Wellness Tips

CARE OF THE PREGNANT BITCH

provide a good quality commercial dog food.
increase the quantity of food at the 5th week of gestation (may be as much as 50%).
slowly change the diet to a growth/puppy formula by the 8th or 9th week of gestation and continue until the 4th week of lactation.
feed several small meals throughout the day or ad lib.
slowly change back to her regular diet, decreasing the amount offered as the puppies are weaned.

you may want to provide a whelping box:
put in a familiar, low traffic area that is quiet
make sure box is high enough for the bitch to get out but not the pups
make box available 7-14 days prior to whelping
use shredded disposable baby diapers or towels as nesting material. Do not use newspaper as it is not soft or warm and will discolour the pups. - all is well if:
she is eating and generally well.
there is no coloured discharge from the vulva ( a discharge of any colour during pregnancy is abnormal, consult your veterinarian).
she is not seen straining on any occasion other than when passing a stool.
the rectal temperature will drop about one degree about 10-24 hours before whelping (take her temperature a few days before to know what normal is for her).

this begins with the full dilation of the cervix and ends with the expulsion of the fetus.
may deliver over a few hours or up to 24-36 hours.
the first pup is usually seen in 10-15 minutes after contractions begin.
pups are often born feet first, this is NOT breech and is NOT a concern.
with the passage of each pup the chorioallantoic membrane (sac around pup) ruptures or the bitch will bite/lick it away.
a second membrane around the pup should be wiped away if he bitch does not do it herself in 1-3 minutes.
rub the pup vigourously while doing this to stimulate breathing.
a placenta will follow about 5-15 minutes after each pup.
the bitch may eat the placenta; this is common but should not be encouraged as it can cause diarrhea.
the bitch usually severs the umbilical cord but if she doesn’t you can.
tie a knot using thread 2cm from the puppy and another one 1/2cm from that knot. Cut between the two knots with clean scissors. Use an iodine-based solution to clean the cord.
if the bitch is disturbed, frightened or nervous she may stop whelping.
keep children and other pets away.
even though you may feel you are comforting the dog by staying with her, you may actually be stressing her. It is best to leave her completely alone in a quiet environment.
the bitch may rest periodically, as long as 45-60 minutes between pups; this is normal.
handle the pups as little as possible.

this begins after the expulsion of the pups and ends with the expulsion of the placenta.

she has been having strong abdominal contractions without evidence of a puppy for 60 minutes or longer.
there is a 4-6 hour span between pups with no straining.
there is a 30 minute to an hour span between pups with straining.
she fails to whelp 24 hours after the rectal temperature has dropped.
she is crying and biting or licking at her vulvar area during whelping.
it has been greater than 70 days from her first breeding (58-70 days)

it is normal for the bitch to have an odorless green, dark red/brown, or obvious bloody vaginal discharge called “lochia” for 4-6 weeks after whelping.
continuous bleeding is a concern.
she may develop a mild fever (<39.9 degrees Celsius) in the 24-48 hours following whelping, this is common and not a concern if there are no other signs of illness (anorexia, listlessness, decreased or absent maternal instincts).

BE SURE TO CALL THE CLINIC IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.