Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

SIGNS OF WHELPING
Two to three days before the dam is due to deliver, start taking her rectal temperature
each morning. Twelve to 18 hours before labor begins, the rectal
temperature drops from a normal range of 100° to 102.5°F (37.7° to 39.2°C)
to 99.5°F (37.5°C) or below. This drop may not occur; if it does, it’s so small
that it can easily be missed. Don’t assume that a normal rectal temperature
means she won’t deliver soon. As the day of whelping approaches, restrict her
to the house.
Twelve to 24 hours before whelping the dam loses her appetite, becomes
more active and restless, perhaps rummages in closets, digs in the garden, or
scratches up her owners’ bed. Remind her that the whelping box is nearby. An
experienced dam usually takes to it without difficulty. But if she decides to
have her puppies in some other spot, move the entire family to the whelping
box as soon as she finishes delivering.
LABOR AND DELIVERY
PREGNANCY AND WHELPING • 473
The entire birthing process is seldom difficult and normally proceeds without
human intervention, except in brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs. During
stage one, which lasts 6 to 12 hours, involuntary uterine contractions dilate
the cervix. The bitch may appear restless or uncomfortable, but exhibits no
other signs.
In stage two, involuntary uterine contractions become more forceful. One
uterine horn contracts and expels a puppy into the body of the uterus. The
uterus contracts and pushes the presenting part of the puppy against the
cervix. This stimulates active labor, with voluntary tightening of the abdominal
wall muscles and purposeful straining. At this point the dam may become
anxious and begin to pant and lick at her vulva. She may vomit. This is a normal
reflex and should not be taken as a sign that something is wrong. Bitches
usually deliver lying down, but some may stand or squat.
In this birth, the first
puppy is being delivered
in the common presentation
with nose and feet
first. The second puppy
will be born backward;
this usually does not
cause problems.