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She has alot of mucus discharge and seems to be having contractions, but they are far apart. She isn't pushing yet and seems relaxed. I am still worried she has been doing this for a good 13 hours. Is this normal? How long can labor last until the first pup is delieverd? Please do not tell me to rush her to the vet. My vet is on call all night and he said everything is fine, but am still worried. Can someone give me a few answers and help me out? Thanks.

2007-03-19 13:14:23 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets Dogs

12 answers

Is this her first litter?

The best thing to do is just provide a comfortable spot for you dog. 13 hours is fine, especially if this is her first litter. Labor for a first-timer can last LONG time.

If nothing progresses after 24-36 hours, take her to the vet. Other than that, just hang tight for a wild night!

Watch the new puppies. Do you know how to care for newborns? Do you know how to get them breathing? Do you have a bulb syringe to get liquid out of their noses?

2007-03-19 13:18:01 · answer #1 · answered by FaZizzle 7 · 2 1

The duration of labor can be from 2 to 12 hours, but it can also last up to 36 hours in first timers. The dog is anxious, agitated, she digs and sometimes vomits. The interval between two births varies between 10 and 60 minutes. This corresponds to the phase of expulsion of the placenta, which is done after every birth. The expulsion of the last placenta should be done at most 12 hours after the last birth; if it takes longer, it is time we call the veterinarian. The expulsion of the first puppy is in general the longest birth. The green color of the vaginal fluids is normal. The female remains in a sitting position during the efforts of expulsion. When the fetus is coming out she lays on her side with her head turned to the posterior side of her body and is preferably leaned against the wall. Her respiration is fast and then slow. This alternation lasts until the puppy is expelled. The female pulls the bag that has the puppy inside, which appears in the vulva, and licks the puppy. If the puppy tail comes out first there might be complications, since the female cannot guess and is not capable of reacting. If the owner does not intervene the puppy can die. At first, the mother lets go of the puppy by ripping the amniotic sac. Licks the puppy's head to dry him and cuts the umbilical cord 10 minutes after birth; the newborn starts breast feeding almost immediately. Nevertheless, this does not happen in every female. In the case of some breeds it is precise for the owner to help out with the delivery. This means that the owner will have to be with the dog since her temperature hoes down and cannot abandon her for 24 hours. From the first contractions, the owner shall observe the vulva

to see if there has been a rejection of the water bag. If this happens, it will be necessary, with the control of a veterinarian or an experienced breeder to pull the puppy out softly to help it out. If the bad is not ripped we must rip it and then take out the puppy and cut the umbilical cord at 2 cm. The mother can kill the puppies if she pulls from the bag. The litter must be placed under a warm bulb that heats them up.

Difficult Dog labors: Labor is always more delicate in first timers. When there is no experience, it is dangerous to pull the puppies out if they are not coming out the right way. The oxiticine injections to provoke contractions should be used prudently to prevent the ripping of the uterus. The difficult labors can be due to the large size of a fetus, insufficient contractions or a lack of relaxation of the tissues. If labor is not possible the vet will have to proceed with a surgical operation.

Difficult labors because of obstruction: The pelvis must allow the pass of the puppies; that is why it is precise for it to be big enough and so that the tissue dilates correctly. The puppies must also have a certain size as well as a certain position.

Puppies: The puppies that are too big in relation to the female's pelvis result in a very important difference when talking about the dimensions of males and females. In some breeds, large males and small females can exist. When you choose the breeders you must pay attention to this, especially with small breeds. Some have a big head, which makes labor very difficult: Scottish Terrier, Chihuahua, etc. The puppies must appear head first, with the anterior legs near the head. Any other position will provoke difficulties during labor.

A Very Narrow Pelvis: This is a frequent problem and appears in females that are too young. It is recommended to wait and don't try getting the female pregnant on her first heat.
The same happens with old females who have calcification problems which makes their pelvis narrower. Even though pelvis fractures heal well a callus forms which can decrease the size of the opening of the pelvis.

The Dilation of the Tissues: Female dogs that are too young or too old have a heard time giving labor because of the lack of flexibility of their tissues.

The Problems of Expulsion: If the pelvis is perfect and the puppies have the right size and position, the female must expel the fetuses correctly. Maybe the uterus is not toned enough due to successive gestations or she is too old. Some breeds also have muscular deficiencies, especially the bulldog.

2007-03-19 20:40:25 · answer #2 · answered by Tammy M 6 · 0 1

Your baby should do fine, if she is not stressed, don't worry over much. Here what to watch for. If she leans back and does a lot of licking back there, she may be having a pup. Watch her if she does this over and over for about 2 hours with no pup resulting. That could mean that she is having trouble with the first pup. Usually, if a dog is going to have trouble, it will be after a pup or two has already been born. If more than 3 hours go by and she is in active labor, like you KNOW she has been trying, and you KNOW there are more pups in there, thats when you get her to your vet.
Somethings that may or may not help -
1. If she is a big dog having big dog pups, she should do fine, especially if you know she bred a number of times. The more pups there are in there, the easier the delivery.
2. Animals like to wait until night or early morning to have pups, so she could be waiting until a time she feels is right. After the first pup comes, they can normally take about an hour between pups.
3. CALM DOWN! If you are anxious, she will pick up on that and may become anxious herself, which could affect the birth. You may need to leave the room for a while, and check in on her now an then.
4. Pay special attention if you have a small dog having big dog pups, or if you know your dog only bred once or twice. One of the biggest causes of complications with doggie deliveries are big pups that get stuck in the birth cannal. This is why you want to make SURE she is pushing before clocking her.
5. If a pup comes out and she doesn't clean it, hurry to help. You have to get all the mucus out of the mouth and nose, and rub the pup vigorusly between your hands, you may want a towel handy. Be prepared though, some pups don't make it, and though its sad, it is natural. Occasionally the pups are still-born, meaning that they died before they were born.

Other than all that, keep calm, for her sake, and watch over her. Once she starts pushing, start the clock. Remember to start the clock over after each pup. Don't let it go more than 3 hours of active labor before calling your vet.

2007-03-19 21:14:07 · answer #3 · answered by Timberwolf 3 · 0 2

Okay my old dog (she sadly passed away a week ago :( ) When she was in labor we put her in a comfy basket with lots of towels. And do NOT give her anything to eat give her water every hour. Dont worry dogs can be in labor for up to 24 hours if she has not had her first pup by then then take her to the vet she might need a c-section.
Good luck i hoped this helped. And enjoy those puppies there so cute when there that little :)

2007-03-19 20:19:51 · answer #4 · answered by marrisa2556 2 · 1 1

Oh my! New pups! Nothing in the world compares! Don't worry yet...she's doing fine. I had a chocolate lab who was SOOOOO preggers and when she went into labor we freaked. She was so big and breathing so hard but no puppies! Called the vet....said to relax. She was in labor for about 15 hours. Finally when she was ready, she somehow climbed up on our sofa! We quickly put plastic and sheets under her. When she started breathing really quickly we knew it was time. Just stay with her, keep her calm and before you know it you will have fuzzy bundles of joy. Help her and make sure all the placenta is off the pups and use one of the breating syringes to make sure their little lungs are clear. AND....do not assume she's done delivering before she is! we had two little surprises when we thought it was over. When she is done be sure to get her outside and give her plenty of water. Just relax and enjoy this special time! Congtrats!

2007-03-19 20:22:17 · answer #5 · answered by BOOBABY 3 · 2 1

just sit and wait the vet is right it take time some longer then others just like in people when she is ready the puppies will come my dog was in labor for two days before we had puppies then it took about an hour and a half and she was done hang in there it will be fine once it starts you won't be worried any more its hard but things will be fine you'll see

2007-03-19 23:30:16 · answer #6 · answered by gloria b 1 · 0 1

Its ok
Rule of thumb is allow one hour from first push till first pup is delivered and 1/2 hour for every pup after that if it goes longer take to vet.

2007-03-19 20:24:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

If your dog has been in labor for hours this is not normal and you should go immediately to the vet. If she delivers one it can take up to 3 to several hours depending on how many pups are due, my yorkie just had 6 pups it took 6 to 8 hours in total. Good Luck.

2007-03-19 20:22:49 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle J 2 · 1 2

I am a backyard breeder with Shih Tzu and have helped deliver 3 litters thus far. First off, dont freak cuz your dog will freak also. Most dogs know what to do even if you dont. It will be very obvious when she is in full labor...she will want to hide and nest somewhere quiet and comfy like in the middle of your bed..lol. Speak to her gently and comfort her by rubbing her and keep water for her but dont push the issue of food or drink...she knows what she wants. She can actually have the first stages of labor for a full day or more before pups begin coming. I have on hand camera, phone, dental floss to tie unbilical cord, scizzors, lots of old towels and a box for her to be in when she is finished. Alcohol for cleaning unbilical cord is good to have also. feel free to email me jeanhow@bellsouth.net once they start coming it will be normal to take 30 min to an hour between pups.

2007-03-19 20:24:54 · answer #9 · answered by Ellen H 1 · 0 2

I'm hoping you at least know enough about breeding to have a whelping box set up, and all your after-puppy birth supplies.

Watch your dog's temperature. Don't let her outside. Watch her nesting instinct (digging at things, restlessness, ETC). Keep her hydrated with plenty of water nearby. Make sure you have all of your puppy supplies near the whelping box. Your solution for the newly cut cords, your alcohol for sterilizing the scissors, your towels, ETC.

2007-03-19 20:28:34 · answer #10 · answered by Lisa 5 · 1 0

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