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Whelping Time
This is written mainly with Boston Terriers in mind, but could easily apply to any dog that is getting ready to deliver a litter. There are several very important things you must gather up and have ready when the time is getting near. I use a rubbermaid container that was originally designed to carry your household cleaning supplies in. It works great because it will hold just about everything you will need and it has its own handle. Here's what you will need:
1) Newspapers
2) Scissors
3) Iodine
4) Clean cloths or towels
5) Rubbing alcohol
6) Nasal syringe
7) Heating pad or hot water bottle
8) Large towel or blanket
9) Dish soap
10) Whelping box It is very important to make sure that your dog is comfortable with the whelping box. Do this by introducing it to her several days before she is due to deliver. Encourage her to rest and sleep there as much as possible. As the time draws nearer, you will need to place several layers of newspaper inside the box. This would be a good time to start taking her temperature daily. Most dogs temperature will be somewhere between 99 and 101 degrees F. (I suggest taking the temperature in the mornings.) You will begin to see definate signs as the delivery time approaches. She will become increasingly restless and her appetite will dwindle to nothing. First stage of labor:
Body temperature will start to drop. Once the temperature drops below 99 degrees F delivery is usually 12-24 hours away. (I suggest now taking the temperature about every two hours.) Once her temperature bottoms out at around 98 degrees F, you are probably 2-12 hours away from delivery. Second stage of labor:
Your female will start sometimes start digging in her box, therefore shredding the newspapers. (This is one of the reasons for having many layers.) She will sometimes stand and turn in circles trying to get comfortable. You will probably start seeing some shivering and panting at this time. At the first sign of contractions give her calcium. Try offering her ice cream, but if this does not work, then give her a Tum or Calsorb.
**WARNING SIGNS: Twitching, green discharge. (The green discharge is normal only AFTER a pup is born.) If you see these signs, please consult your veterinarian. Third stage of labor:
Water sacs appear, and break. Shivering, panting and digging actions get stronger. Contractions get stronger and closer together. **WARNING SIGNS:
*Pushing on a pup for an hour or til exhaustion. Normal (and preferred) time to push a pup is 2 to 10 minutes.
*Pup 1/2 out, stuck and breech must be pulled out or it will drown.
*Pups to large will sometimes have to be "soaped" with dish detergent and gently pulled downward across the Dams belly toward her head. Most Dams will chew or tear the umbilical cord on their own, but sometimes, especially if this is her first litter, it will be necessary for you to take the scissors and help out. If this is necessary, do NOT make a straight cut. Using the scissors "saw" the cord into about an inch from the pups belly. Dip the cut end of cord into iodine. The dam should begin cleaning and drying the pups on her own. Make sure that each pup is placed so that it can nurse and get colostrum. When more contractions start, move the pup over onto the heating pad until the next delivery is complete. Remove wet and soiled newspapers as necessary, to keep things as dry as possible. (The other reason for having so many layers of paper in the box.) There are many different scenarios that can arise. Prepare yourself by reading books, researching the internet, talking with your vet and respected dog breeders. Ask questions and make notes. If at any time you feel unsure of what is happening or what to do, please contact your veterinarian and follow his/her instructions.
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