Whelping the Litter of Puppies
Sensitive management during the birthing procedure (whelping) can be a wonderful experience, but often walks the fine line between life and death for both the bitch and her pups. But excess or insufficient interference with this process can also interfere with the natural instincts of the mother, as well as affecting the psychological development of the pups. Opinions vary about what is ‘correct' handling of the whelping process. This series of discussions is designed to assist with some of the more commonly asked questions.
The gestation period of a bitch is around 63 days from the date of the first mating when the bitch co-operatively accepted the dog. Three days early is within the realms of normality, provided the bitch shows no signs of distress, nor has any blood or green coloured discharge. However even without these signs, an overdue bitch can be a reason for concern.
If everything goes well, the bitch is in familiar surroundings and is handled by people she loves and respects, the normal whelping of a bitch can be a wonderful experience for all concerned. This explains a 'normal delivery'.
An afterbirth or placenta is an organ unique to mammals that connects the developing baby to the uterus wall. The afterbirth supplies the developing puppy with maternal nutrients, and allows waste from the developing puppy to be disposed of via the maternal kidneys. This waste is encased in a sac around the developing pup which also acts as a cushion against injury during the mother's pregnancy and also during the birth process.
Opinions vary as whether or not to use clamps (forecepts) to close off the umbilical cord during the birth process. Some people believe using a clamp stops any excess blood escaping from the pup and/or stops the afterbirth from retracting into the bitch.