For OWNERS: Notes on whelping bitches! The Whelping Cycle of Dogs.(Uhrheber, nicht bekant.)

The average gestation period for the dog is 60 - 65 days the normal being 63 days. If the puppies are born before 58 days the chances for survival are not good: if the bitch has not had the puppies by 65 days you should consult your veterinarian.
(? you may have the mating dates wrong).

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR:
Labour is roughly divided into three stages:

Stage 1. This stage normally last from 4 - 20 hours. The bitch will exhibit rest-le ness, nest making, panting, re fusal of food. Abdominal contractions are not seen in this phase.
The loss of foetal fluids (breaking of waters ), is very irregular in occurrence and " timing" and is only of limited help in evaluating the of labour.

Stage, 2. This stage is recognized as beginning when the bitch commences straining. Fluids are lost intermittently and the bitch repeatedly turns to clean herself.
The first puppy is usually born within one hour of the onset of meaningful straining but it can be as little as 20 minutes and up to 2 hours.

NB: It is very important to note the time of commencement of straining so you know when and if veterinary assistance is required.
The interval between births, consist of resting and straining. The time period between pups is from 10 - 40 minutes.
A common pattern is for the bitch to produce 2 - 3 pups at short intervals resting for 1 - 3 hours before continuing.
The birth of a large litter may occupy 24 hours or so but if no excessive effort is required for each birth the dam should not become unduly timed. The afterbirth/ placenta is usually eaten by the bitch, a bitch with a good mothering behaviour will clean and nurse her whelps between successive birth and keep the whelping area clean as well.

Stage, 3. The final afterbirths are expelled; the bitch becomes relaxed indicating the termination of whelping and often
goes to sleep. If you are at all worried that all the pups might not have been borne, contact your veterinarian.
When to call, for Veterinary assistance?
Where whelping is proceeding normally the bitch should be left undisturbed until all the pups are delivered and are sucking. You should however consult your vet surgeon:
1. If more than 2 hours have elapsed from the start of straining and no pup has been produced.
2. If more than 2 hours elapsed between pups ( note time of each arrival) .
3. If a large pup becomes stuck halfway and the bitch can't deliver it within 15 minutes.
4. If a pup has not suckled within 3 hours of birth.
5. If the "Water bag" bursts and there is no activity after 2 hours.

REMEMBER; we are always happy to answer any questions you may have or if you are at all worried that everything is not going as you thing it should during the whelping do NOT hesitate to contact your closest vet !