If neonates are small in size when they are born, you can help stimulate their respiration and keep them warm by rubbing their bodies and drying them.You may be able to take quick action, if needed, to help prevent the mortality of puppies. Plan to be present when a dam delivers her puppies, especially if it is her first litter or if she is an older female.The whelping area should be clean and quiet and provide a comfortable, stress-free environment. Be sure the whelping box has adequate heat around 85 degrees, as puppies are not able to make their own body heat until they are 2 ½ weeks old.Restlessness and crying despite appearing to nurse.Little movement compared to the rest of the litter.Intervention could save the life of a newborn puppy at risk. If you notice these signs in puppies during the first 72 hours after birth, you may need to consult your veterinarian. if you are unsure, you should talk to your veterinarian.” The First 72 Hours Experience can help tell you when to intervene. “Intervention in the first 72 hours should be used judiciously. “The neonatal period from birth to 3 days of age is a critical stage for puppies,” cautions Dr. Newborn puppies with a low birth weight may have immature lungs, which could cause them to become hypothermic with a dangerously low body temperature. If neonates are small in size when they are born, you can help stimulate their respiration and keep them warm by rubbing their bodies and drying them. Smith, you should consult your veterinarian before using these medications, as they facilitate premature placental separation and can be dangerous. Giving medications such as oxytocin or ergometrine to induce labor in females having weak contractions could contribute to hypoxia. “I recommend having a pregnancy radiograph taken during the last week of pregnancy so that the number of expected puppies is known,” says Dr. Other signs of potential problems include strong persistent labor for 30 minutes without delivery of a puppy, weak or intermittent labor for six hours without delivery of a puppy, or three or more hours having had passed since the last puppy was born, with more puppies expected to be delivered. “If this discharge appears and not all the puppies are whelped, they may not be getting enough oxygen,” advises Fran Smith, DVM, Ph.D., DACT, a board-certified veterinary reproduction specialist. A green or greenish-black discharge from the dam indicates placental separation.

During whelping, one of the most common causes of puppy mortality is hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen. Every litter is unique in some ways, and it takes many years to gain the experience to recognize signs of potential problems and know what steps can be taken to intervene and potentially save the lives of puppies.īreeders should be present when a dam delivers her puppies, especially if it is her first litter or if she is an older female. Breeding dogs and producing puppies is a rewarding experience.

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