Whelping, or the process of giving birth, is a critical and often complex event for both the mother dog (dam) and her puppies. While many whelpings proceed without major issues, complications can arise that require immediate attention to ensure the safety and health of both the mother and her litter. As a breeder, understanding how to recognize and handle complications during whelping is essential for managing these situations effectively.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to handle complications during whelping.
1. Recognize the Signs of Normal Labor
Before addressing complications, it’s important to recognize the signs of normal labor. Whelping typically occurs in three stages:
- Stage 1: The dam becomes restless, starts nesting, and may refuse food. She might experience mild contractions, but no visible signs of labor appear yet. This stage can last 6-12 hours or longer black dog.
- Stage 2: Active labor begins, with stronger contractions. The first puppy is usually delivered within 1-2 hours of the onset of visible contractions. Puppies are delivered at intervals of 15 minutes to 2 hours.
- Stage 3: The placenta is expelled after each puppy is born. The dam may rest between deliveries, and this stage continues until all the puppies and placentas are delivered.
Knowing what to expect during normal labor helps you identify when something is amiss.
2. Recognizing Signs of Whelping Complications
Certain signs may indicate that something is wrong during whelping. It’s crucial to monitor the dam closely and be prepared to intervene or seek veterinary help if necessary. Some common signs of complications include:
- Prolonged Labor: If the dam has been in active labor (Stage 2) for more than 2 hours without delivering a puppy, this may indicate dystocia (difficult labor). Prolonged labor can also occur if more than 2 hours pass between the delivery of puppies.
- Weak or Ineffective Contractions: If the dam is pushing with weak contractions for an extended period without producing a puppy, it may suggest uterine inertia, where the uterus fails to contract effectively.
- Abnormal Discharge: While a small amount of clear or slightly bloody discharge is normal, green or foul-smelling discharge may indicate a problem, such as placental detachment or infection.
- Stuck Puppy: If a puppy is partially delivered but stuck in the birth canal for more than 10-15 minutes, it may require assistance.
- Excessive Bleeding: While some blood loss is normal, excessive bleeding or signs of hemorrhage are cause for concern and require immediate veterinary attention.
- Distress or Weakness in the Dam: If the dam appears to be in severe pain, shows signs of distress (e.g., panting excessively, crying out), or becomes lethargic or weak, this may indicate a serious problem.
These signs indicate that whelping may not be proceeding as expected and that intervention is necessary.
3. Handling Common Whelping Complications
Here’s how to handle some of the most common complications that can arise during whelping:
- Dystocia (Difficult Labor): Dystocia can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as the puppy being too large, malpositioned, or the dam experiencing uterine inertia. If you suspect dystocia, contact your veterinarian immediately. While you can attempt to assist a stuck puppy by gently pulling during a contraction (if the puppy is visible), never forcefully pull or use excessive pressure. Veterinary intervention, including manual assistance, medication, or even a cesarean section, may be necessary.
- Uterine Inertia: Uterine inertia occurs when the uterus fails to contract effectively. Primary uterine inertia can occur before labor begins, while secondary uterine inertia happens after the delivery of some puppies. If the dam shows weak or no contractions, veterinary assistance is required. Oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions, may be administered by a veterinarian to help resume labor. However, it should never be given without veterinary guidance, as it can cause complications if used inappropriately.
- Stuck Puppy: If a puppy is stuck in the birth canal, you may need to assist. First, make sure the dam is having a contraction. During a contraction, gently grasp the puppy with a clean towel and pull downward and outward in a steady motion. Never pull too forcefully or at the wrong angle, as this can injure the puppy or dam. If you cannot dislodge the puppy, seek veterinary help immediately.
- Excessive Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during whelping can be a sign of a ruptured uterus, placental separation, or another serious complication. If you notice heavy bleeding, contact your veterinarian immediately. The dam may require emergency treatment, which could include surgery or medication to control the bleeding.
- Retained Placenta: After each puppy is born, the placenta should be expelled. If a placenta is retained in the uterus, it can lead to infection and other complications. If you suspect a retained placenta (e.g., if the dam continues to have contractions without delivering another puppy or placenta), consult your veterinarian. Medication may be needed to help expel the placenta, or surgical intervention may be required.
- Puppy Resuscitation: If a puppy is born unresponsive or weak, immediate resuscitation efforts are critical. Clear any mucus or fluid from the puppy’s mouth and nose using a bulb syringe. Rub the puppy vigorously with a clean towel to stimulate breathing. You can also gently blow air into the puppy’s nose and mouth if it is not breathing, being careful not to overinflate the lungs. In some cases, the veterinarian may need to administer oxygen or other medical interventions.
4. When to Call the Veterinarian
It’s essential to have a veterinarian on standby during whelping, especially if complications arise. Knowing when to call for help can make the difference between life and death for the dam and her puppies. Here are situations in which you should contact your veterinarian immediately:
- The dam has been in active labor for more than 2 hours without delivering a puppy.
- More than 2 hours pass between the delivery of puppies.
- A puppy is stuck in the birth canal for more than 10-15 minutes.
- The dam shows signs of severe distress, weakness, or pain.
- You notice abnormal discharge, excessive bleeding, or foul-smelling fluids.
- The dam stops laboring, but you believe there are still puppies inside.
- The dam fails to expel a placenta after each puppy.
- Any situation where the health of the dam or puppies is in question.
Having a pre-established relationship with your veterinarian and having their contact information readily available can expedite getting help when it’s most needed.
5. Preparation is Key
Being well-prepared before whelping begins can help you manage complications more effectively. Here’s how to get ready:
- Whelping Supplies: Gather all the necessary supplies, including clean towels, gloves, scissors, umbilical cord clamps, a bulb syringe for clearing fluid from the puppies’ airways, and a scale for weighing the puppies. Have a whelping box set up in a quiet, warm, and clean area where the dam can give birth comfortably.
- Emergency Contact Information: Have your veterinarian’s contact information readily available, along with the number for an emergency veterinary clinic in case your regular vet is unavailable.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Process: Educate yourself on the stages of labor and potential complications. Consider having an experienced breeder or veterinary professional available to assist if you are new to whelping.
Conclusion
Handling complications during whelping can be challenging, but with the right preparation, knowledge, and support, you can ensure the best possible outcome for the dam and her puppies. Recognizing the signs of trouble, knowing when to intervene, and having a veterinarian on hand can make all the difference in managing a successful whelping. The health and safety of both the mother and her puppies should always be your top priority during this critical time.
