Helping a Dog With Contractions During a Pregnancy

When a dog is pregnant, extra care is required in regard to nutrition, exercise and general health. As the time of whelping approaches, provide a suitable whelping box lined with newspaper or other absorbent material that can be easily changed. Introduce it to your dog in advance, so she's familiar with it. When the dog goes into contractions at the end of about 63 days, you must also offer moral support and physical assistance as necessary.

  1. Stay Close By

    • As the time for birth approaches, the pregnant dog may become restless, dig, pant or shiver. This behavior is normal behavior for the first stage and may last up to 12 hours. If you see this behavior, make arrangements to stay at home and close to the animal to provide assistance with the birth of the puppies, if required. Lead the dog to the whelping box, which should be located in a spot away from family traffic and noisy activities.

    Offer Reassurance and Praise

    • Contractions will continue, and the animal may become anxious. The second stage, or hard labor leading to birth, proceed until the first puppy is expelled. Your presence can have a calming effect, allowing your dog's muscles to relax and the contractions to progress normally. Speak quietly and reassuringly to her, petting her gently. Keep the atmosphere in the house quiet and relaxed. As the contractions increase, the dog may pant more heavily and grunt. Encourage her with praise in a quiet voice.

    Provide Water

    • During the birthing period, the dog may require water. Bring a small bowl to the whelping area and hold it up for her to drink. She may be too preoccupied, but encourage her to take some water to keep from becoming dehydrated from continuous panting.

    Intervene Only When the Dog Won't

    • The third stage of labor is the expulsion of the afterbirth after each pup is born. Sometimes the placenta will be withheld and then expelled with another after a second pup arrives. As the dog gives birth to the puppies, she'll bite open the thin sac that cover them and chew the umbilical cords to break them. If she doesn't, break the sac open to allow the puppy to breathe. Keep a pair of small sterilized scissors on hand to cut the umbilical cords about 1/2 inch from the base. The mother will lick the puppy to encourage him to breathe. If he doesn't, gently remove fluid from his nasal passages with a small bulb syringe. If breathing is still delayed, gently rub the back of the puppy̵7;s head to stimulate breathing. The mother may take a respite midway during the birth of the litter. Allow her to rest undisturbed while you attend to keeping the puppies warm and safe in the whelping box.

    Consult the Vet if Problems Occur

    • Your veterinarian should examine the dog before the birth and be ready to for assistance if problems develop. As labor progresses, the vaginal fluids may be dark or greenish. If you notice blood or pus, call your veterinarian for advice on possible medical care. If the dog̵7;s contractions continue for more than an hour without producing a puppy, or don't produce another puppy although you know there are more, call the vet immediately. Breeds with large heads, like Pugs, may require a Cesarean section for safe delivery of the pups, so advance planning is essential.