For OWNERS: Notes on whelping bitches! The Whelping Cycle of Dogs.(Uhrheber, nicht bekant.)

The average gestation period for the dog is 60 - 65 days the normal being 63 days. If the puppies are born before 58 days the chances for survival are not good: if the bitch has not had the puppies by 65 days you should consult your veterinarian.

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR.

Labour is roughly divided into three stages:
(? you may have the mating dates wrong).
Stage, 1.
This stage normaly last from 4-20 hours. The bitch will exhibit rest-le ness, nest making, panting, re fusal of food.
 
Abdominal contraction are not seen in this phase. The loss of foetal fluids ( breaking Waters ), is veryirregular in

 occurrence and " timing" and is only of limited help in evaluating the of labour.

Stage, 2.

This stage is recognized as begining when the bitch comencences straining. Fluides are lost inermittenly and the

bitch repeatly turns to clean herself. The first puppy is usually born within one hour of the onset of meaningful straining

 but it can be as little as 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. NB: It is very important to note the time of commencement of

straining so you know when and if veterinaty assistance is required.  The interval between births, consist of resting and

 straining. The time period between pups is from 10 - 40 minutes. A common pattern is for the bitch to produce 2 - 3 pups

 at short intervals resting for 1 - 3 hours before continuing. The birth of a large litter may occupy 24 hours or so but if no

 excessive effort is required for each birth the dam should not become unduly timed. The afterbirth/ placenta is usually

 eaten by the bitch, a bitch with a good mothering behaviour will clean and nurse her whelps between successive birth and

 keep the whelping area clean as well. The final afterbirths are expelled; the bitch becomes relaxed indicating the

 termination of whelping and often goes to sleep. If you are at all worried that all the pups might not have been borne,

 contact your veterinarian. When to call, for Veterinary assistance? Where whelping is proceeding normally the bitch

 should be left undisturbed until all the pups are delivered and are sucking. You should however consult your vet

 surgeon: 1. If more than 2 hours have elapsed from the start of straining and no pup has been produced.

2. If more than 2 hours elapsed between pups ( note time of each arrival) .
 
3. If a large pup becomes stuck halfway and the bitch can't deliver it within 15 minutes.

4. If a pup has not suckled within 3 hours of birth.

5. If the "Water bag" bursts and there is no activity after 2 hours.


Remember:
we are always happy to answer any questions you may have or if you are at all worried that everything is not

 going asyou thing it should during the whelping do NOT hesitate to contact your closest vet !