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Signs of dog labor the day before
The day before a dog gives birth, she may exhibit decreased mental appetite, with a rectal temperature possibly dropping to around 37 degrees Celsius. She may also experience abdominal contractions, vaginal discharge, and milk flowing from her nipples. If the dog does not give birth within two hours after passing the amniotic fluid, it is recommended to bring her to a pet hospital for an abdominal ultrasound examination. If the fetal heart rate is less than 200, it is advised to proceed directly to a cesarean section.
How long does labor last?
A dog's pregnancy lasts 58 to 64 days, with an average of 62 days. The birth process usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour and lasts about 10 hours. If the dog's labor is short and weak, with a 30-minute interval between contractions without delivery, it may be a sign of dystocia, and immediate veterinary attention is required.
How to speed up labor
Provide a quiet environment, place some familiar objects and items that it knows, to make it feel secure, and set up a delivery nest. Do not disturb it during labor. If the dog is small in size, it should be able to give birth quickly as long as its mood remains stable. If you want to accelerate the labor, you can give the dog a shot of oxytocin, but only when the dog shows signs of imminent labor. It is generally not recommended to use oxytocin if the dog can give birth on its own.
Postpartum care methods
Pay attention to postpartum nutrition, as the mother dog loses many nutrients during pregnancy. She may be weak after giving birth, so avoid excessive supplementation or overly bland diets. Ensure balanced nutrition to prevent weakening the dog further. Ensure a quiet and comfortable environment for the dog, as she will be physically and mentally weak after giving birth. A peaceful environment is particularly important. Be mindful of temperature issues. If it's cold in winter, make sure to keep her warm. If it's hot in summer, provide good ventilation to prevent the mother dog from overheating or catching a cold.