Information on Small Dogs Giving Birth

Small dogs who become pregnant may present a few unique and troublesome issues while giving birth. If you have a small dog, it is in your best interest to become familiar with some of these issues. This is especially true when small dogs mated with larger dogs are ready to give birth. This could mean larger puppies and may make labor more difficult, even dangerous, for the mother. Get your veterinarian involved early, especially if you believe the sire is a member of a larger breed of dog. The average gestation period is 63 days from the date of conception, regardless of the dog's size. Whelping, or giving birth, in some small dogs may require veterinary assistance.

  1. Anticipating the Birth

    • As the guardian of a small dog, you should watch your dog closely for signs that labor is imminent. Look for changes in her body, such as an enlarged or swollen vulva, enlarged nipples and mammary glands, and a distended or dropped abdomen. Other signs indicating imminent labor include a decrease in appetite, pacing or panting, and periods of rest or sleep. Take the dog's temperature twice a day during the last 7 to 10 days of gestation, as some will drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit just prior to going into labor.

    Supplies

    • When anticipating that your small dog will whelp, prepare a basket or box as a space for the mother to retire to as she is getting ready to give birth. She will have a nesting instinct that will cause her to look for an out-of-the-way area where she can feel safe. Prepare an extra box or basket in case the litter is unusually large. Gather a supply of soft, clean towels to clean the puppies upon arrival. Have a rubber suction bulb syringe to clear airway mucus, if necessary. You may need some heavy thread or string to tie off the cord, and a sterilized pair of scissors with which to cut the cord if the mother fails to bite through it. Gather large plastic garbage bags to discard any soiled towels, newspapers or other materials. Prepare your small dog for labor by bathing her, keeping her rear clean and trimmed, and removing her collar.

    Stages of Labor

    • There are three stages of labor in all dogs. During the first stage, typically lasting between 12 and 24 hours in small dogs, the cervix dilates and softens, and the first puppy enters the birth canal. Dogs often seem uncomfortable and whimper, pant or moan during this stage of labor although abdominal contractions are not yet evident. Stage two of labor happens when the dog pushes out all of the puppies. A few strong contractions are needed to push out each puppy, with the first puppy taking the longest as the pelvic canal becomes completely dilated. During stage two, some dogs are very vocal and may stand, sit to the side or lie down during delivery. The final stage of giving birth is the delivery of the placenta. It is important to keep track of the number of puppies and placentas that are delivered, as a placenta should be delivered for each pup.

    Considerations

    • Dystocia, or difficulty giving birth, is more common in certain dog breeds. Dogs that have larger heads and shoulders, such as pugs, and some small dogs that have been bred to a larger dog experience dystocia. Brachycephalic breeds may have trouble breathing during delivery. In these cases, a veterinarian may be needed to induce labor, or perform an emergency Cesarean section. If your small dog has been bred or you suspect an unplanned pregnancy, it is best to consult a veterinarian to ensure her well being and that of the puppies.

      If you are not breeding for show purposes, your dog should be spayed so that an unplanned pregnancy is not repeated.