The first signs of the onset of labor in a dog. All about favorite dogs. Frequent trips to the street

How to understand that a dog is giving birth? How to understand that the pet needs your help and most importantly, how to help? Let's look at what signs you can rely on while expecting childbirth and what may indicate danger.

Even if you are worried, you are overcome by emotions or fears, remember one thing - the dog knows for sure that she will give birth soon. No one but your pet will give you clearer "data" about the upcoming birth. You don't have to do much, just be aware of any changes in your dog's behavior.

Some action is required on your part:

A week (and sometimes earlier) before birth, the dog will begin "build a nest". Absolutely all females do this, the pregnancy of which is going well. The fact is that a few days before the birth, it will be difficult for the expectant mother to move and she will no longer be able to make a comfortable nest.

Domestic dogs are descendants of wolves, and they give birth in burrows or deep depressions in the ground. A safe nest should have a roof, not let in direct sunlight, and keep the temperature well. At home, a spacious box with a light “ceiling”, for example, made of cardboard, will become an ideal nest. The base of the lounger can also be cardboard, but in this case the box must be placed against the wall. During childbirth, the dog will rest its hind legs against the wall of the box and may break it.

The nest must be placed in the farthest room. On the eve of childbirth and after them, the temperature and humidity in the room must be strictly monitored. Make sure the nest is not in a draft or near a radiator. While the dog is preparing for childbirth, do not interfere with her desire to take toys or other things to the nest.

Everyone calm down - this is a training alarm!

Many inexperienced owners, experiencing her first pregnancy with their pet, “catch” on a training alarm. The dog begins to behave very restlessly, usually this happens at night. The owner intuitively understands that the pet will soon give birth, begins to feverishly run around the house, look for the veterinarian's phone number, pull off a bunch of towels, prepare warm water, and so on. At this moment, amid panic, the owner does not notice that the dog has calmed down and watches with great interest the "throwing" of his guardian.

Read also: How many dogs go pregnant? Dates and changes by week

In most cases, the situation develops, or rather, worsens, if the owner does not face the facts. Realizing that the dog was supposed to give birth, but there were no puppies, the owner grabs the pet and rushes to the veterinary clinic or calls the veterinarian at home. If the doctor is called to the house (which is a more reasonable alternative), the pet will most likely fall asleep before he arrives. If you still come to the clinic, but there is no birth, then for the first time you will hear about such a phenomenon as preparatory or false contractions.

Real signs of childbirth

Even if you understand in detail all the signs indicating the onset of labor and possible complications of their process, you should not be arrogant. Keep your veterinarian's contact information handy at all times. It is advisable to arrange a home visit with the doctor in advance so that you do not have to take the woman in labor to the clinic.

It is also worth preparing for the fact that during the process of childbirth the dog will get very tired and the puppies will need your help. A few weeks before the birth, assemble a kit that will lie untouchable until the puppies are born. The kit must include:

Sharp scissors (previously disinfected and placed in a bag).
Several clean, medium-sized cloth towels.
Heating pad.
Second nest (for puppies).
Paper towels.
Moisture-wicking diapers.
Bitch's milk substitute.
For a woman in labor: calcium preparations that support the work of the heart and hemostatic drugs (appointments should be discussed with a veterinarian).

Keep the maternity kit handy if the body temperature of the expectant mother has dropped to 38.5–37 degrees. A drop in core body temperature is the first and most obvious sign that a dog will give birth today (within 24 hours). From the moment the body temperature drops until contractions, it is advisable to measure the temperature every 2-3 hours.

Important! In some dogs, a slightly lower body temperature is natural (normal). To clearly track the date of birth, control measurements of body temperature should begin 2 weeks before the expected end of the gestation period.

Regular measurements of body temperature will not only predict the date of birth, but also provide the expectant mother with maximum comfort in the last week of gestation. You may notice that the pet will become more calm and lethargic. In the last week before giving birth, you do not need to insist on long walks, and it is better to move the walking place to a deserted place away from the accumulation of dogs and people.

Important! If the pregnancy takes place in winter, make sure that the dog does not lie down on the ground during a walk and is not in a draft.

In the days leading up to birth, your pet may have a strong desire to set up a nest somewhere else or move an already built nest. Do everything to make the dog feel calm and comfortable. If the pet stubbornly climbs under the bed - move the bed. You will be able to move the nest with the puppies a few days after the birth. But until the dog starts giving birth, you will have to put up with all the inconveniences.

Read also: How to prevent heat in a dog?

Stages of childbirth - what to expect and how to act

The birth of a dog is conventionally divided into three stages. At the first stage, everything happens relatively imperceptibly.. The cervix begins to dilate and the uterus contracts. You may notice that the dog's loop has grown significantly and a discharge has begun to appear from it.

Note! At the first stage of childbirth, dogs may not behave quite adequately, they are very worried, howl, look for a secluded place, or, on the contrary, show complete apathy.

In the second stage of labor, puppies begin to move through the birth canal. It is normal for a dog to expel all puppies in 3-12 hours, but a birth that lasts up to 24 hours is also considered normal. The first sign that the process of expelling puppies has begun is an increase in core body temperature to normal. Within a few hours, the first puppy will be born. Carefully observe the condition of the dog, 10-15 minutes before the appearance of the first puppy, amniotic fluid will literally pour out of the loop.

Note! The small amount of amniotic fluid that comes out of the dog's uterus before the first puppy should not scare you. Each puppy is in an individual bubble, which is filled with liquid.

After the appearance of the first puppy until the appearance of the second, it will normally pass about 20 minutes. During the break, the dog lies on its side and breathes heavily. Your task is to calm the pet as much as possible so that it can rest. The "gap" between the birth of puppies can be up to an hour, but should not be delayed for more than 2 hours. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is having labor problems. You should also consult a doctor if more than an hour has passed after the expulsion of amniotic fluid, and the first puppy has not appeared.

In a female, it occurs at 1/2 ... 1 year, but it is impossible to knit a female before the third oestrus. Boys begin to be active earlier than girls, but mature physically and morally later than them. Cynologists recommend untying males of small breeds not earlier than one and a half years, and large ones six months later. The first start of the bitch in mating is carried out at the same time.

If you violate the rule of the third estrus, the female may be barren, the puppies are inferior in breeding terms. In males that have survived premature mating, the psyche is disturbed, the terms of breeding use are shortened.

Puppy lasts 8-10 weeks. Before giving birth, the dog changes behavior, prepares a nest, but this does not happen in females of small breeds. Whelping can begin suddenly, so the dog breeder is obliged to be ready for childbirth on the eighth week after mating, to be nearby, monitor health and behavior, and record all events in a diary. At the fifth week of pregnancy, ultrasound is recommended to prevent pregnancy pathologies.

Stages of pregnancy

The optimal period for the development of the fetus is nine weeks. There is an inverse relationship between the number of puppies in a litter and the duration of pregnancy. As in humans, pregnancy is conventionally divided into 3 periods. Initial (up to 20 days) does not bring changes in the behavior of the dog. She is active, playful, but some bitches are observed to be excessively sleepy.

At the beginning of the second trimester, a pregnancy test can be performed, in the middle, embryos are viewed with ultrasound. The female becomes lazy, gaining weight. When feeling the abdomen, they feel the motor activity of the puppies.

In the final phase of gestation, the bitch becomes clumsy, gets tired quickly, starts nesting, sleeps poorly, fusses. From the owner at this time requires care and attention. Feeding becomes more frequent and plentiful. The optimal solution to the problem of nutrition will be the use of complete feed for a pregnant dog. Requires food with a moderate concentration of energy so that the bitch does not become obese and a high fiber content to prevent constipation. In the second half of pregnancy, the bitch's appetite increases.

Milk production requires a feed that is high in energy and low in fiber. The caloric requirements of a lactating bitch are doubled compared to those of a nursing bitch, and three times those of a single bitch. Therefore, before childbirth, a transition to nutrition for lactating is required.

Preparing for childbirth

A responsible dog owner must prepare for the birth of his pet. It is necessary to remember how the bitch behaved in the first whelping. If everything went well, we should expect the same development of events.

The owner of the dog is able to master the techniques of providing primary care from videos or canine literature. But, if the first birth of the bitch was difficult, it is better to use the services of a professional.

7 ... 10 days before the expected date of whelping, the place where the bitch will give birth should be prepared. This is a collapsible playpen or a spacious box. One wall of the maternity box is made lower than the rest so that the bitch can leave the nest, but the puppies cannot.

No one knows the exact date of birth, so you should always be ready for the start of whelping. The dog must be trained to this place so that it does not resist when it is placed there. An experienced cynologist keeps a diary in which he records all the events that happened to the pet. Such information may be needed by a veterinarian during obstetric care.

Signs of childbirth

Before giving birth, the following events occur in the life of a bitch:

Section of the mucous plug. While sleeping or urinating, whitish mucus is released. Until childbirth can remain 3 ... 5 days.
The nipples swell, colostrum is secreted from them. The hair around the mammary glands falls out. There are 1-2 days left before delivery.
Falling down

There are many worries associated with the birth of puppies. Pregnancy in dogs lasts an average of 60 days, in the last week the characteristic precursors of whelping begin to appear. A loving and caring owner should always know how the dog behaves before giving birth.

The approach of childbirth is an exciting moment. You can determine how soon puppies will be born using characteristic signs. Knowing the harbingers of fights, the appearance of puppies will not be a surprise and will allow you to carefully prepare for their appearance.

Approaching the birth of puppies is reflected not only at the physiological level, but also on the behavior of the pet. For those who are attentive to changes in the character of the dog, it will be easier to determine the upcoming contractions and how much time is left before the birth.

A few hours before the start of whelping, the dog's behavior changes:

the animal begins to behave restlessly, may whine, scrape and scratch the floor;
young individuals arrange a "nest" in the master's bed, pulling warm sweaters and sweaters there;
eating behavior changes - the animal completely refuses food, begins to drink a lot;
the dog begins to lick the genitals often.

The task of the owner is to calm the animal. If a person begins to get nervous and worried, the animal feels it. In this case, anxiety and fear may increase. Therefore, it is important to have full information, enlist the support of a veterinarian and help the woman in labor.

Behavioral changes are associated with pain and discomfort that the dog experiences with uterine contractions and increased intra-abdominal pressure.

3-5 hours before the start of contractions, the dog gets better. She demands continuous affection, fusses, looks into the eyes, the pupils dilate significantly. The action of labor-stimulating hormones begins, under their action the muscles of the internal organs relax and the uterus and birth canal come into tone.

7-10 days before the birth, the puppies descend lower - closer to the birth canal. This process is accompanied by a prolapse of the abdomen. On the sides between the ribs, depressions become noticeable. The side surfaces no longer seem as voluminous and convex as they were a couple of days ago. There is a feeling that the animal has lost a lot of weight, especially when viewed from above on the haggard back. These changes mean that the puppies move down into the pelvis.

nipples swell

When 1-2 days remain before contractions, the mammary glands increase and swell. The surface of the abdomen becomes noticeably bald and becomes smooth. When the nipples are pressed, yellowish colostrum flows out. According to such first criteria, it can be understood that the pregnancy ends and childbirth should be expected.

The temperature drops

In the last week of pregnancy, the temperature fluctuates in a small range. Rectal temperature drops 24 hours before contractions. This is the most reliable sign. The normal indicator is 38.5 ° C.

Temperature indicators decrease depending on the breed and size of the dog:

in large breeds (shepherd dogs, boxers, mastiffs, huskies, dobermans), a decrease to 37 ° C is possible;
in small ones (pugs, Chinese crested, toy terriers) - up to 36 ° C.

The temperature returns to normal in a few days.

Mucous discharge

From the genital tract 3-5 days before birth, whitish mucus begins to come out. The uterus opens, the loop relaxes. Cervical mucus is clear, sometimes yellowish. Usually, discharge is observed after sleep or urination, and is associated with the separation of the mucous plug, which during pregnancy closed the cervical canal. This sign helps to know that there are still at least 36 hours before contractions.

Amniotic fluid drains

When there are several hours left before the birth (12-20 hours), amniotic fluid departs. Normally, they are yellowish-transparent in color and without impurities. The presence of a greenish tint, blood impurities or dark clots is an alarm signal. It is desirable that a veterinarian is involved in the birth process.

From the first mating to the appearance of puppies, an average of 56-72 days pass, depending on the breed. In small breed dogs, pregnancy lasts about a week less. When you have approximately calculated the term and know the time of childbirth, start negotiating with the veterinarian. Usually it is a consultation by phone. But there are situations when childbirth in dogs requires emergency intervention by a veterinarian. In this case, you should take care of a preliminary agreement with a specialist. It is most important to do this when it comes to mini dogs - dogs of small breeds, since the process of childbirth often requires special skills for them.

Preparing for childbirth in dogs

It is necessary to prepare for dog birth in a week and a half. First of all, you need to find and equip a place where the bitch will whelp, pick up a box for her and the puppies. It is important that the dog has time to get used to the place where she will give birth before giving birth. A sturdy, fairly spacious cardboard box will do. It protects the woman in labor well from temperature changes and drafts. Position her in the room so that you have good access to the woman in labor to help her.

Make sure that in addition to the main one there are a couple of removable bedding. Prepare scissors and silk threads. The main thing is that after childbirth there are no strong drafts and temperature fluctuations in the room. For the first two weeks after giving birth, make sure that the temperature in the room where the dog lives with puppies is about +28 degrees. 14 days after birth, it can already be lowered to +20.

Dog behavior before childbirth

A change in her behavior will tell you about the approaching term of childbirth in a dog. She begins to behave restlessly, digs, does not stay long in one place. Sometimes the bitch seeks to hide in a dark place. It happens that, on the contrary, she is always next to her master, as if asking for help. Sometimes a pregnant dog may refuse to eat before giving birth or, on the contrary, eats a lot. During this time, your dog needs special attention and care.

Signs of childbirth in a dog are a displacement of the abdomen down, the immobility of the puppies inside, a drop in the body temperature of the animal to 37 degrees. Even when the contractions are just beginning, the dog already feels pain. A day before the birth, she has noticeable specific discharge. They can be grayish or white, quite thick, sticky. The heartbeat and breathing of the bitch becomes rapid.

Childbirth process

During childbirth, just like in humans, dogs experience periodic contractions of the uterus and abdominal muscles. The dog, lying on its side, rests with its front paws against the wall of the same box that you have prepared for it, with its back against the other wall, so that it is easier to whelp. Between pushes, the giving birth dog relaxes, breathing heavily.

Just like in humans, the onset of labor in dogs is marked by the breaking of the waters. In this case, the water bubble breaks itself or with the help of the dog itself. Most importantly, in no case do not touch the shell in which the puppy is born. Don't try to rip it yourself when you're having a natural birth.

The process of giving birth to a dog takes a long time. So from the moment the waters of the pregnant bitch break until the first puppy appears, about three hours pass. It doesn't matter how the puppies appear: some come out with their muzzle forward, others with their tail. The duration of childbirth depends on the number of puppies.

How to take birth in dogs

It is best to find out in advance how to take birth in dogs correctly. Even if you have agreed ahead of time with a good veterinarian, it is worth making sure in case of his being late or other unforeseen circumstances.

All puppies are born with their own coat. The puppy's bubble is usually gnawed by the dog on its own to free the baby. If this does not happen, you come to the rescue. The puppy must be released from the bubble very quickly to allow him to breathe. If the puppy is motionless, clean his mouth, nose of liquid and mucus.

If the dog has not gnawed the umbilical cord, you should have scissors ready to help him. We express the blood in the umbilical cord, tilting it towards the puppy. Then, stepping back about three centimeters from the puppy's tummy, we clamp the umbilical cord. We make a second grip at the same distance and cut the umbilical cord. It is better to tie it with a silk alcoholized thread. Try to keep track of the number of afterbirths. They must match the number of puppies born.

When you need veterinary help

You should clearly know the cases when your dog needs urgent help from a veterinarian:

The presence of secretions of greenish, brown colors and at the same time within two to three hours there is no birth of puppies;
It's been 2 hours since the waters broke, but there is no labor activity;
The contractions are very weak and irregular for a couple of hours;
Too strong attempts for half an hour;
The first puppy was born, but after 3-4 hours the second did not appear;
Postpartum bleeding is very severe;
Discharge after childbirth contains pus, has an unpleasant odor;
You see a serious deterioration in the well-being of puppies and bitches

Childbirth in small dog breeds

Bitches weighing more than 4 kg usually give birth on their own without any problems. But if you are the owner of miniks, you should prepare for childbirth in advance. The birth of small breed dogs (weighing up to 3 kg) may require your intervention not only when cutting the umbilical cord.

It often happens that small dogs cannot push the puppies themselves. You need to be very careful when giving birth to small dogs that are pregnant for the first time.

So, when you see that the dog is unable to push the puppy out, we begin to help her. The puppy can be slightly pulled up, then stop until the next fight. Sometimes the head and shoulders go hard. Measure your efforts against the small size of the dog.

It is very important to pull the puppies in the direction of the birth canal. In no case should you pull the puppy sideways or upwards. Usually, minimal effort is enough to help the baby slip out.

Do not forget about the agreement with the veterinarian. If you have a small breed dog, it is best to choose a practicing surgeon. Unfortunately, in the case of minis, it happens that childbirth ends in a caesarean section.

dog after childbirth

Your bitch gave birth safely. You have changed the bedding to a clean one. Now we need to carefully look at how the dog feels after giving birth. Remember that the puppy bitch should be in a cozy, warm, and most importantly, calm place. Do not rush to show off your puppies to your friends. Allow the animal to recover.

For some time after the birth of the puppies, the dog will continue to have small mucous bloody discharge. This is fine.

At the same time, a healthy dog takes care of its own babies. She has enough milk for everyone. But if you see that some puppy is too weak and he can’t get close to the nipple, you will have to feed him separately, weaning larger babies from the mother for a while.

Watch out for possible complications in the field of childbirth. If you notice greenish and unpleasantly smelling discharge or if you see that there is too much bloody discharge, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

As for the next estrus, it resumes after the bitch feeds the puppies. Usually, the next estrus in dogs after childbirth begins after four months.

The appearance of puppies in the house is not only a joyful event, but also an exciting one. For a dog, childbirth is a strong stressful moment, so she needs human care. In difficult situations, veterinary assistance is needed.

Do not underestimate the role of the preparatory stage. The dog needs to get used to the place where it will be whelping. The female, regardless of breed, should not be left alone, at any time she may need help. Childbirth in dogs lasts from 3 to 12 hours. It must be remembered that animals feel your mood, so do not panic, be patient and do not worry the expectant mother in vain.

Signs of childbirth in dogs

Not all dog owners are able to recognize the signs of incipient labor. Here are some of the main symptoms:

If the dog begins to actively push and look for a secluded place, then after 3-12 hours you should wait for the appearance of puppies.
Frequent urination and an unnatural position of the body indicate the approach of contractions.
5-6 hours before contractions, even aggressive dogs can begin to caress, which is associated with a change in hormonal levels.
1-2 days before childbirth, colostrum appears from the mammary glands.
Before the onset of labor activity, the body temperature in animals decreases. In representatives of miniature breeds, it can drop to 36.5 ° C.
The appearance of whitish mucus in the urine is a sign of separation of the mucous plug; after 3-5 days, replenishment can be expected.
There may be a decrease in appetite and intense thirst.

Many dogs have a nesting instinct before giving birth, the animal may scratch the floor and look for a safe place to lie down. Many pets choose the kitchen or master bedroom.

Arrangement of the "nest"

The room where the puppies will be with their mother should be at room temperature. Such a "nest" is necessary for the dog to feel safe. A spacious lounger with high sides is suitable as such a den. Alternatively, you can use a sturdy box.

It is necessary to equip the nest in advance, firstly, childbirth can begin ahead of time, and secondly, the dog needs to get used to the place where it will be with the puppies. One of the walls of the "nest" should be lower than the others, the dog will be able to move freely, and the puppies will not crawl on the floor. The bedding used during childbirth will need to be replaced with a clean one.

Arrangement of the "nest" is best to start at least 14 days before birth. You also need to collect a first aid kit. You also need to write down the number of the veterinary clinic or doctor, this information should always be at hand. In the first aid kit, there must certainly be brilliant green, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, sterile gloves. It is also recommended to prepare a notebook where you should make an entry about the puppies. Usually the following data is recorded: time of birth, gender, body weight, as well as information about individual characteristics. Puppies can be similar to each other, because in order not to get confused, you can use woolen threads of different colors. The first aid kit may also contain first aid drugs, such as oxytocin, noshpa ampoules, drugs used for heart pathologies, but can only be used after consulting a veterinarian.

First stage of childbirth

At this stage, the dogs behave anxiously. In addition, shortness of breath may appear. During this period, animals refuse to eat and actively lap up water. During this stage, the opening of the birth canal is observed. Some females try to hide in a dark place.

Don't panic if vomiting occurs. At this time, the cervix and the uterus itself begin to contract, but visually these phenomena may be hardly noticeable. At the end of this period, the abdominal muscles begin to contract. In between contractions, the dog may scratch or tear the bedding.

In some pets, the first stage of labor is asymptomatic. However, most animals at this stage try to attract the attention of the owners. At the beginning of the first stage of labor, the dog may stare at his belly and carefully lick his genitals. The animal may also stick out its tongue and breathe heavily.

Second stage of childbirth

At this stage of labor, puppies are born. By this time, body temperature is already returning to normal. After the water breaks, the dog begins to exert himself, their main symptom is a strong tension in the abdominal muscles. The first-born may appear and disappear several times, this should not be a cause for alarm. However, do not burst the fetal bladder ahead of time. Only after the puppy has been born should it be freed from the membranes.

On average, the interval between the birth of puppies is about 20 minutes. At this stage, the dogs lift their tail and breathe heavily. A newborn puppy should move, squeak and move. After the end of childbirth, it is advisable to replace the bedding and disposable diapers.

Third stage of labor

This stage of childbirth is the final one and is characterized by the birth of the placenta. It is a fetal membrane, placenta and umbilical cord and looks like a spongy mass of dark color. There should be as many afterbirths as there are puppies. Some owners let the dog eat the placenta, but this can cause diarrhea. The dog can quietly eat the afterbirth. If in doubt, it is best to call a veterinarian. In cases where the afterbirth has not come out, medical stimulation is carried out.

After the end of childbirth, it is recommended to wash the dog with warm water. Most animals bite the umbilical cord on their own, if this does not happen, it must be cut. This should be done only after the mother frees the puppy from mucus and membranes. It is necessary to ensure that each puppy receives the same portion of colostrum. This substance is rich in nutrients. In addition, colostrum stimulates peristalsis and ensures bowel movements.

If by the time of birth the dog is not lactating, then the puppy should be given goat milk from a pipette. The lack of milk is quite rare, however, there are several ways out of this situation. For example, you can transfer puppies to an artificial mixture or buy industrial bitch milk.

If the dog does not gnaw through the umbilical cord, then it is necessary to cut it with clean scissors at a distance of 3-4 cm from the puppy's tummy. In order for the tip of the umbilical cord to stop bleeding, it is pinched with the index finger and thumb. Of course, during childbirth, the female gets tired and loses a lot of fluid, however, she should not be allowed to drink too much fluid, it is better to offer water in small portions.

Prevention of complications

To prevent complications, you should carefully monitor the animal from the beginning of pregnancy. It is advisable to avoid unnecessary stress and sudden changes in diet and feeding. A lack of calcium can lead to a serious condition - eclampsia. The risk group includes dogs of small breeds: Chihuahua, Toy Terrier, Yorkie. The disease can be manifested by convulsions, photophobia, loss of balance and coordination, a sharp increase in heart rate. This condition is dangerous, it can lead to cerebral edema, respiratory depression and death of the pet, therefore it is important to promptly provide assistance.

Causes of eclampsia include:

disorders in the thyroid gland;
lack of calcium in the diet;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the absorption of calcium is difficult;
with multiple litters, symptoms of eclampsia may appear a few hours before or after childbirth.

Owners of miniature dogs may be advised to receive training in intravenous injection. At the initial stage of eclampsia, calcium chloride, calculated by weight diluted with milk in a ratio of 1: 1, will help. The solution must be poured into the dog's mouth. In more severe cases, injections of 10% calcium gluconate are necessary. After the condition stabilizes, you should invite a veterinarian as soon as possible. Before the dog is fully rehabilitated, puppies must be transferred to supplementary feeding or artificial feeding.

Of course, it is better to prevent the disease and take action in advance. A few weeks before giving birth, it is recommended to reduce the amount of meat in the diet and increase the consumption of dairy products. In addition, you can ask the veterinarian to pick up calcium supplements. In the diet of a pregnant dog, you can also include greens, liver, grated carrots and other additives. It is recommended to exclude foods that cause intestinal swelling: legumes, potatoes, black bread, sour milk.

Another common complication after childbirth is inflammation of the uterus - metritis. Risk factors are: non-compliance with the rules of hygiene during childbirth, hypothermia, keeping the female in unsanitary conditions. The main signs of metritis are high fever, rapid pulse and purulent discharge from the genital tract. With these symptoms, you should immediately contact the veterinary clinic. With metritis, drugs are prescribed that stimulate the contractile activity of the uterus, antibiotics, and immunomodulators.

For several hours after giving birth, the dog will refuse to eat, especially if she ate the placenta. If the animal does not eat for more than a day, then you need to contact your veterinarian. An increase in temperature can be a sign of inflammation of the mammary glands - mastitis. In this case, the dog will be prescribed a complex treatment, perhaps not only ointments and drugs, but also physiotherapy. The dog's nipples should be examined daily to recognize the symptoms of mastitis in time.

Bloody mucous discharge from the genitals for several weeks after childbirth is a normal physiological phenomenon. For hygiene purposes, in the first days after childbirth, you can cover the “nest” with disposable absorbent diapers. When the milk begins to stay, the dog may have difficulty breathing.

Within 24 hours after giving birth, it is advisable to invite a veterinarian home, this will help make sure that there are no complications. In addition, the specialist will tell you about the rules for caring for newborn puppies. Veterinary control is especially relevant in the following cases:

puppies were born too large;
old or too young age of the dog;
if any complications occurred during childbirth;
profuse bleeding in the female;
poor health of the dog or puppies.

Dog diet after childbirth

The health of the dog and its puppies depends on proper nutrition. Veterinarians recommend giving dogs easily digestible food, in addition, it is important to ensure constant access to drinking water. Boiled meat, chicken broth, meat soup with rice or crushed oatmeal can be fed into the pet's diet. Usually in the first days after giving birth, dogs have loose stools, so it is useful to include rice porridge and cottage cheese in the menu. It is better to wash the bowl after each meal, this is necessary so that the remnants of food do not turn sour. Do not give your dog medication for indigestion, as this can adversely affect the digestive system of puppies.

In the first 7-10 days after childbirth, meat and fish are excluded from the diet, as these foods are hard to digest. If the animal was fed dry food, then it should be transferred to special food for lactating dogs. Such a product must certainly contain high quality proteins and essential vitamins.

It is important to remember that a significant amount of nutrients is spent on the production of milk, so the food must be sufficiently high in calories. Foods such as broth, milk, raw carrots and rolled oats increase lactation. The more puppies a dog has, the stronger its appetite. If a nursing mother refuses to leave the "nest", then for the first days she can be given food in a box. If there are few puppies, then it is important to ensure that the dog does not overeat and does not drink too much milk, as this can lead to inflammation of the mammary glands. It is best to give a lactating female small portions of food several times a day.

Can I walk my dog after giving birth?

You should not completely abandon walks, because they help restore prenatal fitness and stimulate milk production. In the first week after birth, it is better not to separate the puppies from their mother for more than 15-20 minutes. The dog should be taken out only so that it copes with natural needs. From the second week, the duration of the walk can be increased by 10 minutes. After the street, the nipples must be washed and dried with a towel. In addition, you can wear a veterinary blanket for a walk, it will help protect the mammary glands from dirt and insect bites. Dogs are reluctant to part with puppies, so in the first days after birth, it may be difficult to go outside.

On a walk, you should not heavily load the animal, you should also stop any contact with other dogs. Nursing pets are not trained and are not used for work. In bad weather, it is important to ensure that the female does not overcool. It is not recommended to walk on wet grass or ground. At home, you should also not allow dogs to be in a draft or lie on a tile in order to avoid colds. Usually lactating dogs get very nervous when they touch puppies. Cleaning the "nest" and changing the bedding is best done just at the time when one of the family members is walking with the pet. If the room needs to be ventilated, then the puppies should be moved to another room and the door tightly closed.

It is recommended to go outside in a muzzle and with a leash. The dog may strive to go home, run sharply and get injured, in addition, many pets during the feeding period can behave aggressively towards other animals and people. You can return to the normal walking routine when the puppies reach the age of one month.

How to ensure the comfort of the dog and puppies after childbirth?

Puppies are small and defenseless, which is why many dog owners turn their attention to them. Most dogs develop a maternal instinct, so they usually do well in their new role. Here are a few rules that may be helpful:

Balanced diet. If the dog receives enough nutrients, then the puppies will grow and develop well.
Hygiene. The bedding needs to be changed periodically. If you do not maintain cleanliness, then the dog will feel uncomfortable and will want to leave the place prepared for him and the puppies.
Create a calm environment. Remember that animals after childbirth can become agitated and irritable. Do not let children touch newborn puppies. For the first few weeks, it's best not to invite guests. If there are other animals in the house, then it is better not to let them into the room with puppies. A female with puppies needs physical and psychological rest.

If a dog is about to become a mother for the first time, the responsible owner is concerned that everything goes well. Yes, you can't do without anxiety, although the owners know that in most cases, healthy bitches themselves cope with an important mission. Usually dogs give birth without the help of veterinarians and owners. And yet, you need to know about the signs of an early delivery of a pet.

Features of bearing offspring

The responsible female owner should be aware that the gestation period lasts an average of 63 days. But this is an approximate period, and for many bitches it can change upwards or downwards. Earlier, those females who have many cubs (up to 8) and representatives of small breeds of dogs produce offspring. Their birth begins on the 58-60th day and is considered physiological. If the dog's pregnancy is the first, then she definitely does not face multiple pregnancies, and she can bear offspring for 72 days. By the way, it is with a small offspring, that is, the bearing of 1 or 2 puppies by the bitch, that overgrowth can be observed.

In general, veterinarians divide the pregnancy of females into the following stages:

Early. This is a period of up to 3 weeks, when almost nothing changes in the life of the expectant mother. Pregnancy is difficult to suspect. The dog is active, playful, sociable. Some bitches may still experience early toxicosis and an increase in sleep duration.
The average lasts from 3 weeks to 6. At this time, the expectant mother changes dramatically. She no longer plays, sleeps a lot and gets really lazy. The pet is cautious in everything, rounds, puts on weight. Up to 6 weeks, the most active growth and development of future offspring occurs. The mobility of the fetus can be felt by placing a hand on the belly of the expectant mother. They kick, move, if the gestation goes well.
Late. The final stage lasts until childbirth, and the pet becomes anxious, very slow. She refuses to take long walks. Already on the 60-62nd day, signs of close delivery can be observed.

What will tell you about the approach of childbirth in a bitch?

So, the owner knows when his pet became pregnant, keeps counting. And when a week is left before the date of birth, you need to carefully monitor the behavior of your ward.

The separation of the mucous plug in the mother is evidenced by the discharge of white mucus from the genital tract after sleep or during urination. But it is not yet a signal of the onset of labor. This is only a harbinger, from the moment of which it appears to the contractions, 4-5 days can pass. Usually during this period, the dog begins to look for a "maternity hospital", that is, it prepares a place where it will give birth to offspring. The fact that 24-48 hours are left before the start of labor is evidenced by the leakage of colostrum with a slight pressure on the nipples of the dog and a significant baldness of her tummy. The area around the nipples becomes completely bald.

The exact signs of approaching contractions is the anxiety of the bitch. Her body temperature drops by about one and a half degrees. In representatives of large breeds of dogs, it usually drops to 37 ° C, in small ones - up to 36.5 ° C. Anxiety and nervousness without five minutes of the mother is expressed in the fact that she begins to lick the genitals, digs on the floor, squeals plaintively, rubs against the owner, as if asking for help, looking into his eyes. Such symptoms indicate that a little less than 24 hours are left before the start of contractions. Pupils in pregnant females will dilate before full-fledged labor, because hormones enter the bloodstream.

If the expectant mother stoops, squats and often urinates, it means that the contractions are about to begin, within half an hour or an hour. When the dog no longer walks and is not nervous, but simply lies on its side and pushes, you can observe the contractions of its peritoneum. The birth has begun, and in just a couple of minutes the owner will hear the squeak of newborn dogs.

If your pet is not giving birth for the first time, then teach that she, like all females without exception, has a good genetic memory of behavior in childbirth. And if the first ones passed without complications, on their own, at the time of the second birth the pet is healthy, then there is nothing to worry about. They will go faster and easier. But when a dog is problematic in terms of breeding offspring, and the breeder warned you about this, it is better to play it safe and enlist the support of a veterinarian in advance.