Puppies on the way! Anyone had a litter before?

Question

Hi! I have a friend whos dog is having puppies soon (my dog is the dad). The dog is a Mini Shorthair Dachshund. This is her first litter, she is 2 1/2 years. Any tips on how to know when she is due or how to make her more comfortable? Also, any tips for when she is in labor?

Answer 1

When we got our standard Doxie from a reputable breeder, one of the things she mentioned is that Doxie's have a VERY HARD TIME delivering puppies due to their body size and C-sections are very common for this breed as a result.

I would say to be sure you get her into your vet and consult your vet about what you need to know. Many dogs can deliver a litter all on their own, no problem, but Doxie's very often have issues and if not addressed properly, it can cause mom and pups to die. You also should see if a REPUTABLE local breeder of Doxie's might be willing to give you some advice. They won't be thrilled with this back yard breeding, but if you're lucky, their love of the breed will give them incentive to help you all they can to ensure mom and pups survive this.

Here is a link about breeding Dachshunds. It probably would have been more beneficial to read before actually breeding, but it can give you some good ideas of what to expect in the breeding process and what could go wrong.

http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/info/dachshund_breed.htm

Answer 2

You ought to take her to the vet and he can give you an approximate date. Once the dog gets past the 63rd day (which is a standard pregnancy), start taking her temperature every hour. Once her temperature drops, you know you haven't got long to wait...less than 24 hours. Watch mama dog and if she starts to have contractions, make sure you're there to get the puppies as they come out. Sometimes, the puppies will have stuff in their mouts. You need to remove this...it's gross, but it has to be done. The mama dog will usually lick all of the other stuff off of the puppies. After that, you usually should take the puppies to the vet and have them looked at to make sure they're healthy. That's all I know. Hope this helped.

Answer 3

Why on earth would you want your poor dog to have a litter??? Would you really want to take a chance on her getting sick just to deliver a litter of mixed breed pups that you will have to find good homes for? There is NO reason for a dog to have a litter before spaying - none at all - that is a myth perpetuated by total ignorance. Please have your little Bubba spayed, she will be much better off and certainly will not be missing anything. I hardly think she wants to go through a pregnancy, hard or easy, and deliver pups just out of curiosity to "experience" motherhood - dogs just don't think that way. Think of her health and happiness = get her spayed please.

Answer 4

My pit bull had her litter on Dec 9th, she was pregnant for about 6-7 wks and it was her first litter. She needs to find a spot where she's very comfortable, unfortunately for me she had them on our bed. We left her alone but kept an eye on her every 20 mins to make sure she was doing good and making sure she was taking care of the puppies. It took about 5 hours for her to have all 8 puppies. She let us stay w/ her while she was in labor and even let us touch them but not all dogs are like that. If it looks like she needs help at anytime try to help out but dogs have very good mother instincts. When my dog was trying to have the first one it came out feet first and she gave up pushing because it was too much for her and he ended up dying because his head was still in. Get a pair of clean scissors just in case you need to cut their cords, but most likely she'll eat most of it, the cords will stay on for 2-3 days but eventually fall off. Also buy a nasal aspirator just in case a puppy isn't breathing you can usually find one at WalMart in the baby section for less than $2. Also, she might be bleeding for a good 4-6 wks afterwards but that's normal. Try to get her checked out though w/ a vet a few days after the birth. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Prez say his friend had a litter a few weeks ago. Prez say no worries. Prez say take dog temp. Prez say dog temp 101 or higher they close. Prez say about 56 day gestation. Prez say dog can have puppies when you not around. Prez say make sure she find comfy place to sleep. Prez say she will have puppies in her favorite spot. Prez say keep away from under bed. Prez say BIG mess. Prez say have emergency vet number handy. Prez say keep other dog away from mommy and puppies for 3 week before and 3 week after. Prez say good luck being grandmommy/daddy. Prez say dog very natural at having puppies. Prez better know.

Answer 6

Tell your friend to make a nice bed for the dog in a quite area of the house. I would use a kid's pool lined with old towels and newpaper. She will be searching for somewhere to have them the day she goes into labour. Keep showing her the area and hopefully she will use it.
Leave her alone and don't try to help her have the pups. She instinctively knows what to do, plus she may bite you.

Answer 7

She will have pups in 58-63 days from the breeding. She will begin nesting...looking for a place to have the pups, scrathing at blankets and her rectal temp. will drop below 100 degrees when it gets to be 24 hours before onset of labor. She will also begin to pant when her labor has started. Please make sure she has a quiet secure place to have her pups. Let your Vet know that you are expecting a litter in case of emergencies.
Best wishes!

Answer 8

Nope I can't say that I'd had puppies in the past. If I did my family would really wonder what I was up to and my friends would think I was really kinky.

If neither you nor your friend know what to expect and what to do you should have a professional to advise you. Actually you shouldn't be breeding if you aren't experienced but who cares how many dogs are in the world starving and being put to sleep because of backyard breeders like you and your friend? It doesn't affect you so don't worry about it. Hey....after she has these puppies make sure your friend and you breed her again and again! All of us people that devote our lives VOLUNTEERING to help homeless animals would be bored without people like you and your friend!!! So THANKS!!!

Answer 9

yea my doberman had a litter with a chow chow (ugliest puppies ever!) just make sure that you have a big box in a corner with alot of newspaper or towels and dont be surprised if the dog will tear the newspaper a part its totally natural they are trying to make a "nest"

Answer 10

Leave her alone while she is in labor. Im sure she feels you've done enough.