Breeding/Pregnancy/Whelping In Dogs

 

Estrus in Dogs

(Heat cycles)

 

 

Estrus (“heat”) is the mating period of female animals. When estrus occurs, animals are said to be “in heat” or “in season.” Dogs generally have their first estrus cycle at 6-12 months of age. Some females of the large and giant breeds, however, may not have their first estrus until they are 12-24 months of age.

 

The complete cycle takes about 6 months, resulting in 2 estrus periods each year. Individual variation occurs, but a given female’s pattern tends to be repeated regularly.

 
The estrus cycle can be divided into 4 stages:

 

  1. Proestrus: This stage begins with the appearance of vaginal bleeding. It normally lasts from 4-9 days. Male dogs become very interested in the female; however, she will not yet mate with them.
  2. Estrus: This stage in which the female will accept the male conception can occur. The vaginal discharge is more yellowish than bloody. Ordinarily, the stage lasts for 4 to 13 days. Your female will stand and hold her tale to the side when you touch her back or a male dog tries to mount.
  3. &   4. Metestrus and anestrus: these 2 stages are periods of ovarian activity, but with no significant outward signs. False pregnancies frequently occur during metestrus.

Some Important Points

 

  • You should consider your pet to be “in season” for 21 days: 7 days coming into heat, 7 days in heat, 7 days going out. Though conception is most likely to occur during the middle 7 days, Mother Nature doesn’t always follow the rules. To be safe, confine your pet for the entire 3 weeks.
  • Remember that the above information is general. Not all females follow these patterns. Consult with your veterinarian if your pet does not seem typical. Sometimes, cycling problems can be an early warning of more serious problems, and the sooner they are dealt with, the better.    

Mating in Dogs 

 

Female dogs generally have 2 reproductive cycles each year. This process begins at puberty. Small breeds may start their cycles at 5-6 months of age, while some giant breeds may not start their cycle until 2 years of age. The average age at puberty is 7-10 months. After 4-9 days of  bloody vaginal discharge, the female will accept the male and stand for breeding. This receptive stage may last a few days or as long as 2 weeks. The most commonly used breeding dates are the 9th, 11th and 13th days from the first vaginal discharge. Repeated breedings, 48 hours apart, as long as the female accepts the male, produce the best conception rate.

 

Usually no assistance is needed for a successful mating, especially if the dogs have previous experience. Occasionally, however, some assistance is must be given. The male may need help in mounting and entering the female or the female may need to be restrained so that she does not harm the male. A muzzle (gauze, nylon, stockings, etc.) tied around the female’s mouth may be helpful. If trouble is encountered, perhaps the timing is not correct. Double-check the dates and consult with your veterinarian.

 

Near the conclusion of a normal mating, the dogs will become “tied” together for up to a ½ hour. Occasionally, the male turns and the dogs appear “end to end.” This is normal and no cause for alarm. If one of the dogs becomes active during this time, gentle restraint is advisable. Do not attempt to forcefully pull the dogs apart, as this may cause injury.

 

Female dogs should not be bred during their first heat period. Wait until the second or third heat to breed your female.

           

Since pregnancy represents a considerable strain on the mother, females should not be bred every “season.” Acceptable breeding programs include breeding every other heat or breeding two consecutive heats and skipping the third.

 

If a pregnancy results from the mating, the puppies should be born in approximately 63 days. Begin counting from the first breeding.

 

If you are considering mating your dog, discuss the matter with your veterinarian. A thorough examination is recommended before breeding to help ensure that your pet is in good physical condition.

  

Normal Gestation in Dogs

 

Gestation is the period when the puppies are developing in the mother’s uterus. In dogs, gestation normally lasts 9 weeks (63 days). However, puppies may be delivered between 58 and 68 days.

 

Diagnosis of Pregnancy

 

There are no practical blood or urine tests available to confirm pregnancy in the dog. The earliest possible time of diagnosis may be 20-35 days after breeding, when the doctor may be able to detect pregnancy by feeling the abdomen. Diagnosis by radiographs (x-rays) is usually possible after 50 days.

 

Physical Changes

 

During the first 5 weeks of pregnancy, there are few noticeable changes. After the 5th week, you may notice weight gain, especially with large litters. If only 1 or 2 puppies are present, the mother may gain little weight until shortly before birth. Abdominal enlargement is generally obvious in the last 3 weeks.

 

The mammary glands may begin to enlarge as early as the 35th day, but usually development is not obvious until 45 days. Milk may be present as early as 7-9 days before delivery, but usually it is not produced until 1-2 days before delivery.

 

Behavioral Changes

 

During pregnancy, the female dog may show a change in behavior, especially in the last few weeks. As the uterus enlarges with the developing puppies, your pet may become restless, seek seclusion and in the last few days, soil the house. She may shred papers, blankets or bedding in an attempt at “nest building” in the last weeks. During the last 2 weeks, your pet may become irritable and should avoid contact with small children.

 

Nutrition

 

Good nutrition is essential for healthy puppies and mothers. During the first 4 weeks, nutritional needs change a little, but feeding a high quality puppy food, such as MediCal Development Formula, is recommended.

 

During the last 5 weeks, your dog’s nutritional needs nearly double. Feed increased amounts of food in several small meals a day. Fresh water should always be available, since fluid needs are greatly increased. The doctor may recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with vitamins.

 

Exercise

 

Moderate exercise is recommended. Neither forced rest nor strenuous exercise is a good idea. Short periods of gentle play and short walks are good.

  

Normal Birth in Dogs

(Whelping)

 

Begin preparations for delivery of puppies before the female gives birth. A whelping box should be provided for the mother to begin sleeping in to ensure birth of puppies in the area you have chosen. This box should be relatively small, with sides 6-8 inches high to keep the pups from crawling out of the nest. Place the box in a secluded yet familiar area of the home, away from the family traffic, to allow the mother solitude.

 

Newspaper makes excellent bedding because it can be changed easily, is absorbent and can be shredded by the mother as she makes her “nest.” If such materials as old quilts, blankets, rugs or towels are used, they must be washed frequently.

 

If you want to know more precisely when delivery is near, check the rectal temperature of the mother twice a day from the 58th day of pregnancy until labor begins. Normal rectal temperature varies between 100.5 and 102 F (38 to 39 C). Within 24 hours before the onset of labor, the rectal temperature drops nearly 2 degrees.

 

Labor and Delivery

 

Labor in the female dog (bitch) can be divided into 3 stages. The second and third stages are repeated with the birth of each puppy.

 

            Stage 1: During the first stage, the mother seems extremely restless and very nervous, and often seeks seclusion. She may refuse food even if offered her favorite treats. This stage may last 6-24 hours. This is a good time to exercise the mother to allow her to urinate and defecate.

 

            Stage 2: In the second stage, contractions and expulsion of the puppies begin. Usually a small greenish sac of fluids protrudes first from the vulva. This is followed by the puppy and its attached placenta. The normal presentation of the puppy is nose first, stomach down. About one-third of all puppies, however, are born hindquarters first. This presentation is considered normal in the dog.

 

            After delivery, the mother opens the sac, cleans off the pup and severs the umbilical cord. You may have to perform these functions for the mother (see Obstetric Care). Make sure the sac is removed from the puppy immediately if it is broken during delivery.

 

            Stage 3: The third stage of labor is the resting stage, which follows each delivery. Mild contractions and delivery of the afterbirth occur in this phase. This stage usually lasts 10-30 minutes, but it may range from a few seconds to an hour.  

Obstetric Care

 

After a pup is delivered, remove all membranes covering the puppy, clean the face and remove mucus from the mouth and nose. Rub the puppy with a clean towel to dry it and to stimulate respiration and circulation. After a few minutes of rubbing, the puppy should begin to squirm and cry loudly.

 

The umbilical cord should be tied about an inch from the puppy’s body with fine thread or dental floss and then cut on the side of the knot away from the puppy. Apply a drop of iodine to the cord end after it is cut.

  

Assisting with the Birth

 

If a puppy seems to be lodged in the birth canal and the mother cannot expel it, rapid assistance is necessary. There may not be time to call your veterinarian and drive to the hospital.

 

Grasp the puppy with a clean towel and exert steady, firm traction. Do not jerk or pull suddenly. Traction may have to be applied for as long as 5 minutes. If you cannot remove the puppy, call the veterinarian.

 

Behavior of the Mother

 

During whelping and nursing, your pet may not be her usual self. She may be very nervous and filled with a sense of protectiveness for her new family. Any aggression she may exhibit usually fades as time passes.

 

Notify the veterinarian if any of the following occur:

 

  • You cannot remove a puppy lodged in the birth canal.
  • There is strong, persistent labor for 30 minutes without delivery of a puppy.
  • There is weak, intermittent labor for 6 hours without delivery of any puppies.
  • It has been more than 4 hours since the last birth and it is probable that more puppies are still inside.
  • There is a greenish-black discharge and no labor or puppies within 3-4 hours. The greenish-black color is normal, but such a discharge should be followed very soon by the delivery of the pups.
  • The pregnancy lasts more than 65 days.

Care of the Bitch after Whelping 

  

            Pregnancy and nursing puppies constitutes a severe strain on the mother’s health. Though most mothers handle the task admirably, you can take certain precautions to protect the health of both mother and puppies.

 

Important Points in Postnatal Care

 

            Physical examinations: Within 48 hours after birth, the mother and puppies should be examined by a veterinarian.

 

            Diet: Feeding the mother a high quality puppy food such as RC/Medi-cal Development Formula throughout the pregnancy and until the puppies are weaned, is recommended.

 

            Fluids: Provide clean, fresh water at all times.

 

            Activity: Ordinarily the mother will spend most of the first 3 weeks with her puppies. Allow her as much exercise as she desires.

 

            Bowel movements: Due to increased food consumption and the enlarged uterus, your pet may have to relieve herself more frequently. The stools may be soft for the first few days. If diarrhea or straining develops, call the veterinarian.

 

            Mammary gland care: Check the mother’s nipples daily and clean with warm water if dried milk begins to accumulate. Inform the doctor of any discoloration of the skin, swelling, tenderness or sores. Trim the puppies’ nails if they are scratching the mammary glands.

 

            Vaginal discharge: A reddish vaginal discharge, with clotted blood, is normal for the first few days. This may occur intermittently for several weeks.

 

            Behavior: Call the veterinarian if the nursing mother appears nervous, restless or uncomfortable, or refuses to nurse the puppies.

 

            General effects: Normally the mother experiences heavy coat shedding during the nursing period. Brush her regularly, and call the veterinarian if any bald spots develop. Slight weight loss is normal, but consult the doctor if the mother appears overly thin.

 

            Estrus (heat period): Pregnancy should have no effect on the next heat period. This period should occur within 6 months after birth of the puppies.

 

            Spaying (ovariohysterectomy): If you are no longer going to breed your bitch, an appointment should be scheduled to spay her after the puppies are weaned and milk production has ceased, but before the next heat period.

 

Care of Newborn Puppies

 

            During the first few weeks of the puppy’s life, the mother provides the necessities of warmth, nutrition and stimulation. Your responsibilities consist of careful observation to detect problems before they become serious.

 

            Warmth: Room temperature should be at least 70 F. The puppies should be kept off cold floors because chilling can be fatal to young puppies.

 

            Nursing: A well-fed healthy puppy has a round stomach and seems content. Notify the doctor if the puppies seem uneasy or cry frequently.

 

            Crying: Extended crying is usually a sign of trouble and should be reported to the doctor immediately.

 

            Tail docking/dewclaw removal: Puppies of breeds in which these procedures are done should be brought to the veterinarian at 3-5 days of age.

 

            Eyes: The puppies’ eyes should open at 10-14 days of age.

 

            Weaning: Soon after the puppies’ eyes are open, pan feeding of milk may be started. Other foods may then gradually be added. After 6 weeks, the puppies should be completely weaned. We recommend feeding them RC/Medi-cal Development formula after they are weaned.

 

            Vaccinations: Puppies receive temporary immunity from the antibodies in the milk they drink from the mother. This naturally acquired immunity wears off at around 6 weeks of age. Most puppies go to their new homes at 7-8 weeks of age. A series of immunizations should begin at 8 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule for the appropriate vaccinations at this time.

 

        Worms: It is recommended that the puppies be dewormed every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, then once a month until 6 months of age as parasites can be passed through the placenta and through the mother’s milk. After 6 months of age it is recommended that dogs routinely be dewormed every month for life as a preventive measure and because some internal parasites are transmissible to humans.