Know When Your Pregnant Dog Will Have Her Puppies
Approximating the date of delivery, and recognizing the signs of labor in a pregnant dog are fairly easy when you have partnered with your dog's veterinarian during the pregnancy. Knowing the steps to monitor your pregnant dog's progress is the key to a less stressful experience for both you and your dog. Nature takes its course in its own time, and most often a dog's labor and delivery will proceed without incident or emergency. But knowing when to expect labor can help assure that you will be ready, just in case your dog needs assistance.
Instructions
1. Take your dog to your veterinarian early in her pregnancy. The vet may palpate the puppies by hand, or decide to perform an ultrasound to determine how many puppies your dog will have. The vet will assist you in determining the approximate due date, which will be 56 to 69 days from conception, depending on the breed and size of your dog.
2. Take your pregnant dog's temperature rectally each day at noon, beginning 2 weeks prior to her due date, according to Ron Hines, DVM, Ph.D. Lubricate the thermometer with K-Y Jelly and gently insert it about one inch. Hold the thermometer in place for three minutes. The dog's temperature should be between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature reading below 100 F is an indication that delivery will occur within 24 hours.
3. Watch your dog for signs of the first stage of labor. You may notice that she is whining, pacing, and cannot seem to get comfortable. She may also begin shivering and panting. She may refuse food, and may vomit anything that she has previously eaten. Provide her with a safe, cozy, low-lit, quiet area, and give her a bed or blankets so she can make a nest, if she desires. The first stage of labor lasts from 6 to 18 hours on average, until the dog's cervix has completely dilated.
4. Check your dog for signs of the second stage of labor. She will be experiencing strong uterine contractions at this time. Observe the area provided, looking for indications that her water has broken. You may see a light yellow fluid on the floor, bedding, or on the dog herself. Watch for her to begin straining forcefully; the puppies should begin to appear once she has been doing this for 15 to 30 minutes.
Related posts
Your dog will go into labor about 62 days after she was bred.Your dog is about to give birth and you're as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking horses. Well, don't be, watch for...
Pit bulls need to practice gentle exercise while pregnant to maintain good health.You can give your pit bull a good chance of delivering a healthy litter of puppies by preparing appropriately for...
pregnant rhodesian ridgebackThere are many aspects to properly caring for a pregnant dog. This article will assume nothing as perhaps some of you obtained an already pregnant dog from a rescue sit...
You may only have to stand by during your pug's delivery, but be ready in case of complications.Giving birth can be a confusing experience for pugs and their owners. Understanding what to expect w...
If your female pug is more tired than usual, has a larger, bloated midsection, enlarged nipples and is cleaning herself more often she might be pregnant. The final confirmation of this condition s...
