How to help a pregnant Shih Tzu give birth smoothly?

The joy of welcoming the new life of a Shih Tzu in the family is like the warm sun in spring, illuminating every corner of our lives. And helping a pregnant Shih Tzu give birth smoothly becomes a weighty but blissful responsibility on the shoulders of the owner.

The prenatal preparation stage is an important beginning of this journey of new life's arrival. Creating a suitable birthing space for the female dog is a crucial step. Select a cardboard box of just the right size. If the box is too large, the female dog may lack a sense of security; if it is too small, she will feel cramped and uncomfortable. Carefully lay soft and clean old towels or blankets inside the cardboard box to create a warm and comfortable "little nest" atmosphere. This "delivery room" should be placed in a location away from noisy areas in the home such as the living room and the doorway to avoid disturbing the sensitive nerves of the female dog with external noises and footsteps, allowing her to fully prepare for the upcoming delivery in a quiet environment.

It is also urgent to contact a reliable veterinarian. An experienced and highly skilled veterinarian is like a guiding light in the dark, capable of safeguarding the health of the female dog and the puppies at crucial moments. Before giving birth, take the female dog for a comprehensive prenatal examination. Through professional examination methods such as B-ultrasound, not only can the number and position of the puppies be confirmed, but also potential problems in the female dog's body can be detected in a timely manner. Based on the examination results, the veterinarian will inform the owner in detail about the possible situations during the delivery process, such as the normal time range of delivery and the signs of dystocia, enabling the owner to make psychological preparations and corresponding countermeasures in advance.

In terms of nutrition, the nutritional needs of a pregnant Shih Tzu increase significantly. High-quality puppy food is the foundation, and its rich nutrients can meet the basic development needs of both the female dog and the puppies. In addition, cooked chicken breast can be appropriately added. Chicken breast is high in protein and low in fat, making it easy for the female dog to digest and absorb. Fresh goat's milk is also a good choice, which can not only replenish water but also provide additional nutrients. However, as the due date approaches, the feeding amount needs to be adjusted appropriately to prevent the female dog from overloading her stomach and intestines due to excessive eating, which may affect her state during delivery.

When the female dog begins to show signs of delivery, for example, she licks her vulva frequently. This is an instinctive cleaning behavior of her body and one of the signals of an upcoming delivery; she may also be restless and pace back and forth in the "delivery room", indicating that she is nervous about the impending delivery; rapid breathing is her body's preparation for the effort during delivery. At this time, the owner should stay calm and observe silently. In most cases, the female dog can give birth smoothly relying on her instincts. She will adjust her posture on her own and start to exert force rhythmically. The owner should not disturb her rashly but give her enough trust and a quiet environment. However, if the female dog has been exerting force for more than half an hour without giving birth to a puppy, or she emits painful howls, her body shakes, and her physical strength is obviously insufficient, these are highly likely signs of dystocia. The owner must immediately contact the veterinarian, carry out emergency treatment according to the veterinarian's instructions, and send the female dog to the hospital as soon as possible if necessary.

After the puppies are born, the female dog will quickly lick their bodies and bite off the umbilical cords. This series of actions helps to clear the puppies' respiratory tracts, promotes blood circulation, and also cleans the puppies' bodies. The owner can prepare clean and warm towels. After the female dog has finished dealing with it, gently wipe the puppies' bodies to further dry the amniotic fluid, keep the puppies dry, and reduce heat loss. If the female dog does not bite off the umbilical cord actively, the owner needs to use a strictly disinfected pair of scissors to carefully cut it 2 to 3 centimeters away from the puppy's abdomen, and then carefully disinfect the remaining end of the umbilical cord with iodine to prevent infection.

Postnatal care should not be overlooked either. The female dog is extremely weak after giving birth and needs sufficient rest to regain her strength. Ensure that the environment of the "delivery room" is warm, with a suitable temperature between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. Equipment such as heating pads can be used, but be careful to avoid scalding the female dog and the puppies. Replace the soiled bedding in a timely manner to keep the environment clean and hygienic and prevent the growth of bacteria. In terms of diet, provide the female dog with nutritious and easily digestible food. In addition to high-quality dog food, nutritional paste can also be added to help the female dog quickly replenish energy. Boil some fish soup, which can not only replenish water but also be rich in nutrients such as protein, helping to promote milk secretion. At the same time, closely observe the physical conditions of the female dog and the puppies. If the female dog shows abnormalities such as fever, loss of appetite, and red and swollen breasts, or if the puppies are listless and unable to suckle normally, take them to see a veterinarian immediately.

Helping a pregnant Shih Tzu give birth smoothly is a journey full of love and challenges. From the careful preparation before giving birth, to the anxious company during delivery, and then to the meticulous care after birth, every link is filled with the owner's deep love for the dog. The birth of every new life is a miracle of life. The owner's attentive care can not only enable the female dog to safely pass through this special period but also open a beautiful chapter for the healthy growth of the puppies, bringing a full harvest of warmth and touching moments.