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Does a dog seek out its owner before giving birth?
Dogs generally do not seek out their owners before giving birth, as most dogs can deliver and nurse their puppies independently, especially those who have given birth multiple times and have rich experience. If a dog is giving birth for the first time or if there is a risk of complications, it is advised for the owner to be present and prepared to assist with the birth.
Although dogs do not seek out their owners before giving birth, owners still need to prepare for the upcoming event.
Arrange a quiet and comfortable corner in your home for the dog, providing a sense of security. Prepare a clean and warm dog bed, as the dog will naturally seek out this area to give birth. A large enough dog bed can also prevent inexperienced mothers from accidentally crushing their puppies.
Prepare clean towels, iodine, disposable gloves, sterilized cotton thread, and scissors. These items will help with the cleaning and warmth of the newly born puppies. If the dog is unable to bite through the umbilical cord, sterilized scissors can be used to assist in cutting the cord. Tie off the cord with cotton thread to stop bleeding, and apply iodine to the cut area to prevent infection. Clean and dry the puppies as soon as possible.
In addition, dogs will show some signs before giving birth, such as gradually increased frequency of urination (although there may not be urine), restlessness, refusal to eat or drink, and constantly scratching the floor with their front paws. When obvious contractions begin, it's a sign that labor is imminent. If the amniotic fluid has already broken, delivery is likely to occur within 1-2 hours.
After the birth, it's important to supplement the dog's nutrition and feed it. If the dog does not give birth within 2 hours or if the puppies are in an abnormal position, or if the fetus is too large, there may be signs of difficulty in delivering. In this case, contact a veterinarian to see if a caesarean section is necessary. Do not blindly wait or try to handle the situation on your own.