9 childbirth symptoms in bitches
Witnessing the birth of a litter of puppies is an exciting event, both
for the proud mother and for human companions. As with people, it is
normal that before giving birth certain symptoms of childbirth in dogs are
appreciated , which will allow you to be attentive to your pet and
accompany her at the moment when she needs you the most.
That is why in vet.alnwaeer.com we present this guide to easily
identify if your dog is about to bring a litter of puppies to the
world.
1. Gestation time
Knowing the time when conception took place is necessary to determine the
number of days the pregnancy takes and to be able to predict the
approximate time of delivery. On average, the gestation period of bitches
lasts between 59 7 65 days , increasing the probability of parturition
from day 62. This will depend on the breed and age.
2. Body temperature
About 12 hours before giving birth, the bitch's body temperature will drop
a few degrees. It is normally at 38ºC, and can drop to 36ºC. You can take
your bitch's temperature through a rectal thermometer, which you can use
when the bitch enters the last week of gestation.
Consult your veterinarian about how to do this, but if you perceive that
the dog is uncomfortable, it is better that you give up taking the
temperature, so that she remains calm. If the temperature rises above 38
degrees and you have other symptoms, such as fever or malaise, contact the
specialist immediately.
3. Nervousness
Agitation in the bitch is normal when it is only a short time before
giving birth. This will cause her to try to stay away from unfamiliar
people , especially those who do not have much confidence with her, in
addition to avoiding contact with other pets in the home. Likewise, this
nervousness will prevent her from feeling comfortable with herself, so you
will notice agitation regardless of whether she is lying down, standing or
sitting.
4. Company of the master
Despite this nervousness, the dog seeks the company of her master , the
person with whom she has the most confidence and with whom she feels most
secure. Because of this, a few days after delivery, she will be very
insistent on wanting to be with you, asking for care and affection.
This does not mean that you should intervene when you give birth unless it
is necessary. Accompany her during the delivery to make her feel safe, but
you should only provide help if there are any complications. It is not
convenient to be excessively aware of her if she is unreceptive at that
moment.
5. Choice of nest
The selection of a nest, a place where to give birth and raise the cubs,
is extremely important for the future mother. For this reason, she will
start looking for a sheltered and somewhat hidden place where she feels
protected, or she will even spend more time in her own bed.
Generally, it is best to respect the dog's decision about where she wants
to nest, as long as this does not pose a risk to her and the puppies.
Place in the space a comfortable bed for them, with blankets and sheets so
that they are warm and comfortable.
Parturition will occur in this nest , whether you prefer to lay on your
side or crouch down, whichever you find most comfortable for the cubs to
be born.
6. Appetite
Many female dogs lose their appetite 12 to 24 hours before calving , so
this is an easy sign to spot. However, it does not always happen, and
others may even feed while giving birth, between one puppy and another.
7. Cleaning
Hours before delivery, the bitch will begin to lick her genitals
insistently , both to clean the area and to relieve the pain she feels. In
the same way, this helps the expulsion of the puppies.
8. Mucus
As with humans, the bitch sheds the mucus plug hours before giving birth ,
which serves to protect the uterus and puppies from bacteria and
infections during pregnancy.
This is yellow or white in color, and may be accompanied by a little
vaginal discharge. From this moment on, a maximum of 12 hours elapses for
delivery.
9. Contractions
They are the last symptom, and indicate that the time of delivery is
imminent . Rhythmic and repetitive movements of the belly are appreciated,
which can be seen especially if it is lying on its side. It is normal for
you to experience some pain during this stage.