How to Tell When a Dog is Done Having Puppies
Understanding when a dog has finished delivering her litter is vital for ensuring both her health and the safety of her puppies. The process of whelping, or giving birth, involves multiple stages, and observing specific signs can help pet owners determine when the birthing process is complete.
Recognizing the Final Signs of Labor
Typically, dogs deliver all of their puppies over a period that varies based on breed, litter size, and individual conditions. Most dogs complete whelping within a few hours, but delays and pauses can occur.
1. Physical and Behavioral Signs Whelping Has Ended
- Cessation of Contractions: After the last puppy is born, visible straining and abdominal contractions typically stop.
- Abdomen Becomes Relaxed: The mother’s belly feels soft and shows no obvious movement of pups.
- Calm and Resting Behavior: The mother may lie down quietly, appearing content and fatigue-free after the stressful process.
- Bonding and Nursing: She tends to her puppies, licks them clean, and starts nursing without interruption, indicating that her attention is now focused on caring for the litter.
- Consumption of Placenta: Often, the last placenta is expelled following the last puppy. The mother may eat the placentas – a normal behavior.
2. Counting Puppies and Placentas
Each puppy should be followed by a placenta, and it's essential to ensure the total number of placentas matches the number of puppies. A retained placenta can lead to infection, while a retained puppy can cause labor complications.
3. Whelping Pauses and Delays
Delivery might include natural pauses. These breaks could last minutes to even two hours. However, if there is a pause longer than two hours when more puppies are expected, or signs of distress, it's time to seek veterinary help.
4. Verifying Completion with Palpation or Imaging
- Abdominal Palpation: An experienced owner or veterinarian can gently feel the abdomen to detect remaining puppies.
- Postpartum X-ray: The most reliable way to confirm all puppies are delivered is with an X-ray, especially if a prior X-ray had already estimated the total litter count.
When to Call the Vet
Certain symptoms suggest the possibility of retained puppies or placenta and require urgent veterinary attention:
- Active pushing beyond 30 minutes with no puppy appearing.
- More than two hours since the last puppy if more are expected.
- Unusual colored discharge (green or dark red) not followed by a puppy soon.
- A puppy is visible at the vulva for over 15 minutes without delivery.
- Maternal fatigue, distress, restlessness, or shivering after apparent labor completion.
Caring for the Dog Postpartum
Once whelping concludes:
- Provide fresh food and water suitable for lactation.
- Maintain a clean, warm, and quiet environment for the mother and puppies.
- Monitor for any signs of illness, such as fever, lethargy, or foul-smelling discharge.
- Observe the puppies to ensure they are latching and feeding properly.
Monitoring Lochia
The mother will experience a postpartum vaginal discharge called lochia. It starts greenish, then transitions to reddish-brown and eventually tapers off over several weeks. It should not have a foul odor. Any abnormal changes signify infection or retained tissue.
Summary
Knowing that the dog is done having puppies includes a combination of behavioral cues, the absence of further contractions, and veterinary confirmation if needed. Accurate puppy counts prior to labor via imaging, careful observation during delivery, and gentle postpartum care make whelping safer for both mother and pups. When in doubt, contacting a veterinarian ensures peace of mind and avoids complications.
