Like human beings & other mammals, dogs give birth through the birth canal, or v@gina.
If your b¡tch is about to give birth, don't panic! Dogs are much better equipped to deal with it all than we are. Make sure she is comfortable, watch from a sensitive distance and only intervene if something goes seriously wrong - which is unlikely. If you have any concerns then consult your vet as soon as possible.
Labour has three stages:
- The first stage can pass without you noticing but the cervix and uterus are preparing for delivery. Contractions are occurring but may not be visible from outside. During this stage the b¡tch may be very restless and unsettled and even begin to pant and shiver.
- The second stage is the passing of puppies and this stage lasts a variable amount of time, usually 3-12 hours, but occasionally up to 24 hours. The rectal temperature will rise again to normal and you will see strong contractions and clear fluid from the vulv@. A puppy should be born within 20-30 minutes of strong contractions and 2-3 hours from fluid being passed.
- Stage 3 is the passage of the placentas and this usually occurs after each puppy. Try to check how many placentas have been passed (note if she eats any) so you will notice if any are left in the uterus: and then contact your vet if required.
Most pregnancies are problem-free and dogs generally make excellent mothers. Even though it's very rare for something to go wrong, it's still a good idea to keep your eyes open and know how to spot a problem if it does occur. Here are some things to look out for during labor shared by Purina.