Pregnant Bitches

Most bitches are able to have their pups without any interference from the vet. It is helpful for owners to understand what happens in a normal labour. Labour is divided in to three stages, with the last two stages being repeated for each puppy delivered. 

First Stage 

• The behaviour of the pregnant bitch changes 
• Usually lasts between 6-12 hours but can last up to 24 hours 
• The bitch’s rectal temperature is low (less than 37°c) 
• The bitch feels uncomfortable, may glance at her tummy and become more restless 
• She may pant a lot 
• She will show nesting behaviour such as tearing up and rearranging bedding 
• She may occasionally shiver 
• She may vomit
• Contractions start but no straining is seen 

Second Stage 

• The puppies are born 
• Usually lasts 3-12 hours but may last up to 24 hours 
• The rectal temperature rises to normal or just above normal (37.5-38.5°c) 
• Straining is seen 
• Some clear fluid may be seen and is normal (the water bag has burst) 
• The presence of a dark green discharge is normal 
• Weak infrequent straining should produce a pup within 2 hours 
• The bitch may rest for up to 2 hours between delivery of consecutive pups 

Third Stage 

• The placenta is delivered 
• Usually follows within 15 minutes of delivery of each pup 
• Two or three pups may be born before their placenta are delivered 
• The mother may want to eat the placenta 
• She should be discouraged from eating more than one or two as she may develop diarrhoea and vomiting 
• The fluid passed after giving birth is called lochia 
• Lochia may be seen for over 3 weeks after giving birth 

Possible Problems 

There is a vet available to be contacted 24 hours a day. When the bitch is giving birth, please contact your vet if: 

• The bitch has had a greenish/red-brownish discharge but no pup was born within 2 hours 
• Clear fluid was passed more than 2-3 hours ago but nothing more has happened 
• She has had weak, irregular straining for more than 2-4 hours and no pup has been born 
• She has had strong, regular straining for more than 20-30 minutes and no pup has been born 
• More than 2-4 hours have passed since the last puppy was born and you think that more remain 
• The second stage of labour has gone on for more than 12 hours 
• You have any other concerns or questions 

Care of the newborn 

After delivery of the pups, the bitch will usually perform the following steps: 

• Licking the foetal membranes away from the nose and mouth 
• Licking and nuzzling to keep the pups warm 
• Biting of the umbilical cord 
• Encouraging the pups to suck 
• Feeding should occur every 2-3 hours 

If the bitch does not perform any of these steps, assistance may be needed. The membranes can be removed by briskly wiping them up with a towel, paying special attention to the mouth and nose. If one of the newborn has difficulty in finding the milk supply, its mouth should be placed over the teat. Pressing either side of the teat with a finger should release milk and so the newborn will be able to feed. 

The bitch should be introduced to her whelping box at least a week before whelping. The box should be enclosed to stop the pups escaping and it can be lined with newspaper with vetbed on top. There should be sufficient space to avoid the pups being squashed. 

The environmental temperature around the pups for the first 24 hours should be 30-33°c. This should be monitored with a thermometer. Over the following 3-4 days the temperature can be reduced to 26-30°c. The mother should, ideally, have a cooler area to go to. 

A healthy pup will crawl around and be very mobile. At about 10 days it will stand and at about 3 weeks of age it will begin to walk. Ten to 14 days after birth the eyes will open. Initially, the bitch will lick the bottom of her pups to stimulate toileting. By 2-3 weeks the pups should be able to urinate and pass faeces without help.