Whelping

The Length of pregnancy in the bitch is 63 days but may vary between 56 and 72 days since both early and late matings may be fertile.  Bitches gain weight in the last third of gestation when there is a maximum foetal growth, energy requirements increase from this time with an initial increase of 15-20% from the normal diet.  During the last week of pregnancy food consumption should be doubled.  Provided the diet is well balanced and contain suitable amounts of vitamins and minerals it is not necessary to provide extra supplementation although it may be necssary to divide food into 3 or 4 meals during the day to the foetus limiting stomach capacity.  Peak energy requirements are during the 3rd and 5th week of lactation, an extra 25% of energy may need to be provided per puppy which may bring requirements to four times that of normal.  For the control of worm infections it is necessary to admininster medication during pregnancy to reduce or prevent transmission to the puppies.  It is advisable to ensure that the routine vaccination has been performed before mating.

Before the expected time of whelping it is best to allow the bitch to become accustomed to the whelping box where the delivery will take place, a large box lined with several layers of newspaper that can easily be changed during whelping is best, then lined with a vet-bed when she has finished.

The approach to whelping is indicated by a few signs that may or may not be seen:

1. Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments cause the hind quarters to have a sunken appearance (difficult to see in long hair breeds)

2. The vulva becomes swollen

3. Slight mucous discharge from the vagina (the dam may lick this away)

4. The dam may refuse food (others eat right up to time of delivery)

5. The dam may take frequent trips to the bed and scratch the bedding into a nest

6. 24 hours before whelping the bitch may begin to lactate

The first stage of whelping may last from 1-12 hours with intermittent, spasmodic uterine contractions which increase in the strength and regularity as the first stage progresses.  The bitch shows signs or restlessness and glances frequently at her flanks, shivering and panting are a frequent accompaniment and often she will not want to be left alone.  In the second stage the contractions become stronger and the interval between contractions decreases.  The time between the onset of straining and the birth of the foetus is variable, it may be as short as 10-30 minutes, but may take longer in younger animals.

If the dam has been straining for greater than 60 minutes or a green discharge is present you should seek a veterinary surgeons advice.

The sac which surrounds the foetus is often seen at the vulva during straining.  This may either rupture spontaneously, be broken by the dam or is unruptured and the foetus born within it.  The dam will normally break the sac if the foetus is bortn within it, but this should be done quickly if she fails to do so.  After the delivery of the pup the dam usually commences vigorous licking, removing membranes and fluid from the pups face and promoting respiration.  If she fails to do this it may be done for her using a soft clean towel.

Usually the dam will sever the umbilical cord with her teeth, ensure she does not excessively chew the umbilicus since this may damage the pup.  If the umbilical cord is not severed this can be achieved by tying a piece of nylon around the umbilical cord 2 inches down from the pups naval and cut below the nylon with a pair of blunt scissors.

Pups should be left with the dame during the remainder of delivery.

The birth of a pup is usually followed by an expulsion of placenta, there should be a placenta for each pup ie. pup-placenta-pup-placenta etc.  The subsequent pups may be delivered quickly although the interval between may take upto 6 hours.  The time taken from the birth of the first to the last pup is variable between 6 to 12 hours.  As soon as the pups are active they should be encouraged to suck, they need to have sucked within 2 hours of birth.  The dam should be given the opportunity to excerise shortly after she has delivered the pups.  The bedding may then be cleaned and the dam given food.  It is likely that in the first few days she may delvelop diarrhoea especially if the afterbirths were eaten.  The dam will spend much of her time in the nest but should be encouraged to leave for short periods to exercise in the garden.

Recommended temperature of 25 degrees C is only necessary for the first couple of days, this often is unbearable for the dame and can be safely reduced tto 20 degrees C as long as draughts are avoided.  One method of reducing heat for the dam is to heat only half the box so the dam can move away.  Materials used for bedding should be washable or easily disposed of and soiled materials should be removed frequently.

Weaning can begin from 3 weeks of age when lapping of semi solid foods can be encouraged.  This can be done by the pup licking food off a finger and gradually placing the finger into the food.  The weaning process may last between 3-5 weeks, the volume of food in this stage may be increased, there are serveral propriety brands of food designed for this purpose.  While the food intake increases the dam should be removed for increasing periods of time, normally by 5 weeks the dam spends very little time in the nest through the day.  The pups should be wormed at 2,5,8 and 12 weeks, then once a month until 6 months of age.  The dam should be wormed at the same time as the pups, the veterinary surgeon will advise you on the dose.

** pregnant bitches should also be wormed daily from day 40 to 2 days post whelping, with a reduced dose.  Ask one of  our Veterinary Surgeons or Nurses at the surgery.