LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

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Hi Nancy,

That was a big delay. You should really take your dog to the vet for an exam today. The vet is going to want to palpate the uterus to make sure there's nothing else left in it. Also, since the uterus was open for so long, you vet will probably want to administer an antibiotic and give your dog a pitocen shot to help the uterus contract closed.

Thanks for your question, and congratulations on the litter.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

our White Lab had 10 puppies last night, now she just delivered 2 more pups tonight- what is going on and should we expect more?

-- Contributed by: Nancy

Hi Mell,

Great question, but the answer depends a lot on which breed of dog you have, and how old your puppy is. Some ears need to be cropped before taping, others don't. It's also important to know that while taping can allow the ear cartilage time to firm up in the upright position, a bad tape job can ruin them. Since this will be your first time taping a puppy's ears, I recommend having your vet do it for you. You can be in the exam room watching while the vet does it and learn first hand.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the taping works. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello.. I would like to know how should I tape my puppies ears. thank you

-- Contributed by: Mell

Hey Kelly.. The puppies are doing fine...they are lovely...didnt open their eyes yet..but probably will in a couple of days..The mom still scratches the floor once in a while...but its probably because there's too much traffic near her whelping box and she may want a quieter corner.. I dont think she has anything retained..or an infection because she is eating,drinking,playing fine.. The only thing is a lil weird is that she seems thirsty everytime she is nursing them.. If anything I'll let you know...thanks..

-- Contributed by: Joy

Hi Joy,

Did your vet palpate for retained placentas? This could be one reason your dog is so antsy. She may feel she has something left to deliver. There's also a chance that there's too much traffic near her whelping box and she may want a quieter corner. Maybe something to consider, but I'd still have the vet check her for a post partum infection. Always better to err on the side of caution. Hope everything turns out okay. Do keep in touch. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hey Kelly I dont get it either why they used masking tape..it was a terrible choice. I got some of it out yesterday...but whatever I couldnt get out I just left there...and it will probably come out by itself...I dont want to hurt them. Anyways...the vet I take them usually does a good job..but apparently this time wasnt the same. Im a lil concerned about the mom...today she seems a lil weird..she is hidding in places and scratching the floor...just like she was doing right before she had the puppies..If she doesnt get better I'll propably take her to the vet. I'll keep you updated..thanks a lot ;)

-- Contributed by: Joy

Hi Joy,

I'm so glad everyone made it through the delivery. However, I have absolutely never heard of a vet putting masking tape around the site of a dew claw removal. The wounds are usually cauterized. Even if they needed dressing due to continued bleeding, masking tape was a terribly unprofessional choice. Honestly, you may want to look for a different vet to use in future. In the meantime, don't attempt to pull off the tape. If the vet can't remove it, it will eventually begin to pull away on its own and it will be easier to remove at that time.

Thanks for updating us, and let us know how things go. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hey Kelly. She had 3 puppies..2 girls and 1 boy..the first 2 came out fine...one hour apart from each other, but the third one was complicated..she was very weak after trying to deliver it....after almost 3 hrs the 3rd puppy started comming out...but then she got stuck and the mom couldnt push it out so we had to help her...we took them to the vet the next day they were born..now they are doing fine.. besides one thing..they got their dew claws removed today but the vet taped their legs with masking tape and now I cant get it out...its stuck..I dont want to pull it out and hurt them...I tried to wet it so it would come out easier but I guess Im gonna have to take them back to the vet tomorrow so they can get it out... Thanks a lot for your help..

-- Contributed by: Joy

Hi Marigold,

Yes, it does sound as though your dog is beginning the temperature drop that proceeds labor, but it will go down closer to 97 F. You'll probably find your dog's temp is even lower at the next reading. The other signs you've observed also indicate the time for labor is approaching, so continue to keep an eye on you pet, and do let us know how the litter turns out. Bookmark our article on Delivering Puppies in case you need something to refer to when the big moment arrives.

Best wishes for a safe and uneventful delivery. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi, my dog is on day 62 day today. her temp went from 99.8 yesterday evening to 98.6 this morning. she has not ate thus far this morning and does not want to leave her box unless it's to get a drink or use the bathroom. i noticed when she went to go potty that her back end is extremely puffy, like when she was in heat. it is very noticeable. could that mean she is getting close to delivering?

-- Contributed by: marigold

Hi Joy,

Each puppy is encased in an embrionic sac, but the placenta is actually the blood/fluid filled sac that connects to the puppy via the umbilical cord.

I'm sorry I couldn't have been there for you yesterday, but how did the rest of the whelping turn out? How many puppies did you wind up with? I hope mom and babies are doing well. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hello...My dog is giving birth now...she already had 2 puppies...its been 2 hrs since she had the last one...I can still feel something on her belly....so its probably another puppy. I just dont understand whats the placenta...is it the sac that the pup comes out or is it a different sac? Im a little worried about her... I called the vet and they said I can wait up to 4 hrs if she is not having a hard time pushing it out. Please let me know what should I do... Thanks

-- Contributed by: Joy

Hi Joy,

I don't think this particular male's size will create any greater problem than you might normally expect in a Yorkie delivery. You might find it helpful to check out our article on Delivering Puppies. There's information about what to expect as well as how to tell if your dog is having difficulty delivering on her own. Don't hesitate ask more questions if you need to. We'll help all we can. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My yorkie is 4 weeks pregnant..Im worried because the male dog is about 11 pounds and she is only 6-7 pounds so I am concerned that she will have problems during labor.What should I do?

-- Contributed by: Joy

Hi Cameron,

It's possible your dog is pregnant, but I'd still have her rechecked. The embryos aren't large enough for the vet to feel until about day 28 of gestation. After this time, the uterus enlarges and it will be impossible to feel the pups until a couple of weeks before delivery. In fact, the embryos don't really begin to enlarge until about six weeks gestation. It's possible what you heard were only bowel sounds, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi earlier this month we thought my Chihuahua might be pregnant...We had a vet consult after describing it, our Vet, Dr. Brown felt around and immediately said "I dont think she's pregnant" My mom decided to have her spayed on Tuesday this week...BUT, brace yourself!--Today while we were watching TV (Sweet Pea was lying down) I saw her abdomen quivering over one of her breasts! I felt it....and it was almost a little pulse...I listened (and my mom) and heard a fainter, faster, heartbeat than Sweet Pea's because there was a distinct difference and tone. I'll keep u posted!!!!

-- Contributed by: Cameron

Hi Marty,

You mention that this is your Shih Tzu's first heat cycle. Is she still a puppy? If so, it isn't a good age to allow her to become pregnant. I recommend keeping your dogs separated so your female can put her energy into completing her own growth. Otherwise, her general health could suffer. There will be plenty of opportunity to produce a litter when she is finished growing. Most breeders wait until a female's second heat cycle before breeding.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this advice useful. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a female shih-tzu whom just began her first heat cycle, she only blead for a few days and my male dog has been humping on her. We are not sure if they mated or not, I have noticed that he does not have any interest in her after being left alone for a few days. Do you think possible he isn't interested cause they've already had sex? Please help.

-- Contributed by: Marty

Hi Paula,

I'm so glad you're enjoying the site. We have a lot of useful information on every aspect of breeding and canine pregnancy.

I recommend you begin with either of the two following articles. Each one has a link to progress to the next related topic at the bottom of the page. If you continue through the articles, you'll find they present fairly complete information for the entire process.

Start with either:

Thanks for your question, and don't hesitate to come back with more after reading those articles. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

This site is excellent ... thankyou sooo much !!!!!!!

-- Contributed by: Paige W

We are considering getting our dog prgnent, she has had her first heat but we are waiting untill she is in season next as we don't want her to suffer. This is because getting a 6 month old dog pregnant is like getting a 12 year old girl pregnant, true? Anyway i just need tips on what to look for in pregnancies, what to do etc. Thankyou

-- Contributed by: Paige W

Hi Paula,

If found your original question at Pregnancy Related Dog Questions and answered it there. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my ... gave birth 8 days ago to 1 pup sadly the pup was stillborn how long do i have to keep her away from male dogs to stop her mating again

-- Contributed by: paula

Hi Ashley, and welcome to the site.

I'm happy to try to answer your question. It is very possible for your little Chihuahua male to sire a litter with your female. The milk you've noticed coming from your dog's nipples is a reasonably good sign that a litter is on the way. I think the best thing you can do at this point is ask your vet to give your dog an exam. He may be able to feel a single pup, or he might choose to do a blood test for pregnancy. This way you would know for sure what to expect in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, I have a few articles that could prove helpful if your dog is indeed pregnant. I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for your question, and good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Im sorry to bother you but I was wondering if you could help me with something. My boston/beale mix went into heat about 1 1/2 months ago and my little 5 lb chihuahua was humping her all the time. I did not think anything would happen because she is about 20 lbs and he is just tiny compared to her. well recently she has started to have clear creamy colored stuff in her nipples. It comes out when the nipple is squeezed. She has had two litters before but they were with other dogs. Is there any ways possible that my chihuahua got her pregnant. I felt her tummy and I cant really feel anything at all. Could this just be a false pregnancy. Once again sorry to bother you and thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

-- Contributed by: ashley

Hi Tonya,

I found your original question at Signs Of Dog Pregnancy. As for the C-section issue, do be on watch for problems during delivery. I used to breed Chihuahuas and I found that even the larger females tended to have problems dilating. Just watch in case she appears to be pushing for an hour without passing the first pup. If you can get past that hurdle, she may be able to deliver the litter on her own.

Thanks for your question, and I hope it all turns out well for you. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Our vet said he was not worried about her having problems or needing a csection due to the fact that the father is so lil (smaller than the female!)and it being her 1st preg she will likely only have one maybe two babies.How worried should I still be about her seeing how most do need csections!?

-- Contributed by: tonya

My chihuahua we believe she is prego she will be due between the 14 & 24th we figure not to sure I already talked to the vet and he said give her a few weeks and if nothing changes to bring her in she is now got alil bit of milk in does anyone know how long it is when the milk starts till birth??

-- Contributed by: Tonya

Hi Carolina,

It would be best to have your vet give your female a pregnancy exam and general health evaluation. This is the best way to figure out if it's safe to let her proceed with a litter. Chihuahuas do tend to have a higher number of C-sections than a lot of breeds, so be sure to discuss this possibility with your vet so you know what to expect in the event your female is unable to deliver on her own.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything works out alright. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My chihuahua dog bred with an 11 month old chihuaha but she is an 8 year old chihuahua. But Im not sure if she is pregnant. Is it safe at her age to have puppies or is it too risky?

-- Contributed by: Carolina

Hi Tamara,

This is a very good question, but the answer depends on a number of factors.

First, it's possible that your female didn't dilate completely during labor, and this could have prevented the puppy from passing through the pelvic opening. This could have been a one time problem, but be aware and watchful that it could happen again.

Second, the size of the current litter could affect whether your female will need another C-section. A large litter could put excessive stress on the closure from the previous uterine surgery.

Third, a lot depends on how long ago your female had the first C-section. If it was within the last year, it may be safer to plan on another C-section to avoid excessive stress on the uterus.

I believe your best option is to consult with the vet who performed your female's C-section. Some vets say you can try to let the female have the next litter naturally and just bring her in for an emergency C if she is unable to deliver on her own. This sometimes results in the loss of the first pup, but at least it provides an opportunity to save mom and the remaining pups.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this info is helpful to you. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My large chihuahua(10 lbs) had an emergency C-section with her 1st pregnancy when one pup wouldn't come out of the birth canal. At that time she was in her first had bred with a larger rat terrier...this happened before I adopted her...now she has bred with a 5/6 lb. pomeranian, will she need another C-section, or will she be able to have a natural birth?

-- Contributed by: Tamara

Hi Shannon,

The temperature drop is usually a little lower, and it's usually maintained for at least two readings taken twelve hours apart. However, your dog is displaying several other signs of labor, so chances are good the pups are on the way. Check out our article on Delivering Puppies for extra advice, and good luck. Let us know what happens. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my lab is in early stages of labor. her temps been around 98 all day, after taking it 3 times. she's very restless, nesting and panting. she wont eat her food, but she will eat treats..:) it's 8pm now...think she'll have them tonight?? thanks. Shannon

-- Contributed by: Help on whelping

Hi Terri,

Did Chloe have the pups naturally or by C-section? Either way, the continued low fever is likely an indication of a uterine infection. Most vets will prescribe a short course of antibiotics to fend off posssible infection after a delivery. The panting is directly related to the fever. The tiredness might also be fever induced, but it could also be an after effect of the anesthesia if she had a C-section.

Try to coax your dog to take more water since this will help the fever and also wash the anesthesia out of her system. Continue to keep a close eye on her and don't hesitate to call your vet if she doesn't begin to show improvement very soon.

Best wishes that everything turns out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My cavalier delivered 5 pups yesterday at our vets office. All pups are healthy and doing well. Chloe however has been running a low fever around 102 which is a little high for her and still having a really dark green discharge. I took her in today and they did bloodwork and didn't find anything but put her on antibiotic. She's kinda panting some and just seems so so tired, which is understandable. This is her first litter. Has anyone else had this problem?

-- Contributed by: Terri

Hi Chantelle,

Believe me, I have shared your pain. We've been through a couple of C-sections with our Chihuahuas, and it's difficult to describe how much it hurts when a pup doesn't make it. I'm sorry to hear about how much difficulty you had at the vet clinic. It sounds like you got lost in the shuffle. However, you were a strong advocate for your dog, and it's likely most due to your own efforts that mom and pups survived.

I wish you the best of luck from this point out. Thanks for visiting the site.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog just had her second litter. She is a Yorkie Poo and only 5.5 lbs. The first litter of 3 went great a year and a half ago. This litter today of 3 was bitter sweet. We lost the first pup breach unable to pull him out. We went to an emergency vet to have the dead puppy pulled out. It was unbearably sad and painful. The next puppy was head first and we later realized may not be able to get through the pelvis. This was the smallest puppy. We transfered to a day time vet and our dog was examed. We waited 40 min. there before I demanded that a C-section be done. It was over two hours of pushing with no change. At this point the x-rays hadn't even been looked at and the details of her labour had been overlooked by the vet somehow. I came in with 2 living moving puppies inside of the mother and was told the one in position might not survive. I was devastated and so sad. In the end, with great care for the mother and an hour of continuous stimulation for the 2 pups they all left alive and healthy. I will never do this again though. I had no idea losing a puppy and the stress of complications could be so overwhelming. The experience is not the same as reading about potential dangers. I am so grateful to have my dog alive and her two pups and I feel the loss of the one.

-- Contributed by: Chantelle

Hi Irene,

If your really is pregnant, it could be a single puppy litter. If this is the case, you wouldn't see a lot of physical change in your dog. Keep a close eye on her for the next two days. Our articles on Dog Pregnancy Symptoms and Canine Gestation might also be helpful to you.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and let us know how things turn out.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I HAVE A MIN PIN THAT IS 63DAYS PREGNANT I STILL DONT SEE ANY SIGN SO I BE WORRIED.

-- Contributed by: IRENE

Hi Toni,

Well, you only have about four or five more days to go. I think you'll find the information in our article Signs Of Dog Pregnancy very helpful. There is a section on how to tell when delivery time is imminent. Also, you might want to read Delivering Puppies. It will help prepare you for the delivery.

As for milk production, you may see a slight increase in the next few days, but some females don't produce much until after the pups arrive and begin to nurse. I wouldn't worry about it too much right now.

Thanks for your question, and best of luck with the litter. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my toy chiuawha is 52 to 55 days pregnent and shows no signs of leaking milk is this ok or should i be worried

-- Contributed by: james

My dog Kirbie Lynn is 57 days pregnant, she is really tiny, 1/2 ...zu 1/2 daschound. bred with a peek- a-poo accidently. Was wondering what signs will show she is fixing to deliver? No sign of Milk yet? but her backbone is really showing from the weight of the puppies. this is our first litter and I am very new to this. any help would be appreciated.

-- Contributed by: Toni

Hi Krystal,

Check out the signs listed in the Labor section above. Most females display one or more of these signs as labor draws near. If your female was bred near the beginning of June, she should be due any day.

You might also find our article on Delivering Puppies very helpful. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Lara,

If your dog's tummy is looking greatly enlarged, it's probably a good time to begin keeping her inside. Without an actual due date, it's difficult to say how close she might be to delivery, but it's better not to risk having the pups born outside.

Best of luck with the litter. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

our dog is pregnant, she is half chihuahua and half hound. she breed with a big black stray prolly in the end of may beginning of june. shes an outside dog. when do you think she'll go into labor, and how can we tell. she wont let us take her temperature.

-- Contributed by: krystal a

I dont know how far along my dog is but she is huge but anyways to the point she is an outside dog I need to when I should bring her in the house?

-- Contributed by: Lara

Hi Laura,

I wouldn't be overly concerned about it. Your dog probably enjoys stretching out when she can due to the crowding taking place in the uterus. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Laura,

I wouldn't be overly concerned about it. Your dog probably enjoys stretching out when she can due to the crowding taking place in the uterus. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi my yorkie cross is 58 days gone and she has been starting to lay on her back since yesterday does that mean anything??plz help

-- Contributed by: laura

Hi Ada,

Any canine pregnancy carries certain risks, but I don't think this litter will pose a problem for your Min Pin as long as she's fully grown and healthy. The best thing you can do is check in with your vet about the possible pregnancy and let him check to make sure everything is going okay.

I think you'll find the following articles helpful:

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I HAVE A MALE BEAGLE AND MINUTURE PINCHER FEMALE AND I THINK SHE IS PREGANET FROM THE BEAGLE CAN SHE HAVE THE PUPPYS WITH NO PROBLEM ?

-- Contributed by: ADA

Hi Bucspower,

I really wouldn't advise letting litter mates breed. You run the risk of getting genetic problems when breeding this closely. Most breeders tend to use an extended family member such as an aunt, uncle, cousin or grandparent when line breeding. The type of breeding you're considering would be an inbreeding, and it's better to avoid one altogether for the sake of the resulting puppies' health.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have new puppies, a brother and sister. I was just curious about whether I can allow them to breed when they become adults. Would it be a problem since they have the same parents?

-- Contributed by: brother and sister can get pregnancy?

Hi Liz,

This somtimes happens with pregnant females, and it's just one of the behavior changes you might notice during this time. You just need to be consistent about taking her outside and reinforcing her training that it's not acceptable to potty indoors. Be firm, but gentle.

Good luck with the impending litter. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a chihauhua and she is about 6-7 weeks along, I'm alittle concerned about her because she is huge, about what is the average amount of puppies she will deliver? Will she have a discharch before she delivers?

-- Contributed by: Lisa

My dog was bred 3 weeks ago. This week, she has started urinating in the house, something she never usually does. Is this normal? What should I do about it? Thank you, LIz Barton

-- Contributed by: Liz Barton

Hi Christina,

It's important that you take your dog to the vet right away. Your dog's temperature should have dropped below 102 F by now, so there's a possibility that she's developed an infection from the delivery. There's a chance she retained a placenta or a dead puppy, and this could be the cause of the problem. Since her milk production can affect the pups, I recommend you take her in right away.

Best wishes that all turns out well.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi my dog gave bitrh on Friday night- sat morning and I just took her temp and it was 103.0, and her milk isn't squiting out like I read it should be.. What to do next?

Also what should she be eating after birth?

-- Contributed by: christina

Hi Kurt,

Did you take your dog to the vet for a follow up exam after she finished delivering? If not, you should call your now and take her in. Sometimes a placenta or even a dead pup can be retained in the uterus, and this will cause an infection. At the typical post-delivery exam, the vet usually checks the uterus to make sure all contents have been expelled. Sometimes the vet will administer a shot of pitocen to make the uterus contract, and the vet might also give an antibiotic shot to ward off infection.

Restlessness can often be a sign that all is not well after a delivery, so call your vet to discuss the situation even if you did have the post-delivery exam.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything will be alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog had puppies 6 days ago. The last 2 days she seems to be high strung, pacing back and forth from the whelping box to our bedroom under our bed and then to the living room behind the couch. Can you give me any advice as to why she may be acting this way?

-- Contributed by: Kurt

Hi Danielle,

I'll answer both of your questions with this post.

First, 105 F is a dangerously high temperature, even for a dog. Most females don't go any higher than 102 F during a delivery. There is a good chance your female is dehydrated right now, so try to coax her to drink water or some chicken broth. The next thing you need to do is call your vet and ask to bring her in right away for a post partum checkup. Your vet will feel her uterus to see if there are any dead pups or placentas retained that could be causing an infection. If this is the case, the vet will give your female a shot to help her expel anything in her uterus so it can shrink back to its normal size. The vet will also likely want to administer an antibiotic.

As for the puppy, the temperature sounds reasonable although slightly low. A healthy adult dog generally runs a temperature between 100-101 F. Newborn pups are unable to regulate their own body temp, so they need to stay close to mom for warmth. You really don't want to see your pup's temp go any lower or it will interfere with his digestive system. Keep him close to mom, and take him with you in a separate box lined with towels when you visit the vet. The vet will also check the pup for good health. I also don't think the recent heat wave will prove a problem as long as you are keeping your female hydrated so she can nurse the pup. You can use a fan in the same room as mom and her pup, but don't point it at them, just use it to circulate the air.

Thanks for your question, and I hope everything will turn out alright.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my puppy was born friday there temp is between 98 and 99 is this normal its also a heat wave in de right now would that hurt the pups?

-- Contributed by: danielle

my dog tenp is 105 she just gave birth i want to know what i should watch for plz help

-- Contributed by: Danielle

Hi Angela,

I'm afraid your dog will likely never make a good mother. I once bred a Chihuahua that attacked her own pups. At the co-owner's insistence, we tried her a second time, keeping the litter box right with us in the living room and sleeping next to it on the couch. After three days of actively making her nurse the pups and correcting her for any show of aggression towards them, my husband left her alone with the pups for a few minutes while she was allowing them to nurse, and when he came back she had torn open the little female's stomach.

Bottom line, you are going to have to watch your dog like a hawk every moment she is with the pups, and you will probably need to begin supplimenting them soon. My best advice would be to spay your female as soon the vet says it is safe to do so.

I hope you are able to bring the litter through. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi my dog is rot/black lab and she has become verry agressive to the pups and anyone else. she has smothered 3 and they have died allready and she is snaping at the pups piacking them up by the tails head back legs anything she can get ahold of and she also is swating and growling at them the vet said separate them so i have and she still agressive. Will she be this way from now on or is it a stage.

-- Contributed by: Angela

Hi Anna,

Five pounds is good size for a Chihuahua, but it doesn't guarantee your young dog will be able to deliver a litter on her own. My advice is to discuss the situation with your vet now so you can be prepared for the possibility of a C-section. Chihuahuas are very susceptible to over-anesthesia, so this is another issue to discuss. Some vets prefer to use a combination of valium and lighter anesthesia during the delivery. Find out what your vet consideres the best method.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a safe and happy outcome.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I'm worried about my Chihuahua puppy - she came into heat and although I tried I was unsuccessful in keeping her away from my male. She's ten months old and definitely showing signs of pregnancy...will she be okay? The male she mated with is MUCH smaller than her, and she's about five pounds already.

-- Contributed by: Anna

Hi Straton,

Congratulations on the litter! Most puppies' eyes open between ten and fourteen days old. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

When do the puppies eyes open? I have a litter of Schanuzers.

-- Contributed by: Straton

Hi F. Price,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's passing. You'll find the info you need in the following articles:

Thanks for your question, and best of luck with your situation.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi. I had a 90pd Golden Retriver who recently passed of Cancer. He was a 11 years old. My sister and I reside together she has a Toy Poodle. I'm really scared that the Toy Poodle is pregant. If so my sister will be so mad at me.She will blame me and the Toy Poodle only weighed about 8pds. How long is a normal pregancy and what are the signs. PLEASE advise...

-- Contributed by: F.Price

Hi Tina,

Yes, it is possible that a six-month-old male could successfully produce a litter. If you suspect your two-year-old female was bred by this pup, you can have your vet perform a pregnancy blood test about three weeks after her heat cycle has ended. Better to know for sure what to expect.

Thanks for your question. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I wanted to know if a six month old male chihuahua could get a two chihuahua pregnant?

-- Contributed by: tina

Hi Jess,

These could be signs of pregnancy, but how long ago was your dog in heat? The one thing that concerns me is the fact that your dog is suddenly drinking a lot of water. This could also be a sign of a kidney problem. All things considered, it's a good idea to have your vet examine your dog. The vet can perform a blood test for pregnancy, but will likely want to investigate further into the drinking issue with a blood panel.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog will be fine.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi I think my jack russel may be pregnant. she has been very slow on our walks which is not like her. she has been refusing every kind of treat we give her. even if the treat is human food. she has decreased in her eating habbits. she has become very thirsty, i have never seen her drink so much! but she has thrown up a lot too. not food at least 1 in 4 chance it is food it is ushally just water. her personality has changed drostickly!!! she used to growel a lot and be very aggressive and jump on people when they walked in the door. but now the least she does isgo over and say hi and then leave them alone.please help me! you were the only site i could find that didnt charge for asking for advise!

-- Contributed by: jess

Hi Justilynn,

It does sound possible that your dog is pregnant, but your vet can easily confirm this for you. The average dog has eight nipples, but I did have a Shih Tzu that had nine! The back breasts are typically larger than the ones closer to the chest.

Thanks for your questions, and you might find the following article useful.

Canine Gestation

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I am not sure if my pom is pregnant. She was bred April 13 2008(Hopefully!!). She is constantly CRAVING attention and that is not like her. She also does not like to be left alone. She even jumps in our van when she knows we r leaving. She is also very protective of her red bone and she usually shares with my dads dog, Tucker. She also has not been eating much. She has been very lazy and her nipples have enlarged a little. With all this information, could u say that my baby might be pregnant? I was also wondering how many nipples a regular dog has. Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Justilynn

Hi Shirley,

Chances are high that your Bassett is carrying a little. Your vet should be able to confirm this for you, just so you can be sure of what to expect. I also think you'll find our article on Delivering Puppies helpful

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my question is i have notice some changes in my bassett hound she is getting lazy plus i have noticed her milk bags are getting bigger and their is a fluid that i can get from her it is a milking looking we did have her with a mate during her heat period.

-- Contributed by: shirley

Hi Kate,

First of all, congratulations on the adoption. I'm sure you'll be rewarded with much affection in the years to come.

As for helping your dog regain condition, you're already doing the best thing you can. Walking is great for gently toning up a dog's body, especially after a litter. Swimming is also healthy exercise, but you should monitor your dog closely to avoid drowning hazards. It's going to take some time before you can see the results, but it will make an improvement. Your dog will never likely regain her pre-pregnancy figure, but she will eventually look pretty good.

Thanks for your question, and keep up with the walks! :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I have recently aquired a bull mastiff...that had a litter of 8 pups in October 2007, her last pup went just before christmas. I believe she is about 2 and a half years old and this was her first time at being mum. She was a rescue dog so hasn't been looked after brilliantly and excercise was limited during/after her pregnancy. Her teats and bottom end haven't returned to normal, and there is a lot of lose skin, i was wondering if this is normal or if there is anything i can do to help her return to "normal". She is now being walked several times a day to regain some sort of fitness! I hope you can help me and my big girl!! Thank you, Kate

-- Contributed by: Kate

Hi Jessica,

It's always beneficial to keep rough play to a minimum when a...is pregnant. I recommend you separate the dogs when the rough housing begins, or better yet, take them for a walk to burn off some energy.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a healthy litter. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi...My dog is preggers and i am wondering if rough playing is going to be harmful to the unborn pups...the one who is trying to play with her is bigger then her and plays rough...can this hurt the pups?

-- Contributed by: Jessica

Hi Sarah,

There's no way to predict how a delivery will go, but dogs that are in good physical shape tend to have an easier time of it. Now is not the time to embark on a physical fitness program with your dog, but gentle exercise will help her stay toned and better able to push out those puppies. I'd suggest a leisurely 10-15 minute walk once a day. This shouldn't stress her joints too much as she gains weight, and the fresh air is also good for her heart and lungs.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a safe delivery.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi there, My dog is about halfway through her pregnancy and I was wondering if there is anything that will help it go smooth..

-- Contributed by: sarah

Hi Betty,

Even though you had a successful breeding, your female's cycle will continue until it has completely finished, regardless of whether fertilization actually takes place. Once her cycle has completely finished, you can ask your vet to perform a blood test for pregnancy.

Thanks for your question, and good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i just breed my dog (well i think that she took) so i was wanting to know if she will stop bleeding ?

-- Contributed by: betty

Hi Tyshona,

You can have your vet do a blood test to check for pregnancy about two to three weeks after her heat cycle has ended. That said, there's a 50/50 chance that any breeding will produce a litter.

As for spaying, you'll want to wait until the litter is fully weaned before putting your...through the procedure. However, if it turns out she isn't pregnant, you can schedule the spaying right after the pregnancy check.

Thanks for your questions. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

MY DOG BREED FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY, HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN FIND OUT IF SHE IS PREGNANT? WHAT IS THE CHANCES THAT SHE DID NOT CONCEIVE? HOW LONG AFTER THE PUPPIES ARE BORN SHOULD I WAIT TO HAVE HER SPAYED?

-- Contributed by: TISHONA

Hi Stormi,

A female can get pregnant on her very next heat cycle (typically in four to six months), but this wouldn't really be good for her. Her system needs more time to recover. My best advice is to skip at least one heat cycle before breeding again.

Thanks for your quetion. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

how soon after a...has pups can she get pregnant agin?

-- Contributed by: Stormi

Hi!!! I have a Maltese who is pregnant.... She is alround 50 days pregnant (I believe). How do I know when labor starts??? What symptoms should I be looking for?

Hi Lany,

I think you'll find the following articles helpful.

Signs Of Dog Pregnancy: Check out the section about signs delivery is imminent.
Delivering Puppies: This article will take you through the delivery process, as well as provide a list of what you need to have on hand.

Thanks for you question, and I hope the delivery goes smoothly!

-- Contributed by: Lany

hello,

i have a female english bulldog who was bred on the 28th of jan 2007 on and off until the 5th of feb 2008. we have not had a pregnancy check yet and do have an appt due to making sure she is far enough along. she is still having vaginal discharge of her heat. dark red, very slight and im wondering if this is normal? she is eating, drinking and acting fine. gaining weight as well since the breeding. please let me know something, thankyou....

Hi Lisa,

I'm not a vet, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. I don't think this is quite normal. The average heat cycle only lasts about three weeks, so your bitch should have quit discharging long ago. There is a possibility that she could have picked up an infection from the breeding, and this is something your vet should be able to diagnose when you take her in. Many bitches pick up urinary tract infections, so hopefully this is all that's going on.

Thanks for your question, and I hope there's nothing serious happening.

-- Contributed by: lisa

I have 2 dogs, one is 9 months and the other a year and 4 months. I was waiting for the other dog to be a year, but I just found out one of them is pregnant. I have read that while pregnant they should gradually go back to puppy food. Should I keep her on puppy food? Or change it? Should I give her a multi-vitamin with No calcium on it? I have a park close by and I take her everyday and let her loose,she runs like crazy and no other dog can catch up to her, should I put her on a leash while pregnant? I mean she comes to me and wont run away I'm just worried about her running like 30 miles per hour and non stop for as long as we are in the park while pregnant. I have also read that giving them yogurt, cottage cheese and a scrambled egg while pregnant is good, is this true?

Hi Angie, I would keep your bitch on the puppy kibble until the pregnancy is over. If it is a highly nutritious and balanced brand, I wouldn't disturb that balance with a multivitamin. However, you can add a spoonful of cottage cheese to your dog's dinner for a little added calcium, just resist the temptation to overdue it. Too much calcium can lead to other problems, and your bitch needs this supplimentation most during the last half of her pregnancy.

I would also try to keep her just a bit more quiet. Exercise is important to keep your dog toned and in condition for the delivery, mut strenuous exercise could cause the embryos to become dislodged, leading to a spontaneous abortion. I think your idea to keep her on a leash at the park is a good solution.

Thanks ofr your questions, and best of luck with the litter. :)

-- Contributed by: Angie

Is it true that you are not supposed to touch the puppies til like 2 weeks after they are born? I dont know what to do and i have 2 pregnant dogs at my house who will soon give birth.

Hi Erick, no that is not exactly true. It's important to handle the puppies in a gentle and loving way so they become used to the human touch. However, it is important to wash your hands before and after you handle them, and to limit too many people from picking them up. This will limit their exposure to germs, and your bitch won't be nervous about too many hands on the puppies.

Thanks for your question, and good luck with your litters.

-- Contributed by: Erick Salas

Hi SiSi breed on 12Jan08 and i estimated her to deliver on 12th March.But till now she is lying on the floor as if she is tired.Is it normal that behaviour.

Hi Bheemul,

It would be natural for your bitch to feel quite tired at this late stage of the pregnancy. Unless you notice any unusual symptoms such as heavy breathing or bleeding, I wouldn't worry about it too much, but don't hesitate to call your vet if you feel anything is wrong.

Best wishes for a safe delivery.

-- Contributed by: Bheemul

Hi Sandra I have a Pittbull i breed her on january 8th and i estimated her to deliver around march 11th but her belly isnt even bulging yet its tight and he nipples are startin to feel out but she doesnt look as if she is getting any wider or fat. should we at this time be able to see she is definatly pregnant. I would really like an opinion! thanks Beth

Hi Beth,

If you haven't felt the puppies move yet, you should very soon. It's easier to feel with larger litters, so perhaps your dog is just going to have a smaller litter. If she is pregnant, you'll probably notice her fill out a bit more these last two weeks.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a safe delivery.

-- Contributed by: Beth

I have a puppy that was not suppose to be bread. Is there a shot that I can give her at home so she will not have these babies.. She has been out of heat for 1 week..

Hi Darlene,

No, there isn't an at-home way to remedy this situation. However, your vet can offer you a few alternatives, including spaying your female so you never have to worry about this situation again.

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Darlene

Amber had her first litter on the 06th Jan'08. She is 2 1/2 years old now. It has been almost 7 weeks now & she still has a brownish discharge, though the discharge is like 1 maximum 2 drops in a day. This can only be noticed when she urinates. Please advise if this is normal. Thanks

Hi Robin,

Although the drainage doesn't sound too serious, it really should have stopped by now. To be on the safe side, I'd follow up with your vet. He may want to feel her uterus to make sure it doesn't feel enlarged, and he may also want to check for a urinary tract infection.

Thanks for your question, and I hope the puppies are doing well.

-- Contributed by: Robin

Hi. My husky ... is now on her 50th day of pregnancy, she is still spending the nights with her mate, to be on the safe side when should we seperate the 2? just in case that her mate might attack the new born pups if they happen to catch us by supprise and arrive early? We plan to seperate them in about 1 weeks time, would this be safe? or should we seperate them ealier? I would value you comments on our dilema.. kind regards, Sandra.

Hi Sandra,

I agree you can leave them together for about another week. I'd separate them by day 57 because your bitch could possibly deliver from this point on.

Thanks for your question, and good luck with the delivery.

-- Contributed by: Sandra

my yorkshire terrier ... has been going off whith this other dog and we dont no whether anything actuly happend me and mum would like to no how long till we will find out or can have a blood test to find out.....realy anoyed whith ma ... kept us walking up a huge hill for a hour after her

Hi Lynda,

Yes, your vet can perform a blood test to determine if your dog is pregnant. This can be done within just a few weeks of the possible breeding after the heat cycle has ended.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: lynda

hi ya thanks for all your help the past months just thought id give u a little update she had 5 puppys ALL boys lol they are such a bundle of joy and are gettin on brilliantly they will b 4 weeks on fri/sat ive jus started them on a small amount of solid food as per the lady in the pet shop sayin it would be ok, and obviously it gives my ... a small rest, i was just wondering if you have any pages on the rest of the deal with bringing up the puppys like when to introduce toys hw to encourage em to play together about their jabs and the whole worming dela they were wormed at 2 weeks along with my ... but obviously any more advice would all be helpfull thanks again!

Hi Della,

I'm glad to hear that everything turned out so well! It sounds like you are right on track. At four weeks old, it's alright to introduce some toys. Just make sure they are durable and size appropriate. Kong Dog Toys are my favorite.

You should take the pups for their first vaccinations at six weeks old. From there, your vet will set the schedule for the follow up boosters and you should continue with these as long as you still have the pups. Give the new owners a record of the shots the pups have already received so they know exactly what is left on the schedule.

As for encouraging the pups to play together, don't worry about it. At four weeks old, they are about to explode into activity. In a couple of weeks, you're going to be asking me about how to get them to stop playing. :)

You might also like to read our article about Puppy Care. It sounds like you are doing a great job, so keep it up. Those pups will be grown and moving on to new homes before you know it!

Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: della

my pitbull is only about 20 inches in height and fully grown. she has already had her first heat and was seduced by my neighbors dog also a pitbull but mixed im not sure if it will ruin her bloodline or the chance of it. i had to interveen with them after a half an hour together and im not sure if anything had actually happend. thanks for ne input u can help me with.

Hi Donielle,

If you had to intervene on a breeding, then there's a good chance you bitch will become pregnant. A breeding between a purebred and a mixed breed only affects the litter resulting from that breeding. They would be considered mixed. If you were to breed your bitch to a purebred dog of the same breed in a future season, that litter would be considered purebred.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: donielle

I was wondering what age should i start breeding my dog. She is a one year old and will be two years of age in two months. Is she ready?

Hi Rona,

Two years of age is sufficient for most breeds to commence breeding. However, be sure that your dog has a good ratio of weight to frame size, and that she is free of any congenital health defects before you breed her.

Best of luck!

-- Contributed by: roana

If my baby was impregnated, would her heat cycle continue or would it have stopped? This is my first time and I certainly didn't intend for it to happen. She was in heat before I knew it and it was my male who let me know what was going on. Thanks for any advise.

Hi Leslie, yes her heat cycle will still finish out, although she may lighten up soon than expected. Thaks for your question, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: Leslie

I just want 2 say a huge thank you, my ... had 3 of her pups fri nite and 2 more early hours sat (1:02) without all of your help and advice i would of been a wreck, she has taken to it naturally and doin very very well. yet again thank you!!! xxxx

Hi Della,

How exciting! You are going to fall in love with those pups. I'm glad everything worked out well.

~~Kelly

-- Contributed by: della

anyways when can i take them a bath

Hi Bianca, you can give the pups a partial bath to clean their behinds as needed. You can give them a full bath starting between six to eight weeks old. :)

-- Contributed by: Bianca

i'd first like to say a big thanks as without ur help and advice i would be a nervous wreck right now as my dog is due today if the first mating worked, ive been feeling her belly today and been feeling a lot of lovely little kicks!! i just have 2 enquiries : if i pad out a cat litter tray is it advisable 2 put the pups into as she sorts out each one i will make sure its next to her its just so tht they are all kept in place.

and how long is she allowed to go over before i should consult my vet!!

yet again thanks for all ur advice any other pointers i would be greatfull!!

Hi Della,

I'm so excited for you. I'm going to direct you to our article on Delivering Puppies. I think using a cat litter tray is fine, as long as it is brand new and never been used. It is a good size to keep the pups in for a "warm box" which you read about in the article. There is plenty more information there to help you as well.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: della

How long after giving birth can we give the mother dog a bath?

Hi Jane, I would wait a couple of days for the cervix to close. If absolutely necessary, you can wash off around the back legs, but try not to run water directly over the vulva.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Jane

this really helped me alot now im not that worried when my dog will give birth.

-- Contributed by: mayra

well thanx im alittle late with the shots the are right now 6 weeks turned 2 days ago

-- Contributed by: Bianca

Hi Kelly, Thank you for your very quick reply. I will def let you know what the vet says and keep you updated on any progress if we are lucky enough to be having a litter. I have to say that this is the most informative site I have been on as it gives specific answers to peoples questions and not just text. Keep up the good work. Yes, I am so excited but this will be her first and last litter as I am more nervous now with her than I was with my own two pregnancies. She is a wonderful dog - my baby, really. I am sure she will do us all proud if she gets the chance. Thanks again Debbie

-- Contributed by: debbie

well anyways when do i get the shots for puppies

Hi Bianca,

The puppies should receive their first vaccinations around six weeks old. Your vet will set up a regular schedule for the follow up boosters after that.

Thanks for your question :)

-- Contributed by: Bianca

Hello

Amber had 8 puppies on teh 06th Jan '08. One was still born. The seven healthy & happy. Amber is taking excellent care of her puppies. She is making it somuch easier on us. She is a great mother. Thanks a ton for all your help.

When do I de-worm Amber & when do I de-worm the pups. Please advise.

Hi Robin,

I'm so glad that everything worked out so well. Your vet will probably advise you to wait until your bitch is finished nursing before worming her, if she does indeed need it. The pups will likely be wormed when they receive their first vaccinations around six weeks, depending on whether there are worms present in their stool samples.

Best wishes with the litter!

-- Contributed by: Robin

MY dog just had her pups but she will not go in the whelping box no matter what. She keeps moving one of them onto this couch but it's not to safe b/c she keeps running back and forth to the other pups and the one the couch falls... so I blocked it off but she keeps trying to move just that one.. I don't know what to do.

Hi Joe,

Perhaps she would be happier if you moved the entire whelping box set up next to the house. I think your dog wants to be closer to you, and will be more likely to settle down with her pups in your presence.

I hope this suggestion helps.

-- Contributed by: Joe

hi whats the deal with worming my dog she is now around 49 days maybe a bit l8r if the first mating didnt work, how should i go about this what is best 2 use thanks!

also before i forget earlier this evening when i was havin a cuddle with my dog she had a few shudders is this anythin 2 worry about?

Hi Della,

The shudders probably aren't anything to worry about, but keep an extra eye on her just to be sure.

As for the worming, most vets advise to wait until after the litter is delivered. Your own vet will make safe recommendations about which wormer to use as well as the proper dosage for your dog's weight.

Thanks for your question, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: della

my beagle is not liking her whelping box and her due date is close. How can i help her like it more?

Hi Emily,

I would suggest letting her have one of your older blankets. Sleep in bed with it for a night yourself so it carries your scent, and then put it in her whelping box. This should make the box more comfortable, and your dog should be comforted by the smell of someone she loves.

If your dog has another bed, pick it up and put it away for the time being. This will give her further reason to use the whelping box.

I hope you find these suggestions useful. Please let us know how her litter turns out.

-- Contributed by: Emily

My dog is pregnant and she is a lil late over the period given. Should I be worried? She is a minature dashund? Would a large enough crate be okay for her to have her pups?

Hi Mary,

No, I wouldn't be too worried at this point. Fertilization may not have taken place until a day or two after the breeding, and this could account for what appears to be a late delivery. As long as your bitch isn't showing signs of distress or prolonged labor, everything is probably fine.

A roomy crate can substitute for a litter box, but be on guard against drafts. If you must use a crate, I suggest going with a plastic travel crate. You can easily remove the screws and remove the upper half and door. This converts it to a litter box, and you won't have to worry about pups getting through the cage wires.

Thanks for your question, and best of luck with the impending birth.

-- Contributed by: Mari

My female peek a poo who is usually about 5 lbs., just gave birth to a single pup that is almost 1/3 her size. The father is also a peek a poo which is about 11 lbs. Is it normal for her to only have one and for it to be so big? She had no complications and was not very big during pregnancy and has bounced right back with in 2 days of birth. Will she always have just one if we let them breed again?

Hi Irene,

The fertility of both your dogs comes into play in regards to litter size. The male must have healthy sperm in sufficient numbers to assure fertilization of any eggs your bitch releases. On her part, the bitch is completely responsible for the number of eggs released, and the less she releases, the less pups there will be.

You won't be able to guage her average litter size unless you breed her again.

As for the single large puppy, it was the beneficiary of all the nutrition your bitch had to offer. There were no litter mates to drain any of it for themselves. Singletons are often bigger than a pup from an average litter. Just think of it as your pup getting a bit of a head start.

Otherwise, it sounds as though things are going well. Best of luck with the new baby.

-- Contributed by: Irene

Hi whats all the rules with the afterbirth from all the pups ive been told tht my dog will eat it but been told by some people not to let her as it can make her sick. and whats the rules with contact with the pups i understand about keepin other people away but im quite close to my dog so whats the rules in my help and tht!

Hi Della,

The afterbirths are actually quite nutritious and can help your bitch regain some energy after the delivery. However, eating too many afterbirths can result in loose stools, so I typically only allow my bitches to eat the first two afterbirths and I throw away the rest.

As for contact with the pups, it's best to interfere as little as possible for the first three days. This gives your bitch time to bond with the puppies and settle into caring for them. You can handle the pups as necessary, but be sure to wash your hands first because the pups won't have much immunity for a couple of weeks until the antibodies from mom's milk kick in.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy litter.

-- Contributed by: Della

UPDATE: My dog went in to labor and had a thin oderless green discharge coming from her vagina. We took her to the emergency vet where they had to give her a c-section and they spayed her at the same time. She had 8 puppies and only 4 lived. We are now trying to get them to latch on to a nipple. So far, it seems that mother and remaining puppies are doing fine and we don't have to worry about anymore litters!!!!

Hi Mikki,

I'm sorry to hear about the pups that didn't make it, but I'm glad your situation has been resolved. Best wishes with mom and her litter, and thanks for letting us know how things turned out.

-- Contributed by: mikki

is the mother dog still suppose to bleed after she gives birth> and if so for how long?

Hi Dana,

Yes, a dog will have some drainage after delivering pups. This typically lasts from a few days to a week, but it really depends on how quickly the uterus shrinks back to its original size. When the uterus remains enlarged, the bleeding continues a little longer.

That said, you should notice the amount of drainage taper off more each day. If it increases or changes from brownish-red to bright red, ask your vet to examine your bitch as she may develop a problem.

Thanks for your question, and hopefully all will go normally.

-- Contributed by: dana

Hello Again

Thank you for your prompt response. I have recently noticed that Amber (my female Pug) has been having loose motions during the day, after her morning meal. This is only happening in the morning & during the rest of the day her stools are normal. I have noticed some redness in her stool, is this something to be worried about. Please advise. The above scene has been occuring on a daily basis for the past 4 days. She is now 46 days into her gestation.

Hi Robin,

This may not be anything serious, but you might want to collect one of those morning stools in a zip-loc bag and drop it off at your vet's for analysis, just to be on the safe side.

Also think about the last thing your dog eats the night before. If it's a dog biscuit that has red dye in it, this could color the stool.

Thanks for your question, and I hope things turn out alright.

-- Contributed by: Robin

Thank you for your previous response! Now i'd like to give you s brief detail of our situation. Our dog was hit by a car last summer and suffered a broken hip and pelvis ( i think, where the hip connects to the pelvis?) We decided that financially, we were not going to be able to pay the $3000.00 to have her fixed but the vet told us she would probably heal "ok" on her own. They also told us that based on the original xray we should wait for her to heal and then get her fixed. They said that they way her bones were broken, she wouldn't be able to deliver babies. But they also said she would walk funny and never run as well as "look" deformed. It's been a year and she looks fine. She runs and jumps and never seems to have any problems. You would never know she was in an accident. We thought we were keeping a close eye on her during her heat cycle, but evidently, she lifted her tail to some stud in the neighborhood (even though we have a fenced in yard). We had no idea this had happened until fairly recently when got really fat and her nipples started leaking milk. I can feel the puppies moving around and We are now very concerned that she may not be able to deliver these puppies. I know that we will have to take her to the emergency vet if she appears to be having complications. I was just looking for "any" signs or symptoms that we may look for that may tell us when we should expect labor to start. I have been checking her temp for 6 days and she ranges from 99.1 to 99.8 degrees. The milk has been there for about a week. She's very lazy. Based on our calculations on the weekend this would have had to happen, she would be about 61 days today. Can you tell me any signs that may mean she is having complilcations? How long overdue should we let her get before getting worried? What is actually concidered "overdue"? Thank you for your help, Mikki

Hi Mikki,

Typically, I wouldn't get worried until day 65 and no pups, but given your bitch's history of injury, you'll want to monitor her closely.

Has she been doing any digging yet? Bitches will usually try to make a nest a day or two before the delivery. You will also likely notice a change in your bitch's attitude as labor becomes imminent. She may have a slightly worried look in her eyes, and she may also cling to you more. Eventually you will notice that she begins to tremble.

Once true labor begins, you will see her begin to push. If she begins pushing frequently for an hour without delivering a pup, you should give your vet a call, because she may need a C-section if she can't push the pup out on her own.

I realize you are in a delicate situation due to the previously broken pelvis, so don't hesitate to take your bitch to the vet if you sense anything is wrong.

Best of luck with the delivery, and let us know how things turn out.

-- Contributed by: Mikki

hello there i have a question i want to know my dog had her period around 3 weeks already i had brought her a stud and she refused but yesterday a dog raped her a mut i am so upset and wouldnt want her to be pregnant. Can she not be pregnant or why did she let him.

Hi Lupe,

Your bitch must not have been ready when you presented the first stud, but it certainly sounds like she was ready when the other dog showed up.

Yes, there's a 50/50 possibility that your bitch could become pregnant by the unwanted breeding. I suggest you speak with your vet about your options.

Thanks for your question, and best of luck with the situation.

-- Contributed by: lupe

Hello

Thank you for your response to my erlier question. I have been doing som emore research about pregnant dogs, in many occassion I have read that the pregnant dog should isolated completely from all dogs during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy & 1st 3 weeks after delivery. In my case I have two pugs both are healthy & vaccinated completely. Do I still need to seperate before delivery, I know that I have to after delivery. But plz let me know what I should do & also advise false pregnancy. My female pug had two false pregnancy in the past. Thanks again.

Hi Robin,

You can allow your dogs to continue living together as long as the other dog isn't hard on your pregnant bitch. The idea behind a separation before birth is to ensure the bitch isn't injured and isn't feeling stress by an obnoxious house mate. Definitely keep your other dog away from the litter for several weeks after birth.

As for a false pregnancy, You should be able to feel the pups two to three weeks before delivery. You can also confirm the litter by asking your vet to perform an ultrasound.

Best wishes, and I hope all goes well. Let us know how things turn out.

-- Contributed by: Robin

How long before labor starts should my dogs nipples start producing milk? She is 55 days pregnant. I know she can give birth between 57 and 63+ days. Just wondering if i should start taking day time naps to prepare for being up all night.

Hi Mikki,

Sure, it wouldn't hurt to get some extra rest before the big event. Typically, most bitches deliver on the 62nd or 63rd day, but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on her.

As for the milk, some bitch's don't produce it until the pups begin nursing, this stimulates production.

Good luck with the impending birth, and let us know how things turn out.

-- Contributed by: Mikki

Hi, i have sent in a few questions in the last couple of weeks in the lead up to our puppies being born. My female Kelpie had 6 beautiful pups ( 3 boys & 3 girls )on the 26/12. All were born alive, healthy & un aided on our part..although it was a very long night as we waited each one's arrival. We are currently hand raising the littlest " Lewi " as mum isn't very nice to her ( to much work for her to look after the vet's think ). She will be staying with us for a very long time. As a family we have already formed a special bond with her. I just want to thank you for all your wonderful advice in making a successful & beautiful event.Thank You

Hi Kelly,

I'm so glad that everything worked out well for you. You are going to fall in love with each and every puppy!

Keep us posted~~ Kelly

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have 2 adorable Pugs, the female is little over two years & the male is a year & 1/2. My female pug was on heat during which time the male & she mated. Is there a problem that the male is younger & is it OK for them to stay together during the entire gestation period. They are pair & they dont like it when they are seperated. Please advise.

Hi Robin,

No, it doesn't make any difference that your male is younger. At a year and a half, he is old enough to breed. It's also alright for them to remain together during the pregnancy as long as he doesn't tend to jump on your bitch. If he's relatively calm, things should work out alright.

That said, you'll need to keep him away for the birth and until the pups are at least five weeks old.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Robin

my 11 month old pup has just had puppies herself this morning, however she has only had 2. as she was from a litter of 12 and all her mothers litters were large i'm worried that perhaps she has not birthed all the pups. Would all the pups be born consecutively or could there be a few hours between?

Hi Ashlee,

Sometimes there is a few hours between pups. I recommend you take your dog to your vet for a post delivery examination. This will reveal if there are any retained pups or placents.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Ashlee

hi new to this i have a 10 month old staff and shes on heat for the first time shes bleeding everywhere how long does the bleeding last for many thanks trzacy

Hi Tracy, our article on Dog Heat Cycle and Breeding has the info you need.

Thanks!

-- Contributed by: tracy

IS IT TRUE IF YOU HOLD THE PUPPYS THE MOM WOULD NOT LIKE HER BABIES ANY MORE? MY DOG IS PREGNANT AND WE HAVE ANOTHER DOG BUT HES NOT THE DAD WOULD HE BE A PROBLEM BEING AROUND THE BABIES? THANKS

Hi Laura,

No, this isn't necessarily true, although it's better to handle them very little for the first few days after birth so mom has time to settle in with them. After that, the pups should oly be picked up for a short time because they need mom more than they need us. You can stroke them while they're in the box with mom so they become used to the human touch.

It's a better idea to keep the male completely away from the puppies until after they have had their first vaccinations.

Thanks for your questions.

-- Contributed by: laura

I have 2 questions i breed her on the 4th of oct and they got stuck and then again 3 days later do i go by the 1st time they took. Next she is already producing milk so does that mean it can be any day now

Hi Julie,

Count forward 63 days from the first breeding and that will give you your bitch's due date. Your dog sounds like she's right on schedule with the milk production. Good luck with the whelping!

-- Contributed by: julie

My dog is about to have her first litter and i'm a little scared. She's a little aggressive with me and i'm her master will she be aggressive with the puppies? and theres no way i could keep my male dog away from the puppies what should i do?

Expert Reply

Hi Jason,

The first thing you need to do is go buy a crate for your male dog. It's very important to keep him away from the puppies because male dogs rarely have the same kind of parenting instincts that females do. The pups could also pick up an illness from him since they won't have working immune systems for several weeks.

As for your bitch, you'll need to wait to address her aggression issues toward you until after she's finished caring for her litter. After that, you need to enroll the two of you in an obedience training class so you can gain proper control over her. No dog should show aggression toward its people.

The fact that your dog is aggressive toward you doesn't necessarily mean that she will be aggressive toward the pups, but you should keep a close eye on her during the delivery and for that first week. She will necessarily need to bite the sacs to help the puppies out, and will also likely severe their cords herself, so don't be overly alarmed when this happens. Try to keep the atmosphere very calm in the whelping area, and this will help her to remain calm and focused.

Thanks for your question, and good luck.

-- Contributed by: jason

help my dog died while giving birth why>?

Expert Reply

I am so sorry to hear that your dog passed away while giving birth. There are several reasons why this could happen.

It's possible that a puppy became stuck in the birth canal and your dog totally exhausted herself trying to push it out.
It's possible that something went wrong and she experienced internal bleeding.
There's also a possibility that she could have had an undiagnosed heart defect, and the pregnancy and delivery were too much for her.

There are even more reasons than this, but the only sure way to know what went wrong would be to have your vet do a post partum on her body. However, this can be expensive, but it may be worth it to you to find the answers you seek.

Thank you for your question, and please accept my condolences on your loss.

-- Contributed by: jj

My ..., ran after a dog about two weeks ago, she came back within an hour and a half and i have a feeling that she maybe pregnant.She was in heat when she ran away and her nipples are larger. Do you think that i can somehow use a human pregnancy test to verify this?

Expert Reply

Hi Yohamy,

No, a human pregnancy test will not work on a dog because it's designed to detect a particular hormone called HCG. Dog's don't have this.

The earliest ways to detect a dog pregnancy are by ultrasound at 21 days gestation, and by palpation at 28 days.

Thanks for your question, and best of luck no matter how things turn out.

-- Contributed by: Yohamy

when should i let the male see his newborn puppies?

Expert Reply

Hi Joan,

It's usually best to wait until the puppies are about five to six weeks old before you introduce dad. Any earlier than this might upset your bitch, and the pups aren't ready for interaction with anyone but mom anyway. It's also a good idea to keep the pups somewhat isolated until they have a chance to build up some immunity from mom's milk.

When you do introduce dad, watch his reaction carefully. Males usually don't display the same kind of family instincts that bitches do, and they can be rough without meaning to.

Thanks for your question, and congratulations on the new litter!

-- Contributed by: joan

Hi my Kelpie is due to have pups in 10 days ( 24th November ). I am really scared as this is her first litter ( & mine ). What are some essentials i can have on hand for the birth of the puppies if she has any problems. Any other valuable information would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

Expert Reply

Hi Kelly,

This is actually an excellent question. Although most dogs are able to take care of everything themselves, I do keep a few items on hand in case of an emergency.

Have plenty of freshly laundered hand towels ready to go. These are useful for drying off the pups, and they also help you get a grip on a wet puppy if it is having trouble fully exiting the vulva.
Along these same lines, I keep a jar of vaseline on hand to lubricate the rime of the bitch's vulva if a puppy just can't seem to make it through.
I soak a small pair of round tipped scissors in alcohol to sterilize in case I need to cut a cord myself. I also have thread on hand to gently tie off the umbilicord if it appears to bleed excessively.
It's always good to have a warm box prepared to keep the new pups in until mom has finished birthing. I line a rubbermaid container with newspaper, add a warm (not hot) water bottle, and cover it with a folded baby blanket. I have a second baby blanket on hand to drape over the top of the box to prevent drafts. Once mom seems to have delivered all of her pups and settled down, I return the pups to her and watch to see how she interacts with them.

Although this is your bitch's first litter, those mothering instincts are usually strong, so hopefully all will go well. Just remember to keep a calm tone no matter what happens, because your bitch will take her cues from you.

Good luck, and I hope that all goes well. Let us know what happens.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi, I have a ... who I think it bred. Her nipples are larger and her udders seem to be filling. She looks pregnant one day and the next she doesnt. Can I palpate her and see for myself? She is due Nov . 15th, 2004... Is there a way, with out a vet, I can check?

Expert Reply

Hi Jordyn,

Palpating is something best left to experienced hands. It is simply too easy to injure mom or the pups by pressing as you try to feel something. I don't even do this for my own bitches, and I've had 20+ years experience as a breeder. For these reasons, I don't recommend you try this for yourself.

Most vets will only charge an office call for this service, so perhaps you'll be able to afford it after all. In the meantime, it does sound as though your bitch is pregnant, so keep treating her as though she is.

Best wishes for a healthy litter.

-- Contributed by: Jordyn

HI, my bitch had an ultrasound Saturday and we have at least 4 pups expected around the 27th of November. Prior to her getting pregnant(when had gotten her was told she was fixed, wrong, obviously)we were slowly switching them from a kibble grain free diet to the BARF. All of a sudden, unless it is raw meat, she will not touch it at all. Even then, some days its really hard getting her to eat. My vet said her body looks good, yet she has only gained about 2 lbs. I have been going by the 2.5% of her total body weight for the amount to feed her but some days I am lucky to get her to eat half that. She did go through about 2 weeks of morning sickness, but that seems to be gone. What would the minimum be that I should be trying to get her to take? She is getting both a calcium and vitamin supplement, especially since on the BARF diet. If have any suggestions, please they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Deb and Earl

-- Contributed by: Debbie

My dog delived her pups yesterday and is panting alot is this normal?

Expert Reply

Hi Kasey,

It's not completely unusual, but if it continues beyond today you should bring it up with your vet.

By today, your bitch's temperature should be nearing normal, approximately 100-101 F. She should also be drinking lots of water to rehydrate herself as well as make milk for the pups.

I always make it a practice to take my bitch in to the vet for an examination the day after the delivery. My vet palpates the uterus to make sure no placentas or dead pups have been retained, and he gives the bitch a pitocen shot to help her expelled any leftovers he may not be able to feel. He also gives the bitch antibiotic injection to ward off a possible post-delivery infection. Finally, he checks my bitch's temperature to make sure she's not running a fever.

If you haven't done something similar, then you might want to go ahead and call your vet now. It's a good breeding management practice that most breeders use.

Thanks for your question, and I hope mom and pups are happy and healthy.

-- Contributed by: kasey

Hi m.l.e.,

If your bitch has gone past 65 days, then I highly recommend you take her in to the vet for an examination. Your vet will check the puppies and may choose to administer a shot of pitocen to induce labor or carry out a c-section if necessary.

Best of luck.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi, is there anyways that you can make the pregnant dog have puppies if she is after the due date and she hasn't had them?

-- Contributed by: m.l.e

The puppies are now 24 days old but they've been doing that kind of behavior since they were younger.

-- Contributed by: Gracie

Hi Gracie,

Exactly how old are the puppies now? After 21 days they are completely aware of their surroundings. They become curious about everything and like to explore. However, puppies have very strong pack instincts, so I'm surprised they aren't playing with each other and huddling up for naps.

I think this is something you should bring up for discussion with your vet when you take the pups in for their first shots. There may be a physical cause behind the lack of interest that isn't immediately apparent. This could also play a role in why your bitch seemed to be rejecting the pups.

I hope that things go better for you from here.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

We had two of the five puppies die, so we decided to feed the rest the supplemental milk. I noticed the puppies all seem very independent of each other. They all walk away from each other, sleep separately, etc. Is this normal?

-- Contributed by: Gracie

Hi Gracie,

Unfortunately, some bitches do not make good moms. Some simply don't understand what they need to do, and others actually reject the pups.

My first brood bitch fell into the second category, so I actually had to make her lie down to feed the pups on a regular schedule. She wasn't interested in cleaning them either, so I had to do it myself by wiping them with a warm wet cloth to help them go potty. I bred her once more after that to see if it was just a first time mom problem, but she rejected that litter too, so I never bred her again.

Right now, you need to give your bitch less attention so she will focus more on the pups. If necessary, lay her down to let the pups nurse. Does she seem to have a good supply of milk? If not, you may wind up having to supplement the pups with puppy formula.

Best of luck, and certainly check back in with me if you need more help. Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I forgot to add that she doesn't even want to feed them, unless they're crying alot.

-- Contributed by: Gracie

My dog keeps wandering away from her puppies. Is this normal?

-- Contributed by: Gracie

Hi Stephanie,

If your dog is trying to push out a puppy during delivery and can't get it out, take her to your vet immediately. There's a chance the puppy could suffocate in the birth canal.

Best wishes~~ Kelly

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog cant get the baby and i need help

-- Contributed by: stephanie

Hi Trina,

I think the best thing you can do is remain calm, especially during the delivery. Let your bitch do as much of the job as she is capable of, and calmly step in to help with sacks and cords when needed.

Sometimes first time moms need help figuring out what to do. If she seems clueless, put the pups on to nurse her yourself. You can also encourage her to clean them by holding them up for her. Again, try to let her do things herself as much as possible. If she gets the idea you can take of the pups, she might decide to let you do it.

Remember, you have experience breeding dogs, so treat this time just like any other. I think you're both going to be fine, so hang in there!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I know everything will probably be alright, but I own a pit bull female that is due to whelp 9-6, and I am a nervous wreck. I have seen so many pit females reject their young, and I don't want anything to happen. I am so scared for my female as this is her first litter. She is my baby.. Is it just that I am playing the doting grandma, or what.. I have birthed litters before, but in other breeds. I have always just let nature take its course.. Maybe I am seeking some moral support or something.

-- Contributed by: Trina

Hi Frances,

Five weeks is a fairly uneventful time in a dog's pregnancy. There's usually little evidence of the pregnancy at this time, so don't worry if you don't notice anything right now. There will be plenty of signs and action to come.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Holly,

Some bitches are not as maternal as others. Since it's summertime, her absences are not as much of a problem since the pups are less likely to chill. However, if she's only feeding them, then someone has to clean their bottoms to help them go potty. I recommend you wipe them gently with a warm wet cloth after every meal.

Also, try to ignore her as much as possible and just provide basic care. She shouldn't be rewarded for leaving the pups, and if there's nothing going on upstairs she may be more inclined to spend time with the pups. Maybe next time you can have her whelping box in an area closer to the family.

Best of luck!

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is 5 weeks preg this is her first time. When we took her to the breeders before she always missed her teets are bigger so i think that she is preg and she is fatter to should i be able to notice more than that?

-- Contributed by: frances

my dog had puppies about 5 days ago.All eight look to be as healthy as can be.She is a black lab.but it seems like she wants to go where ever we go and is more interested to what is going on up stairs.(she is down in the finished basement extra room).i was wondering how long she can stay out of the whelping bow for?it seems like she goes in there to feed them and then lays out of it and or wants to hang out side.is this normal?

-- Contributed by: holly
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