Pregnant Bichon , waters broken, how long till birth?

Question

5 yr old bichon , her waters broke at 11.30 pm time now 00.12am. any idea how long she will be in labour for, she seems ok at moment, don't want to call vet out unnecessary,

Answer 1

She should be ready soon boil some water and get clean towels ready
During pregnancy, the mother's food consumption will often reach 1 1/2 times her level before pregnancy. By the end of the nursing period, it may exceed two times the pre-pregnancy amount. Do not withhold food; increasing the number of feedings per day is helpful in allowing her to eat enough for her needs and those of the puppies.




6. What should I do to prepare for whelping?
From the time of breeding, many dogs show behavioral changes. Most develop an unusually sweet and loving disposition and demand more affection and attention. However, some may become uncharacteristically irritable. Some experience a few days of vomition ("morning sickness"), followed by the development of a ravenous appetite which persists throughout the pregnancy.

During the latter stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother begins to look for a secure place for delivery. Many become uncomfortable being alone and will cling closely to the owner.

At the onset of labor, many nervously seek a place to make the "nest" or birthing place. If the dog is attached to her owner, she will not want to be left alone at the time of delivery. If left alone, she may delay delivery until the owner returns.

Prior to the time of delivery, a whelping box should be selected and placed in a secluded place, such as a closet or a secluded corner. The box should be large enough for the dog to move around freely, but have low enough sides so that she can see out and so you can reach inside to give assistance, if needed. The bottom of the box should be lined with several layers of newspapers. These provide a private hiding place for the expectant and delivering mother and will absorb the birthing fluids. The upper, soiled layers may be removed with minimal interruption to the mother and her newborn puppies.




7 What happens during labor and delivery?
Most dogs experience delivery without complications; however, first-time mothers should be attended by their owners until at least one or two puppies are born. If these are born quickly and without assistance, further attendance may not be necessary, although it is desirable. If the owner elects to leave, care should be taken so that the dog does not try to follow and leave the whelping box.

The signs of impending labor generally include nervousness and panting. The dog will often quit eating during the last 24 hours before labor. She will also usually have a drop in rectal temperature below 100ºF (37.8ºC). The temperature drop may occur intermittently for several days prior to delivery, but it will usually be constant for the last 24 hours.

Delivery times will vary. Dogs having slim heads, such as Shelties, Collies, and Dobermans, may complete delivery in one to two hours. Dogs having large, round heads generally require longer delivery times. English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pekinese puppies tend to have sizable heads that make delivery more difficult.

It is not unusual for these breeds to rest an hour or more between each puppy. Rarely, a dog may deliver one or two puppies, then have labor stop for as long as twenty-four hours before the remainder of the litter is born.

However, if labor does not resume within a few hours after the delivery of the first puppies, examination by a veterinarian is advised. If labor is interrupted for twenty-four hours or more, veterinary assistance should definitely be obtained.


Puppies are usually born head first; however, breech presentations, in which the puppy is delivered tail-end first, occur about 40% of the time and are also considered normal. Each puppy is enclosed in a sac that is part of the placenta ("afterbirth"). The placentas usually pass after the puppies are born. However, any that do not pass will disintegrate and pass within 24-48 hours after delivery. It is normal for the mother to eat the placentas.

If the delivery proceeds normally, a few contractions will discharge the puppy; it should exit the birth canal within ten minutes of being visible. Following delivery, the mother should lick the newborn's face. She will then proceed to wash it and toss it about.

Her tongue is used to tear the sac and expose the mouth and nose. This vigorous washing stimulates circulation, causing the puppy to cry and begin breathing; it also dries the newborn's haircoat. The mother will sever the umbilical cord by chewing it about 3/4 to 1 inch (11/2 to 2 cm) from the body. Next, she will eat the placenta.

If the puppy or a fluid-filled bubble is partially visible from the vagina, the owner should assist delivery. A dampened gauze or thin wash cloth can be used to break the bubble and grasp the head or feet. When a contraction occurs, firm traction should be applied in a downward (i.e., toward her rear feet) direction. If reasonable traction is applied without being able to remove the puppy, or if the mother cries intensely during this process, the puppy is probably lodged. A veterinarian's assistance should be sought without delay.

It is normal for the mother to remove the placental sac and clean the puppies; however, first-time mothers may be bewildered by the experience and hesitate to do so. If the sac is not removed within a few minutes after delivery, the puppy will suffocate, so you should be prepared to intervene.

The puppy's face should be wiped with a damp wash cloth or gauze to remove the sac and allow breathing. Vigorous rubbing with a soft, warm towel will stimulate circulation and dry the hair. The umbilical cord should be tied with cord (i.e., sewing thread, dental floss) and cut with clean scissors. T he cord should be tied snugly and cut about 1/2 inch (1 cm) from the body so it is unlikely to be pulled off as the puppy moves around the whelping box.


Newborn puppies may aspirate fluid into the lungs, as evidenced by a raspy noise during respiration. This fluid can be removed by the following procedure. First, the puppy should be held in the palm of your hand. The puppy's face should be cradled between the first two fingers.

The head should be held firmly with this hand, and the body should be held firmly with the other. Next, a downward swing motion with the hands should make the puppy gasp. Gravity will help the fluid and mucus to flow out of the lungs.

This process may be tried several times until the lungs sound clear. The tongue is a reliable indicator of successful respiration. If the puppy is getting adequate oxygen, it will appear pink to red. A bluish colored tongue indicates insufficient oxygen to the lungs, signaling that the swinging procedure should be repeated.


It may be helpful to have a smaller, clean, dry box lined with a warm towel for the newborn puppies. (A towel can be warmed in a microwave oven.) After the puppy is stable and the cord has been tied, it should be placed in the incubator box while the mother is completing delivery.

Warmth is essential so a heating pad or hot water bottle may be placed in the box, or a heat lamp may be placed nearby. If a heating pad is used, it should be placed on the low setting and covered with a towel to prevent overheating. A hot water bottle should be covered with a towel. Remember, the newborn puppies may be unable to move away from the heat source. Likewise, caution should also be exercised when using a heat lamp.

Once delivery is completed, the soiled newspapers should be removed from the whelping box. The box should be lined with soft bedding prior to the puppies' return. The mother should accept the puppies readily and recline for nursing.


The mother and her litter should be examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours after the delivery is completed. This visit is to check the mother for complete delivery and to check the newborn puppies. The mother may receive an injection to contract the uterus and stimulate milk production.

The mother will have a bloody vaginal discharge for 3-7 days following delivery. If it continues for longer than one week, she should be examined by a veterinarian for possible problems.




8. What happens if my dog has trouble delivering her puppies?
Although most dogs deliver without need for assistance, problems do arise which require the attention of a veterinarian. Professional assistance should be sought if any of the following occur:

Twenty minutes of intense labor occurs without a puppy being delivered.


Ten minutes of intense labor occurs when a puppy or a fluid-filled bubble is visible in the birth canal.


The mother experiences sudden depression or marked lethargy.


The mother's body temperature exceeds 103ºF (39.4ºC) (via a rectal thermometer).


Fresh blood discharges from the vagina for more than 10 minutes.
Difficulty delivering (dystocia) may be managed with or without surgery. The condition of the mother, size of the litter, and size of the puppies are factors used in making that decision.



9. Is premature delivery a likely problem?
Occasionally, a mother will deliver a litter several days premature. The puppies may be small, thin, and have little or no hair. It is possible for them to survive, but they require an enormous amount of care, since they are subject to chilling and are frequently very weak and unable to swallow.


Some may be able to nurse but are so weak that they must be held next to the mother. Puppies that do not nurse can be fed with a small syringe, bottle, or stomach tube. The equipment and instructions for these procedures are available from a veterinarian.


Premature puppies must be kept warm. The mother can provide sufficient radiant heat from her body if she will stay close to them. If she refuses, heat can be provided with a heat lamp, heating pad, or hot water bottle. Excessive heat can be just as harmful as chilling, so any form of artificial heat must be controlled. The temperature in the box should be maintained at 85º to 90( F (29.4( to 32.2( C), but the box should be large enough so the puppies can move away from the heat if it becomes uncomfortable.



10. Is it likely that one or more puppies will be stillborn?
It is not uncommon for one or two puppies in a litter to be stillborn. Sometimes, a stillborn puppy will disrupt labor, resulting in dystocia. At other times, the dead puppy will be born normally. Although there is always a cause for this occurrence, it is often not easily determined without an autopsy that includes cultures and the submission of tissues to a pathologist. This is only recommended in special circumstances.







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New and growing cells need in dogs need a high quality protein in order to develop to their full potential.


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We only recommend one food for growing puppies.

It is the absolute best we can offer you.

Answer 2

just make sure she's kept quite. Only intervine if you see a pup and she is pushing for about 10mins and the pup appears to be stuck. hold the pup with a towel and gently pull it with every contraction. If she delivers a pup that doesn't seem to be moving clear any mucus from around it's mouth and rub it vigourously (with it's head pointing down slightly with a warm towel to stimulate it's breathing.) Make sure the pups are kept warm too. Welping can take anything from half an hour - 6hrs. If you are in any doubt phone ur emergancy vet line and they will advise you over the phone. Offer ur dog a little water from time to time to. Good luck

Answer 3

The puppy's should arrive soon however if you want peace of mind you don't have to call the vet out just ring to ask advice that's what there for and the vet should be more tha happy to give you some advice.

Answer 4

That pup should come within the hour, or I would call the vet. There is a sac, or "bag of water" for each puppy.

Answer 5

well my dog had all her puppies in an hour u have to stay with her because she can eat all her puppies u don't have to call the vet only if there's a problem with the mom or puppies... she going to need all your help get towels and water
congrats good luck!

Answer 6

Must deliver with in the next few hours or puppies may be at risk!

Answer 7

soon.. like within the next 1-5 hours

Answer 8

just leave her babe, comfort her and make sure she has water near her, they will pop out when ready, you could be up all nite. good luck. oh and by the way dont touch them when they are born she may kill them if you do. She will clean them and make sure they are ok, dont allow kids near them.

Answer 9

no idea call vet an ask

Answer 10

good luck

Answer 11

give her comfort. prepare for pups!