Measures of a new journey
Learn a few things you might have to do following a puppy’s birth, if the mother dog doesn’t do them herself
In case of non-availability of a veterinary doctor, what can an unqualified person do for a healthy delivery of a dog?
Signs of dog labour
She becomes restless.
She stops eating up to 24 hours before labour.
She may paw at her bedding as if preparing a nest.
She starts licking her vulva.
She may vomit or discharge mucus.
Supplies to have on hand
Whelping box, a laundry basket lined with a heating pad and a blanket, a stack of clean towels, emergency supplies
When you see a grayish sac drop from the vulva, this means that there's a puppy on the way! The mother should pass the first puppy within an hour of the sac appearing. If she doesn't, it's time to call the vet to discuss whether to bring her in. Here are a few things that you might have
to do following each puppy's birth.
Remove the membrane
Puppies are born in a thin membrane that looks like plastic wrap, which needs to be removed within six minutes so the pup doesn't suffocate. Normally, the mother will do this immediately. If she doesn't, then you'll have to break the membrane yourself.
Rub the puppy with a towel
Right after the membrane comes off, the mother dog will normally lick the puppy, which will stimulate it to breathe and cry. If she doesn't do this, rub the puppy vigorously with a towel until it starts breathing on its own.
Discard the afterbirth
Within five to fifteen minutes after each birth, a mass of blackish-green tissue called the placenta, or afterbirth should follow. Once the puppy is born, the placenta is entirely useless. You can discard it.
Cut the umbilical cord
If the momma pup doesn't chew through each umbilical cord on her own, you will have to cut the cord. If you do, be sure to use sterilised scissors, cut about an inch from the pup's belly.
My dog's nose is dry. Is it a sign of illness?
The temperature and moisture of your dog's nose are not miracle measurements of his health. For instance, a dog's nose is often dry and/or warm if he has just woken up and this is perfectly normal. However, a nose that is persistently dry and crusted might be a sign of a health problem.
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