Red Flags To Look Out For After Your Dog Gives Birth

There's a lot to do when preparing for the birth of a litter of puppies. You'll likely be busy creating a nesting box, attending regular veterinary appointments, and making sure your mother dog and puppies will be as healthy as can be. However, once your dog has shown the signs she's ready to give birth, there are a few things you should look out for. While most dogs give birth (otherwise known as whelping) just fine on their own, dystocia (a particularly challenging birth) can arise in any dog. That said, some breeds are more prone to having issues during and after birth, including brachycephalic ones, or flat-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs. Other small breeds, like chihuahuas, can have a hard time giving birth due to the large size of their puppies. Having a smaller-than-usual litter of, say, two puppies can also cause problems.

If you notice any of the below red flags, it's important to contact your veterinarian right away. They'll likely want you to bring in any puppies along with the mom, who should be kept warm and comfortable in a separate carrier. Your vet can help with any complications by providing hospitalization, monitoring all of the canines, and administering IV fluids and medication as needed.

Knowing how many puppies to expect is beneficial for figuring out when your dog is done giving birth. The experts at Highland Pet Hospital recommend an X-ray "between 55 and 58 days of gestation" to count the number of puppies that your mother dog is carrying. The hospital does warn, however, that an X-ray isn't always 100% accurate, as one "could be 'hiding' behind another puppy" and, therefore, be missed on the count. 

If more than four hours have passed between puppies being born and not all of the ones from your X-ray count are accounted for, there could be an issue. For instance, a breech, or turned, puppy or a too-large one in the birth canal could cause a blockage. In most cases, a puppy is born head first, with its front paws sticking straight out. If you see the puppy's tail or side in the birth canal instead, it could be stuck. It's best to seek out veterinary care immediately if you can't manually turn the puppy or if the mom seems to be in distress.

While it's normal for a dog to be tired shortly after giving birth, prolonged exhaustion can be a sign of something being wrong, and an underlying cause is often to blame. Mastitis, an infection that targets the mammary glands, is one possible cause. This is most common in the first few weeks after giving birth due to the sudden increase of nips, chews, and tears to the nipples from nursing puppies. You may notice redness, swelling, or discharge in addition to exhaustion.

Eclampsia, characterized by depleted calcium levels, is a serious cause of extreme exhaustion in a dog just after giving birth. Eclampsia can happen at any time during pregnancy or after giving birth due to the mother dog's calcium going into producing milk. Signs of eclampsia can include exhaustion, an inability to stand, a stiff gait, and a loss of interest in the mother dog's environment or her puppies. As eclampsia is a serious medical condition, it's best to seek veterinary care immediately if you see these signs.

A lot happens when puppies are born, including the passing of the placentas and the discharge of amniotic fluid. Moreover, some vaginal bleeding, called lochia, is normal in the weeks following giving birth, and it can vary and last for up to eight weeks. Over that span, it should decrease in volume, but if it doesn't — or if it increases — it's a sign of something wrong that should be checked out by your vet right away. 

Sometimes, excessive bleeding can come from metritis, the inflammation of the uterus after giving birth. It can happen even with a normal and healthy labor and delivery, and it's caused by bacteria becoming trapped in the uterus. In addition to exhaustion, you may notice strange, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, fever, or lethargy. Your vet can diagnose metritis with blood work and a culture of the discharge. It's treated with antibiotics and fluid therapy, depending on the severity of your dog's symptoms.

When in the womb, puppies receive nutrition via the placenta. This is a structure that's attached to the mother dog's uterine wall and creates a connection for fluid and nutrients to pass from her to the puppies. Then, the placenta is expelled about 15 minutes after each puppy is born. However, the placenta can sometimes become retained, leading to issues like a secondary infection. 

You can try to keep track of how many placentas pass by comparing them to the number of puppies born. That said, mother dogs often eat placentas after passing them, making them hard to count. Instead, looking for issues like fevers, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea can alert you to a problem. If you notice these symptoms or your dog seems otherwise unwell, a trip to the vet is best. Your vet can administer oxytocin to help the placentas pass naturally. In severe and rare cases, surgery may be needed if the placentas can't be passed naturally.

Most dogs are natural mothers once they give birth. They'll care for puppies with no problems, cleaning them and nursing them on their own. However, if your dog seems uninterested in her puppies or actively rejects them, there could be something wrong. An underlying health issue, such as pain or one of the aforementioned complications, can be a reason for her disinterest. 

In addition, young or first-time mothers may not be sure what to do and may need help guiding puppies to be nursed and cleaned. A sick or weak puppy can also cause a mother dog to try and push it away from the rest of the litter. You'll want to check on both the mom and her puppies often and make sure you can tell if the newborn puppies are getting enough milk and being properly cared for. If you notice issues or if your mother dog seems to be struggling, a vet visit to check on everyone is best.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.