My dog is having puppies???

Question

We just rescued a daucshound about 5 weeks ago, and found out she was pregnant when we took her to the vet to have her spayed. I've never had puppies before and I have no idea what to expect, and we have no idea when she is due because we don't know when she was in heat. Today she started having a clear discharge and she won't eat. Is there anyway we can tell when she is going to have her puppies? And what should we expect?

Answer 1

First you will want to get a heavy duty cardboard box and line it with several newspapers.
That will be her whelping/birthing bed.
Birthing is a nasty job and with the cardboard box you can crush it and throw it away with all the mess.
Cut the front side down so the mom to be can climb in but the babies wont fall out.

You will want to call the vets to find out who is on call, because you can bet she will have the babies in the wee hours of the morning.
It is always best to know which vet is on call so you are not trying to find one at the last minute.

These are signs to look out for:
Restless, unable to get comfortable.
Lack of appitite for a day or two.
She will be scratching in her bed, chewing the papers up, (need her a bed NOW)
She will pant like she is really hot.
She will shiver like she is freezing.
She may have only one or two of the above symptoms, or she may have them all.

The last thing you will notice are the actual contractions. You will see her stomach muscles tighten and then relax. If you see contractions that are close together (like 5 minutes apart) and no baby has arrived after a max of 4 hours, go to the vet, a puppy may be stuck.
If one is stuck the others cant be born and they may die, 4 hours of hard pushing is the max I will allow between babies before I panic and go to the vet..
If she is not pushing (having contractions) dont worry about the 4 hour limit.

When the babies start to be born, you will want to watch that the mom doesn't drag the babies around while they are still attached between her and the cord, this will cause a rupture.
If the cord does not break on its own, use plastic fishing line to tie the cord about 1/4 in from the puppies stomach.
That will keep the cord from bleeding, and prevent the mom from chewing it too close.
If it breaks on its own with no blood it is great. You will not need to apply the fishing line.

After everything is done (wait for about 24 hours)
Put her and babies in a low side plastic storage container (the ones about the size of a dresser draw) You can use newspapers as bedding or (I prefer) old sheets NOT towels, the babies tend to get their toenail hung in the towel loops.
They are easy to clean and will last the entire time you have babies.
I am a firm believer in handling the babies, from the time they are born. I help dry the babies and handle them and the mom.
She will really love to have her stomach rubbed.
I hope the daddy was a small dog, it will be much easier on her to give birth if the puppies are not huge.
Be aware she could have puppies that each have a different daddy, so they may not all look alike or even like her.

Gosh, sorry I didn't mean to write a book.

Answer 2

It sounds like she may be close. You will want to have old sheets availible for her to make a nest of sorts in a place that she will feel comfortable. It may take a long time, but it is best to stay and keep a good eye on her while she births the puppies in case there should be a complication you should have your vet's number ready.
to see just how close she is and if she will allow you, gently squeeze a nipple to check for milk flow and also gently press into her belly, the puppies may move lower inside as she gets closer.

Answer 3

It sounds like it's going to be soon. Has her temperature dropped? Does she seem restless? You need to set up a whelping box for her in a quiet room. Put lots of newspapers in the an old blanket or towels. Show her the box and encourage her to get in. If she's near ready she'll start nesting and she will know where to go when it's time.

Because you haven't had her long, I don't know how comfortable she'd be with you helping her, but be ready in case she needs help. You'll want to have some towels handy to help rub puppies (again only if she lets you and don't try to take them out of her reach!), scissors if you have to cut the cords, and thread to tie the cords off. Don't worry about the end, they dry up and fall off on their own.

Make sure the puppies can breathe on their own, if they seem in trouble, clear their nose and mouth.

One moer thing, females instinct is to eat their placenta - you might want to limit her to eating one cause it causes the runs.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Have your vet explain to you exactly what to look for during the pregnacy. Have him tell you what is normal and when you should start getting worried and call him. Get a big cardboard box with lots of newspaper on the bottom for her to nest and have towls ready for you when the puppys come out just in case you need to rub them dry. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Sounds like it should be any time now. Just keep an eye on her and make sure that, when she does start having them, she doesn't have any problems delivering them. I would call the vet and inform him so that he might be available in case there are problems. Good luck!!

Answer 6

Oh that is so cute... you might want to get a large cardboard box to put both the puppies and the mother in that way they would be with their mother but not be roaming around the house.

Answer 7

Hey my chihuahua had her puppies in June so I can help you just e mail me and if you want .Dogs carry their puppies for 63 days but smaller dogs can carry them sooner..God Bless..

Answer 8

aww <333

Answer 9

that is normal if you r having problems have a vet come over and help.

Answer 10

She will be having them soon..........if you are around during the birth don't interfer with her delivery, let nature takes it course..I'm sure she'll be fine........GOOD LUCK!