Introduction to dog midwifery

The length of a female dog’s birth process varies depending on the breed and physical quality of the dog. Generally speaking, the whole process takes 3 to 4 hours, and the interval between birth of each fetus is 10 to 30 minutes.
Dogs generally do not need artificial assistance when giving birth. However, due to the emergence of various ornamental dogs nowadays, they have different breeds and have petite and exquisite bodies, so artificial assistance is needed to help the dog give birth. Before assisting in childbirth, the owner should wash his hands and disinfect them with alcohol or disinfectant. If there is trauma to the hands, latex gloves should be used to prevent infection.

Steps for dog delivery

1. Gently hold the exposed fetus with both hands, gently return the fetus to adjust the fetal position while the female dog is exerting force, and then when the female dog is exerting force, Pull out carefully.
2. For the fetus after birth, the fetal membranes should be torn immediately and the mucus from the nose and mouth should be wiped with gauze. The severed umbilicus can be tied 1 cm away from the root with surgical sutures, and the rest can be cut off, and then 5% iodine is applied to the end for disinfection.
3. If the fetus is asphyxiated due to amniotic fluid or suspended animation, the fetus should be lifted upside down and patted gently to drain the amniotic fluid and wipe away the mucus blocking the nostrils. If you are still not breathing, perform artificial respiration.

Precautions for dog delivery

1. When the female dog is giving birth, she should be calm and avoid being excited and nervous. Therefore, the owner should try to stay quiet during the midwifery process, and do not yell or encourage the dog. This will be counterproductive and may easily frighten the dog.
2. If the female dog still cannot give birth after struggling for more than 2 hours, or if the fetus cannot be fully delivered after being exposed for 10 minutes, be sure to ask a veterinarian for help.
3. Do not let the female dog swallow too much placenta, just two or three. Although the placenta has a lactation-stimulating effect, eating too much will inevitably cause digestive disorders.
4. After delivery, if there is still bright red excrement flowing out of the vagina, the vagina should be plugged with absorbent cotton immediately. If the bleeding persists for a long time, please seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible.