Stages of About Sixtieth Day, Until Labor
From the sixtieth day it is wise to take the bitch’s temperature twice a day, as the normal temperature of 38.5°C will drop by about 1°C just before whelping commences. The vulva swells considerably and becomes very soft. At this stage, and sometimes for twenty-four hours before whelping, a whitish mucous discharge may be noticed.
First Stage of Labor
The first stage of labour lasts approximately six to twelve hours, or up to twenty-four hours in a bitch having her first litter. The bitch becomes rest – less, refuses food, may vomit, pants a great deal and may start nesting procedures, tearing up her bedding and often becoming very excited in the process. She may go into cupboards or under beds. Uterine contractions a t this stage are very slight and may not be noticed.
Second Stage of Labor
During this stage contractions become stronger and the bitch is obviously straining. This stage usually lasts between fifteen to thirty minutes. The membrane around the pup ruptures with her straining and releases fluids that serve to lubricate the passage of the pup which is born soon afterwards. The bitch should lick away the membranes from around the puppy and chew through the umbilical cord. She will continue licking the puppy, nudging it towards her abdomen and away from her vulva. Usually the afterbirth for each pup is passed next, but this is not always the case. The bitch usually eats the afterbirth. It does her no harm, and she may be upset if prevented from following her normal instincts. It is important at this stage not to interfere unless absolutely necessary.
The cord/placenta is completely expelled; time must be given for the blood within the cord and placenta to enter the pup. A proud, protective mother with her newborn pups.
Many dog breeders are not happy unless they have to ‘help’ the bitch whelp in some way or other. In the vast majority of cases, human interfere is not only unnecessary, but is actually harmful. Many of the whelping problems presented to veterinarians are caused by the owners of the bitch being overzealous in their attentions. Some bitches prefer to be left alone, others prefer human company while they whelp, but none appreciate noise, fuss, floodlights, bowls of steaming smelly, disinfected towels, scissors, rolls of cotton wool for tying off cords, the neighbors and their kids, and the helpful expert who comes around to offer confusing advice at the worst possible moment.
Third Stage of Labor
The bitch will normally rest between each pup for fifteen to thirty minutes, with slightly longer intervals towards the end of the whelping as she tires. After the pups are born, the bitch rests and allows the litter to feed. She cleans them less constantly and becomes more relaxed in attitude. The size of the litter usually varies with the size of the dog. The very small toy breeds may produce between one and three pups; intermediate-size dogs, four to six pups; while the larger breeds may produce anything up to a dozen.