NORMAL BIRTH IN DOGS AND CATS

(Whelping or Queening)  

Preparations:

Preparations are essentially the same for a dog (whelping) as with a cat (queening).  The normal length of time your pet is pregnant is about 62 days but the range can be anywhere from 56 - 65 days.  Usually your veterinarian can determine if you pet is pregnant by carefully palpating her abdomen 3-4 weeks after she is bred.  Unfortunately there is not a reliable blood or urine test that will diagnose pregnancy.  X-rays (after 43 days) or ultrasound (after 3 weeks) can safely be used to diagnose pregnancy and determine the number in the litter. A whelping/queening box should be provided for the mother to begin sleeping in to ensure birth of puppies or kittens in the area you have chosen. This box should be relatively small, with sides 6-8 inches high to keep the newborns from crawling out of the nest.  Place the box in a secluded yet familiar area of the home, away from the family traffic, to allow the mother solitude.  Consult with your veterinarian as the time approaches so you will be familiar with the hospitals protocol in case you and your pet need help.

Newspapers make excellent bedding because they can be changed easily, are absorbent and can be shredded by the mother as she makes her "nest." If such materials as old quilts, blankets, rugs or towels are used, they must be washed frequently.

If you want to know more precisely when delivery is near, check the rectal temperature of your pet twice daily from the 58th day of pregnancy until labor begins. Normally rectal temperature varies between 100.5 and 102 F. When the rectal temperature drops below 100 F for two readings in a row, labor will follow within 12 hours.
 

Labor and Delivery:

Labor in the female dog (bitch) or cat (queen) can be divided into 3 stages. The second and third stages are repeated with the birth of each fetus.

  • Stage 1:

    • During the first stage, the mother seems extremely restless and very nervous, and often seeks seclusion. She may refuse food even if offered her favorite treats. This stage may last 6-24 hours. This is a good time to exercise the mother to allow her to urinate and defecate.
  • Stage 2 :

    • In the second stage, contractions and expulsion of the fetus begins. Usually a small greenish sac of fluid protrudes first from the vulva. This is followed by the fetus and its attached placenta. The normal presentation of the puppy or kitten is nose first, stomach down.  Some; however are delivered hind quarters first.  This is not uncommon and is considered normal in cats and dogs.

    After delivery, the mother opens the sac, cleans off the newborn and severs the umbilical cord. You may have to perform these functions for the mother (see Obstetric Care below). Make sure the sac is removed from the fetus immediately if it is unbroken during delivery.

  • Stage 3:

    • The third stage of labor is the resting stage, which follows each delivery. Mild contractions and delivery of the afterbirth occur in this phase. This stage usually lasts 10-30 minutes, but it may range from a few seconds to an hour.     Obstetric Care:
    1. After a fetus is delivered, remove all membranes covering the newborn, clean the face and remove mucus from the mouth and nose. Rub the puppy with a clean towel to dry it and to stimulate respiration and circulation. After a few minutes of rubbing, the newborn should begin to squirm and cry loudly.
    2. The umbilical cord should be tied about an inch from the  body with fine thread  or dental floss and then cut on the side of the knot away from the body.  Apply a drop of iodine to the cord end after it is cut.
    3. Your pet may be in trouble if she is having abdominal contractions (Stage 2) for more than an hour without delivering or between delivery of a fetus.  Call your veterinarian for assistance.
    4. If a fetus seems to be lodged in the birth canal and the mother cannot expel it, rapid assistance is necessary. There may not be time to call your veterinarian and drive to the hospital. Grasp the fetus with a clean towel and exert steady, firm traction out of the birth canal and curving down between the mothers legs. Do not jerk or pull suddenly. Traction may have to be applied for as long as 5 minutes. If you cannot remove the puppy, call your veterinarian's office.
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