If your dog is pregnant, it’s crucial for you to be able to identify the symptoms of labor in dogs. You must be ready if something unexpected occurs or if you have inquiries for your veterinarian in Highland, Westville, or Mishawaka, Indiana when your dog goes into labor.
Stage 1: Dilation of the Cervix
You may notice your dog acting extremely restless and uncomfortable during this early stage of dog labor. At this point, she might be shivering, breathing rapidly, or even throwing up. This is taking place as a result of the cervix dilation and the start of the labor pain-inducing contractions in the uterus. This stage can last anywhere between 6-18 hours. Now, different dogs respond differently; some might keep whining, while others might just begin to build a nest and locate a cozy and quiet area to give birth to the pup.
You Saw the Puppies’ Skeletons on an X-ray
Although it may not seem like it, puppies are more than one-third of the way through their gestation before you can confirm a pregnancy, unlike humans. According to Kelly Dunham, DVM, the Indevets area medical director for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, a dog is typically considered full term at 63 days, and an ultrasound can detect the pregnancy at 25 days.
She clarifies, however, that a referral might be required because not all veterinary hospitals may be equipped to perform ultrasounds. The puppies’ skeletons can be seen on radiographs by day 45 of pregnancy, the author continues. “This is usually a more convenient, accessible, and accurate way to count the puppies.” “.
Your girl is at least 45 days along and could give birth in the next two to three weeks if you could see the puppies on an ultrasound. It’s also pretty cool to see the puppy skeletons on an X-ray.
Similar to humans, some dogs may give birth a little early or late. However, because 58 days is the full-term milestone, Dunham advises that you keep an eye on your dog’s behavior once they reach this point.
You should seek immediate veterinary care if labor has not begun after more than 70 days of breeding, as this could be a sign that something is wrong.
In the bitch, a female dog, gestation lasts 63 days. However, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact moment of conception because a female can be receptive to a male both before and after ovulation. Because of this, the interval between breeding and delivery is typically between 58 and 70 days. By examining the cells of the vaginal wall, your veterinarian can help reduce this window of time. Be aware that just because your bitch bred doesn’t necessarily mean she is expecting a child. Even when they are not actually pregnant, some dogs will exhibit pregnancy symptoms. Pseudocyesis, also known as false pregnancy, is a condition that affects dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend an examination with an ultrasound and possibly X-rays to confirm pregnancy.
Both the dog and the owner may experience pain, confusion, and fear during the birthing process. Knowing what is normal and when to involve the veterinarian can help the process go more smoothly. It can also help you know what is normal during labor and delivery and how to properly care for pregnant women.
Once a pregnancy has been confirmed, it is crucial to take good care of the expectant mother. Make sure she has received all of her necessary vaccinations before breeding. It is not recommended to vaccinate your dog during pregnancy. Make sure she has undergone deworming and has tested negative for the Brucella bacteria. This bacteria is contagious to humans and can cause abortions in dogs. Most stallions do well during the first 4 to 5 weeks of pregnancy after breeding and conception and don’t require any special care. Weeks 5 to 6 of the final trimester (when things start to change) The babies begin to grow quickly, which places a heavy nutritional burden on the mother. At this point, you might want to think about gradually switching her diet to one that promotes growth or to something made especially for pregnant or lactating horses. Maintain this diet until the puppies are weaned and for the remainder of the pregnancy. Vitamins or other supplements are not recommended nor needed. Your dog will get the right amount of nutrients with a balanced diet. Excessive amounts can actually result in birth defects. Feeding your dog higher-calorie food before the last trimester is not a good idea. This can lead to weight gain and fat deposits. This could make it difficult to keep the pregnancy going and could make it difficult to deliver the puppies.
Stage I labor, which is characterized by restlessness and anxiety, starts once the temperature drops. You might observe panting, pacing, food refusal, and possibly vomiting. Nesting behavior begins. She should now be placed in the whelping box; ideally, she is already accustomed to it. She may be dragging clothing or fabric to the area to create a bed after settling in the whelping box. As whelping starts, you might want to take off any clothes you have on because they could get permanently stained. This stage of labor typically lasts 6 to 12 hours. Stage I concludes with the cervix fully dilated. Veterinarian assistance is advised if your dog has not started whelping within 24 hours of stage I labor starting.
The bitch’s body temperature should be checked twice daily as delivery time approaches to help you recognize the impending birth. There will be a brief drop in body temperature about 24 hours prior to the start of labor. Normal temperature is 101 to 102. 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature can drop to 98 to 99 F twenty-four hours prior to labor.
FAQ
How do you know when my dog’s cervix is dilated?
The cervix relaxes and dilates during this phase, which lasts between 4 and 24 hours. You might notice: agitation, shivering, lack of appetite, rapid breathing, and perhaps vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms are linked to uterine contractions and hormonal changes, but the mother shouldn’t be groaning in any way.
How long do dogs dilate?
This stage of labor typically lasts 6 to 12 hours. Stage I concludes with the cervix fully dilated. Veterinarian assistance is advised if your dog has not started whelping within 24 hours of stage I labor starting.
What does Stage 1 of dog labor look like?
The first stage usually lasts for 6-12 hours. Your dog may appear agitated, pant, shiver, pace, nest, or want to go somewhere quiet. In the initial stage, some dogs don’t exhibit any behavioral changes. Giving birth to puppies during the second stage of labor is the most enjoyable part!
How can I help my dog dilate faster?
He might administer an oxytocin injection to her if all the conditions are favorable for a natural, healthy birth. The veterinarian can administer doses between 2 and 20 units every 30 minutes. This medication will aid in accelerating and strengthening her contractions to hasten the birthing process.