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· 13 Apr 2022

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What to watch out for after dog gives birth

Puppies are the cutest little things, and we all agree with this. Having a house full of puppies is a great feeling but it does bring a lot of responsibility on our shoulders as well, not only for the puppies but for the mother as well. Here are a few things you should know if your dog has given birth or is about to give birth to keep her safe and healthy.

Pregnancy signs in dogs
Yes, there are signs and symptoms that will tell you that she is pregnant just like humans. You may notice a change in her behavior in the first few weeks. She may look tired, some vomit and some start to eat very less. You will also notice that she is gaining weight and her mammary glands are becoming more visible than before. At the later stage of pregnancy, you will see that she exhibits nesting behavior to find a suitable place to give birth.

Can you test a dog for pregnancy?
Yes, you can get an ultrasound done which is done on day 25 of the pregnancy. You can also have her blood tested which is done on day 35. X-ray of the abdomen can also be done on day 45. You can talk to the vet and see which one is better for the dog.  There are incidents of false pregnancy in dogs as well that are caused by hormonal imbalances, these changes occur one to two months after her heat is over.

How long is a dog's pregnancy and what to feed her during pregnancy?
It is for around 63 days but it may range from 58 to 68 days. A pregnant dog should be kept on a high-calorie diet for four weeks of gestation. You can find some great over-the-counter diets for her. She should eat the same diet through weaning but remember puppy food for large breeds is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs as they are low in calcium, phosphorus, and energy levels.

How to keep pregnant dogs healthy?
You should get fresh stool samples checked for parasites that can spread to the pups in the womb or during nursing. Stay away from over-the-counter dewormers as they could be dangerous. Give her what the vet prescribes.

Preparing for the birth
Make a nice and quiet nesting area for the dog. Keep it warm and comfortable and it should be easy for her to get in and out when she wants. Keep her away from other dogs three weeks before and three weeks after the delivery to prevent her from getting herpes virus infection. It can be deadly for her and the pups. You will also notice a drop in her temperature below 100°F within 24 hours of labor and this will tell you that she is ready to give birth. Contractions remain from 6 to 12 hours and pups are usually born 45 to 60 minutes apart. During this period the dog seems restless and goes in and out of the nesting box, she may pant and dig or might vomit.

She may pass urine more than usual and she may start giving birth. Some pups may come out tail first which is normal for dogs. If you see her straining for more than 60 minutes or if she takes breaks of more than four hours between pups you should take her to the vet. The number of pups varies depending on the breed of the dag. Large dogs may have six to eight pups and can go up to 15.

What to do after the birth?
Puppies are born with a fetal membrane that is removed by the mother but if she does not remove it you need to do it for her. Gently break it and wipe the puppy’s nostrils and mouth. You can stimulate the breath by stroking their body firmly. Do not pull on the cord but break it about an inch from the puppy’s body. Check for the greenish-black mass of fetal membranes that are expelled after each puppy is born.

What to watch out for after the birth
Check for vaginal discharge, it may last in small amounts for up to eight weeks after the birth and it is reddish black in color. If it has an odor and you see pus then take the dog to the vet.

It is ok for her to be feverish but it should not be accompanied by other signs of illness.

If the placenta is retained or she has a trauma during delivery she may have Metritis or inflammation of the uterus. If you feel that she is not eating or showing less interest in puppies then you need to talk to the vet.
Eclampsia may occur during the first three weeks after giving birth and is caused by the inability of the mother to keep up with the calcium demand of lactation.

Mastitis, or inflammation of the breast tissue, occurs when the breasts become hard, red, and painful due to infection. The mother will likely be sore while nursing, but it is important for the puppies to keep suckling to help reduce swelling and promote excretion of the infected materialAgalactia (Not Producing Milk)

Postpartum Care
Keep Your Dog on a High-Calorie Diet as long as she is lactating. Give her fresh food and water all the time.

Provide a private space for her and the puppies. It should be where not everyone can come and go or she may start to neglect the pups.

Make sure that the pups are nursing every one or two hours and do not give medicines or vaccines while she is nursing unless necessary.

Enjoy the new pups and take care of the mother.

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