to give birth? Read our, The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, Knowing When Your Dog Is Ready to Give Birth, Caring for Pregnant Dogs and Preparing for Birth, Questions and Answers About Dog Pregnancy. To rule out a more serious condition, take your dog to the veterinarian for a prenatal checkup. It is important to understand the potential risks and be able to identify signs of complications. Bull Dogs According to Jo Ann Menefee, a Hall of Fame Breeder of English Bulldogs, C- sections are more common than natural whelping in this breed, and are required 95 percent of the time. inability to initiate the process of birthing (parturition) at the end of the normal gestation period A large cardboard box lined with newspapers and topped with old towels or blankets makes a suitable nest in which your dog can give birth and raise her babies. Whelping boxes offer a safe, warm, comfortable, easily cleaned location for your dog to have her puppies. For each puppy your dog gives birth to, she will also deliver a placenta. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. If your dog is already on a good quality dog food and is at a healthy weight, you won’t have to make any changes to her diet for the first part of her pregnancy unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. The sacks lose their distinct shape after one month, which is why the timing of this test is so important. When the rectal temperature drops below 100°F this is a good sign that labor will begin within about 24 hours. Ideally, your vet will have been checking on your dog throughout the pregnancy. Some puppies may be born tail first. An ideal nest for dogs giving birth is a large cardboard box lined with puppy pads (in case of accidents), and filled with clean blankets, sheets or towels. If you are selling or giving away the puppies, wait until they are 8 weeks old before handing them over to the new owners. Dogs are polytocous, meaning they have more than two young ones each time they give birth. All rights reserved. Eclampsia is common after giving birth, it can also occur before birth and during. If your vet has not told you that there is a risk, your dog will give birth at home. 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