Here we are, at the exciting intersection of wagging tails, purring felines, and tiny newborns - the enchanting world of pet pregnancy and birth! From the miracle of life to the occasional complications, we've got your questions covered. And remember, this journey should be shared with a trusted veterinarian who knows your pet like their own. Let's dive in!
- Puppies and kittens are on the way between 58-72 and 63-65 days after mating, respectively. Pinpointing the exact day of delivery from mating can be a bit like predicting the weather, thanks to canine sperm's knack for hanging around in a bitch's reproductive tract for 4 to 11 days. If you've planned the pregnancy, you can use ovulation timing for a more accurate due date.
- Now, when it's time for your furry friend to start giving birth, pay attention to her contractions. If they're strong, regular, and frequent, yet no pup or kitten shows up after 15-30 minutes, it's time to call the veterinarian. The same applies if the contractions are intermittent with no baby after 1.5-2 hours.
- A greenish discharge, known as lochia, is usually followed by a newborn within 5-10 minutes. This is expected before the first birth. But if your pet experiences heavy bleeding, contact a veterinarian immediately.
- About two-thirds of difficult birth cases, also known as dystocia, may require an emergency C-section. Before your pet's due date, locate your nearest veterinary emergency facility and find out their ability to perform C-sections. Remember, C-sections are significant procedures and should factor into your decision to breed your pet.
- To anticipate the end of labor, x-rays taken after the 44th day of gestation can reveal the number of babies, but they're easier to count later in gestation, around day 50.
- After birth, a reddish to brownish discharge may continue for several weeks, but as long as the mother is eating and acting normally, this is normal. However, if she seems lethargic, loses appetite, has a fever, or acts unwell, call a veterinarian.
- Some mothers can develop a condition called eclampsia, which dangerously lowers their blood calcium levels due to the high calcium demand in milk for the newborns. If your dog exhibits poor mothering, severe muscle tremors, difficulty walking, and seizures, seek immediate veterinary help.
Here are some birthing do's and don'ts:
Do:
- Set up a clean, warm, and easy-to-clean birthing area.
- Frequently check on the mother without disturbing the process.
- If a newborn appears stuck in the birth canal, gently pull it out using a clean cloth, but only during the mother's contractions.
- Keep the newborns warm if the mother isn't staying with them.
Don't:
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Remember, many births progress smoothly, with the mother doing all the work and the babies nursing contentedly soon after birth. As for the afterbirth (placenta), don't worry if you don't see it - many mothers consume it without anyone noticing.
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Don't introduce your fingers into the birth canal to avoid potential trauma or infection.
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Don't forcibly remove a newborn.
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Don't pull on the newborn's head or umbilical cord during birth.
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Don't use a heating pad.
Finally, while this process is beautiful and miraculous, remember that professional help is vital. The health and well-being of your pet and her newborns should always be your top priority. Enjoy the journey, and welcome to the world, little ones!
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