How can I help my pregnant dog give birth?

When the lovely dog ​​at home is pregnant, the joy of welcoming a new life is like the warm spring sun, illuminating the whole family. But along with it comes the worry and anxiety about the dog's delivery process. Every owner is eager to be the most solid support for the dog and give it the most intimate help at this special moment. So, how can we help pregnant dogs give birth smoothly? ​

Before the dog is about to give birth, closely observing its physical changes is the key first step. In the late pregnancy, the mother dog's abdomen will swell significantly, and the breasts will gradually become plump and swollen, and even a small amount of milk may overflow. In the days before giving birth, the dog's behavior will change significantly. It may become restless and frequently look for hidden and quiet corners, trying to create a safe "nest" for the upcoming babies. Appetite will also change, and sometimes it will suddenly lose interest in food. These are important signs that the dog is about to give birth. As an owner, we must always pay attention to these subtle changes and prepare in advance. ​

It is crucial to create a suitable delivery environment for the dog. Choose a quiet, warm, softly lit and well-ventilated room to avoid excessive interference and noise from the outside world. Put a soft, clean towel or old blanket in the corner of the room to build a comfortable "delivery room" for the dog. Towels should be replaced and washed regularly to keep them clean and hygienic to prevent bacteria from growing and affecting the health of the mother dog and puppies. At the same time, keep the temperature of the delivery room within a suitable range, about 25℃ - 28℃. The warm environment can make the dog feel at ease and help the puppies maintain their body temperature after birth. ​

When the dog begins to enter the delivery state, the owner's company and support are its greatest motivation. The dog may make painful cries during delivery, and the body will also have regular contractions. At this time, the owner should try to stay with it, soothe it softly, and encourage it with a gentle tone and gentle touch. Do not disturb the dog at will, so that it can give birth in a state that it feels comfortable. But at the same time, pay close attention to the dog's condition. Once you find abnormalities, such as long-term intense contractions without puppies, or the mother dog is extremely weak and painful, you should contact a veterinarian immediately for professional help.​

During the delivery process of a dog, the owner may sometimes need some appropriate assistance. When the puppy's head emerges from the birth canal, the mother dog usually pushes the puppy out through her own efforts. If the mother dog seems to be struggling and the puppy is stuck in the birth canal for a long time, the owner can wear clean gloves and gently help pull the puppy out when the mother dog has contractions, but the action must be gentle to avoid causing harm to the puppy and the mother dog. After the puppy is born, the mother dog will instinctively lick the puppy to clean the mucus in its mouth and nose and help the puppy breathe. If the mother dog does not clean it in time, the owner should quickly wipe the puppy's mouth and nose with a clean towel to ensure that it can breathe smoothly. Then, tie it tightly with a sterilized cotton thread 2-3 cm away from the puppy's navel, and then cut the umbilical cord with sterilized scissors, and apply iodine to the cut to disinfect it. ​

After the delivery, both the mother dog and the puppy need careful care. The mother dog is weak at this time and needs to be supplemented with sufficient nutrition and water. Prepare some nutritious and easily digestible food, such as warm chicken soup, dog food soaked in goat milk powder, etc., to help the mother dog recover her strength. At the same time, the mother dog should have enough rest time and keep the delivery room quiet and warm. For puppies, make sure they can eat breast milk in time. Breast milk is not only rich in nutrients and can provide puppies with the energy they need for growth, but also contains maternal antibodies to enhance the immunity of puppies. If it is found that a puppy cannot eat breast milk, the owner should help the puppy find the nipple in time to ensure that every puppy can grow up healthily. ​

Watching the dog go from being cautious during pregnancy, struggling hard during childbirth, to being tired and relieved after successfully giving birth to a puppy, the owner's mood also fluctuates. Every companionship and every act of help are full of deep love for the dog. This process may be challenging, but when you see the cute puppies wriggling healthily beside the mother dog, the full sense of happiness will instantly make all the hard work disappear. With love and professionalism, we accompany the dog through the most important moments in his life and witness the miracle and beauty of new life.