Pregnancy and childbirth in dogs of large and small breeds proceed in the same way. Is that because of the small constitution of the birth in small dogs can go with complications, it will need the help of a specialist. And if you are next to your giving birth to a quadruped favorite, she will feel lighter and calmer.
Dog behavior before childbirth
Usually the pregnancy lasts no more than 63 days. In the first month, dogs do not have behavioral changes. Only a week before childbirth, there is activity. She is trying to build a "nest", "bicycle" litter. Sometimes he corrects the bed with a muzzle. If your pet is often delayed in the yard of the house, he can adjust under the house for himself and children and a low-lying hollow tree.
Barking pets are very resourceful. Before giving birth, they try to hide food "in reserve." Sometimes a pregnant woman can show aggression even to her masters, and categorically reject the presence of her cousins. However, at the time of delivery, the dog does not hide from the owners, like a cat.
The little soft toys the future mother takes for puppies. A vivid reaction is also caused by sounds resembling a puppy squeak.
Harbinger of birth in dogs
On the eve of delivery, the dog begins to show great anxiety. He gets up from his bedding, walks back and forth without much sense. Then again lies down, and again everything repeats. Sometimes he asks in the yard, but quickly returns back. The mood changes literally every minute. She angrily growls, then squeals, then peacefully wag his tail. Practically does not eat.
Before the beginning of childbirth the dog always changes its place. There are several explanations. One of them says that the mother does not want to mix the bed with the place for delivery.
If this is the first birth in a dog, show it to the doctor 2-3 days before the event.
How to help the dog at delivery?
If you look closely at the mug of the woman in childbirth, you will notice a strange expression - she seemed to stare at one nearby point. The tail takes an unusual position. It stretches out exactly above the horizontal surface, and the tip itself hangs helplessly down. Then the whole body can tremble, the feet begin to scrape the litter underneath. This behavior can last a day.
The birth itself can end within an hour. Sometimes it takes two if there are a lot of puppies. There are times when a poor dog is tormented for half a day.
The time interval between the appearance of children is sufficient for the mother to process each. But if the birth occurs quickly, you can not do without your help. You will have to tear the skin around the nostrils and mouth to let the baby breathe.
If you notice something strange in the behavior of the dog before delivery, or during labor, something will go wrong, immediately contact the veterinarian. The most terrible thing is the situation when the mother is unable to release herself from the fetus, which is stuck at the exit from the birth canal.
Sometimes you have to put puppies on their own to the nipples of their mothers or bring the newborn to her face.
Allocations in the dog after childbirth
After the birth of the week, two animals have mucous membranes with a discharge blood. Then they become colorless. If they are unpleasantly smelling, green in color, yellow or brightly red - contact a doctor immediately. Do the same if the discharge lasts more than two weeks.
What to feed the dog after giving birth?
Immediately after delivery, the dog should not be fed - it eats the afterbirths from the newborns, which are very nutritious. But drink should be given often, but little by little. After 6 or 8 hours you can give digestible food. Then feed often - 5-6 times a day, adding vitamins and mineral supplements.