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

either side of the mother’s perineum, just below the anus, and push down gently
to keep the puppy from slipping back inside. Next, grip the puppy in the
birth canal and slide the lips of the vulva back over his head. Once this has
been done, the lips will hold the puppy in place, giving you a chance to get
another grip.
Now grip the skin of the puppy with a clean piece of cloth behind his neck
or along the back. As the mother strains, apply gentle traction to the skin—
not to the legs or head—and draw the puppy out. It may be helpful to rotate
the puppy first one way and then the other. If these measures are not successful,
see Physical Blockage, page 478.
HELPING A PUPPY TO BREATHE
PREGNANCY AND WHELPING • 477
The amniotic sac that surrounds the newborn puppy should be removed
within 30 seconds so the puppy can breathe. If the mother fails to do this, tear
open the sac and remove it, starting at the mouth and working it back over
the body. Remove the secretions from the puppy’s mouth and nose with a cotton
swab, or gently suction the secretions using an eyedropper or a bulb
syringe. Rub the puppy briskly with a soft towel.
Another good way to clear secretions is to hold the puppy in your hands
while supporting his head. Then slowly swing him in a downward arc, stopping
when his nose is pointed toward the floor. This expels water from the
nostrils. Present the puppy to the mother to lick, sniff, and cuddle.
After a difficult delivery, a puppy may be too weak or too limp to breathe
on his own. Squeeze the puppy’s chest gently from side to side and then from
front to back. If the puppy still does not draw a breath, place your mouth over
his nose and blow gently until you see his chest expand. Do not blow forcefully
because this can rupture the lungs. Remove your mouth to allow the puppy to
exhale. Repeat this several times until the puppy breathes on his own.
There is an acupuncture site that can stimulate respirations. This is located
on the upper lip, right under the nose. Carefully sticking a sharp, sterile
needle into this spot and moving it gently in and out can help stimulate
breathing.
Dystocia (Prolonged or Difficult Labor)
Prolonged labor at any stage is called dystocia. Dystocia is caused by a physical
blockage or uterine inertia. The latter is a condition in which the uterus does
not contract forcefully enough to expel the puppy. Dystocia usually affects the
first puppy in the litter and is much more common in singleton litters.