Dog's Bladder Disease

Bladder diseases are among the most common problems seen in dogs. Common causes include bladder infections, sterile cystitis, bladder stones, bladder tumors and cancer. Unfortunately, bladder problems are often treated incorrectly. Here are some helpful hints to distinguish minor problems from major problems that might require more aggressive therapy.

Clinical signs of bladder disease include frequent urination, dribbling urine (incontinence), straining when trying to urinate, discolored urine (especially if bloody) and urinating large volumes. If your dog shows any of these signs, see your veterinarian immediately.

During a urinalysis, which should be conducted on all dogs with signs of bladder disease, crystals are often discovered. Crystals often occur in healthy dogs. Usually they require no treatment. Antibiotics are not necessary and will not help these dogs.

Dogs with signs of urinary disease should have diagnostic testing done, including a urinalysis, urine culture, blood profile, X-rays, and often an ultrasound examination of the bladder.

Although special medicated diets are often prescribed for dogs with bladder disease, they're usually not necessary. A wholesome natural diet, preferably canned food which has high water content, is better for most dogs with bladder disease.

Antibiotics are best reserved to treat dogs with bacterial infections confirmed on a culture test. Routine use of antibiotics increases the cost of care and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Natural therapies, including olive-leaf extract, goldenseal, Oregon grape, and homeopathics often resolve bladder infections in many pets without the need for antibiotics.

Guide For Adopting An Adult Dog

THANK YOU FOR CARING ABOUT LIFE

It's easy for almost anyone to fall in love with a puppy or kitten. But it takes a special person or family to adopt an adult pet. You'll find there are many advantages to acquiring a mature dog. The love and companionship you'll share are only the beginning.

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET

With a puppy you may not know how large he will become, or what sort of disposition he will have. With a grown - or nearly grown - pet, what you see is what you get! However, it's important to remember that what you don't see is your new pet's past. The dog may or may not have been housebroken or trained. He has certainly learned to live in different environments. Be patient and give him time to become accustomed to your lifestyle.

HOME AT LAST

On his first day home, show him where he is to sleep, where fresh water is always available, when and where he is to be fed. If he is an indoor dog, take him outside at frequent intervals (every hour or two) so that he may relieve himself. Until he learns the new housebreaking routine you will have to be very watchful. Mistakes will happen, especially during the first few days when the dog feels strange in his new environment.

If the dog makes a mistake in the house firmly say "NO!" and take him outside instantly. You MUST catch the dog in the act if the correction is to be effective. A few minutes later is too late. Praise him every time he eliminates outside.

PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT

During the first week expect occasional problems. Your new pet doesn't know you, doesn't know why he has come here or what is expected of him. He needs to be treated with watchful kindness. Anticipate problems before they occur. Don't leave tempting items such as shoes, clothing, handbags or dinner plates within reach of the dog. Having a new pet can have quite a tidying effect on a family!

MY TIME IS YOUR TIME

Plan to spend time with your new family member. He will appreciate it and respond warmly. Long walks, periods of play, or just being together will make him feel happy and secure. Many families find that the best time to acquire a new pet is during vacation at home, when they have ample time to spend with him.

EASY DOES IT

Children are always excited about a new pet. Don't allow them to overwhelm him with attention and handling. They should be taught to play gently with him, and never to disturb him when he is sleeping or eating. Parental supervision is important.

CALL ME BY MY RIGHTFUL NAME

You've probably given your dog a new name. Use it frequently and try always to associate it with good things: affection, approval and fun.

I'M JUST NOT MYSELF TODAY

When he is first settling in, your new pet may have problems of shyness, anxiety, restlessness, excitement, crying or barking. Physical symptoms may include excessive water-drinking, frequent urination, diarrhea or a poor appetite. If any of these symptoms last for more than a few days call your veterinarian.

YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND

Be consistent. Decide on the rules and stick to them. For example, be sure you and your children understand whether or not the dog is allowed on the furniture. Does that mean all the furniture or just some of it? If you change the rules, the dog will be confused. Don't allow him to do something onetime and forbid it the next.

BASIC TRAINING

Obedience training can be very helpful to the adult dog and to you. However, it is not the same as training a puppy with no prior training. 

Your dog may have learned commands other than the ones you use. take time for him to adjust to your commands.

You can train the dog yourself or take him to an obedience class with a qualified trainer. Wait until after the first week to start formal training. The training period can be a good way to create a strong bond between you and your dog. In addition, the dog can learn what you expect of him and how he can please you. Both of these things are very important to him.

MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

Most dogs adjust quickly to their new families within a week or two. Some take longer. Very few dogs are unable to adjust at all. In most cases the dog will be a well-adjusted member of the family within a month. In fact, you may find it difficult to remember a time when he wasn't part of the family.

Caring for your dog

As a dog owner, you will be aware of the responsibilities that come with dog owning and caring for your dog. However, you will also benefit from the incredibly rewarding and pleasurable experience dog ownership brings.

In time, with the correct dog training and care, your puppy or dog will hopefully become a well-adjusted adult who is a pleasure to own and a credit to you and the dog society at large.

This section is dedicated to dog owners and includes information on dog registration, dog feeding and dog training for when you first bring your puppy or dog home. Also included are important considerations such as health and safety issues, pet insurance, laws which may affect you and your dog and what to do if you are unable to look after your dog anymore. Click on the links above right to read more.

Keeping your dog safe

• Ensure your garden is escape proof – most larger dogs can jump or scale fences under two metres high.
• Always keep your dog on a short (not an extending) lead near roads and livestock.
• Lock away all medicines, cleaning products and dangerous chemicals.
• Keep all chocolate, cocoa powder, raisins, grapes and macadamia nuts shut away, as these are poisonous to dogs.
• Do not use cocoa shell mulch in your garden as this can cause illness and death.
• Do not use rat poison, slug pellets, weedkillers, fertilizers (especially bonemeal) or insecticides that are dangerous to dogs.
• Use a car harness, crate or fitted case when travelling in the car.
• Do not let your dog hang its head out of an open car window.
• Never leave your dog in a warm or hot car (even with the windows open) as it could suffer very quickly from heatstroke.
• Always take care to make sure your dog cannot run out of an open front door or escape through an open window.
• Never leave your dog alone tied up outside a shop in case it gets stolen.
• Keep your dog inside on fireworks night, and keep it on a lead when outside.

Animal Welfare Act

The Animal Welfare Act was passed in 2006, introduced in England and Wales in early 2007, and represents the most significant change to animal welfare law in nearly a century.

What's changed?

The legislation in place before 2006 was the Protection of Animals Act 1911, which was very outdated and came from a time when animals had a very different role in society.

The Animal Welfare Act replaced this and has made some important updates, for example in relation to cruelty and fighting offences.

Most significantly for the first time it has introducedlegislation for pet owners – giving them a legal duty of care to meet the five welfare needs of their pets.

The law also applies to those who are responsible for animals, such as those that breed animals or keep working animals.

The five welfare needs

This means pet owners are now legally obliged to care for their pet properly - which most owners already do - by providing these five basic needs:

• somewhere suitable to live
• a proper diet, including fresh water
• the ability to express normal behaviour
• for any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
• protection from, and treatment of, illness and injury.

We can now act BEFORE an animal suffers

Using the Animal Welfare Act, our inspectors can advise and educate pet owners about the five welfare needs, making them relevant to their pet.

If a need is not being met, our inspectors are able to serve an improvement notice, which will clearly detail what steps the owner needs to take - within a specific time period - to prevent an animal from suffering.

If the inspector’s advice is not followed, and the animal will suffer if left in that situation, we now have the support of the law to step in before the animal suffers.

Before this law was introduced, inspectors had to return time and time again to see an animal, unable to act until the animal was clearly suffering.

The future of animal law

The Animal Welfare Act has provided us with a general framework for animal welfare law, but there’s still more progress to be made – both in England and Wales.

In England

In England, we have been working with the Westminster government to develop legislation for circus animals and also for primates kept as pets.

This will form ‘secondary legislation’, which will be attached to the Animal Welfare Act. These regulations will cover these areas in more detail.

Other regulations on the tail docking of dogs are already in place. And the government has now introduced Codes of Practice for the welfare of dogs, cats, horses and primates.

The Codes provide detailed guidance for pet owners on how to meet the welfare needs of their animals, and this information can be used by a court to illustrate whether an owner has been complying with the Animal Welfare Act.

In Wales

In Wales, the Act has devolved the responsibility for domestic and captive wild animal welfare issues to the National Assembly for Wales – so Wales can pass its own ‘secondary legislation’.

This means that Wales can pass different legislation to England and also work to their own timetable.

The Welsh Assembly has already passed legislation on tail docking, as well as Codes of Practice for the welfare of cats, dogs, equines and rabbits. 

RSPCA Cymru is currently working with the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) on legislation for electric shock collars, circuses, and greyhounds.

Dog factfile

It is generally accepted that the common ancestor of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is the wolf .

Domestication of the dog began around 15,000 years ago and during this process, humans selected for particularly desirable traits such as coat colour and leg length 

This selection process has resulted in over 400 different breeds of dog ; 209 are recognised by the UK Kennel Club 

Looking at the world from a dog’s point of view can help you to understand your pet better, so check out our top ten dog facts!

1. Dogs have highly developed senses

Dogs have an incredibly well-developed sense of smell, far superior to humans 

At certain frequencies, dogs can detect sounds up to four times quieter than humans can hear . Dogs can also hear in ultrasound, which is sound with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing [8].

Dogs can see better than humans in dark and dim light 

2. Dogs are diverse

Dogs are extremely diverse in both size and shape [10]. For example, there is over a 110-fold difference in weight between the Chihuahua (1kg) and the St Bernard (115kg) 

3. Dogs use a range of methods to communicate

Communication is very important in helping dogs form and maintain social groups 

To transmit scent information, dogs use urine, faeces and secretions from special scent glands 

Dogs produce a range of sounds, often in complex combinations, including whines, whimpers, growls, barks and howls 

Many dogs can use their body, face, tail, ears and limbs to communicate with other dogs 

4. Dogs are athletic

The fastest recorded speed for a greyhound is 42 miles per hour, similar to that of a mounted racehorse, which can reach speeds of around 43 miles per hour 

5. Dogs are naturally inquisitive

Dogs actively seek information about their surroundings and will spend much time investigating and exploring [17].

Feral dogs will naturally roam for great distances in search of food 

6. Dogs are omnivores

Dogs eat both meat and plant food, so are called omnivores 

Dogs' teeth are adapted to this diet. Whilst dogs do have teeth designed for tearing meat, compared to other carnivores dogs have more molars, which are used for crushing and grinding plant food 

7. Dogs are highly social

Many dogs enjoy the company of other dogs, but they will also form strong social bonds to humans, becoming very attached to particular individuals 

8. Dogs are intelligent

Dogs can learn the names of their toys. For example Rico, a border collie, has learnt the names of 200 toys and can reliably fetch the correct toy when asked to. Rico’s word learning ability is better than that of a chimpanzee 

9. Dogs are playful

Dogs use special signals to show they want to play. When inviting others to play, a dog crouches on its forelimbs, remains standing on its hindlimbs and may wag its tail or bark. This behaviour is called the ‘play bow’ 

10. Dogs really are man’s best friend

In addition to companionship, some dogs help their owners in really special ways. Assistance dogs can help blind, deaf and disabled people, whilst some dogs can even help alert owners before an epileptic fit starts 

Dogs can be trained to detect drugs, explosives, termites, and even some diseases such as cancer and diabetes 

Understanding dogs' needs

Dogs are incredible animals with complex needs that must be met if they are to be kept healthy and happy.

Dogs : Changes in Vocalization Can Indicate Problems

Changes in vocalization in a senior dog are an indication for your dog to see a veterinarian for an examination. There are a number of different types of problems that lead to loss of voice in dogs.

Changes in vocalization in a senior dog are an indication for your dog to see a veterinarian for an examination. There are a number of different types of problems that lead to loss of voice in dogs.

Loss of barking ability may be due to physical problems. For example, an older dog may get a cancer or inflammation affecting the vocal cords or the area/tissues surrounding them. This may lead to discomfort when the dog barks, or an inability to make a barking sound because the flexibility of the cords is lost, or pressure on them leads to loss of function. Changes in the brain due to cancer or inflammation or general medical conditions (hormonal conditions, deafness) may also lead to changes in normal vocalization patterns. If the loss of voice is short lived, it might be due to inflammation in the throat caused by a bacterial infection (ex. strep throat).

Another common reason for change in vocalization is behavior-related. Senior dogs may be affected by what used to be referred to as senility or senile dementia, but is now termed cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Though loss of interest in barking/howling could be the only sign, more frequently more than one of the following types of signs is also noted

• Disorientation
• Change in sleep patterns
• Loss of training (will not come when called, house soiling)
• Loss of interest in family
• Pacing
• Lethargy
• Change of appetite

If dogs experience reduced mental capacity due to cognitive dysfunction syndrome, there is medication and diet therapy now available which can stabilize the condition, at least in the short term.

10 Quick Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Eyes Healthy

Man’s best friend could use a good eyeballing once in awhile—believe us, your dog won’t take it personally! In fact, giving him regular home eye exams will help keep you alert to any tearing, cloudiness or inflammation that may indicate a health problem. Check out the following ways to help keep your dog’s vision sharp—and that twinkle in his eyes.

1. The Initial Gaze

Face your dog in a brightly lit area and look into his eyes. They should be clear and bright, and the area around the eyeball should be white. His pupils should be equal in size and there shouldn’t be tearing, discharge or any crust in the corners of his eyes.

2. A Closer Look

With your thumb, gently roll down your dog’s lower eyelid and look at the lining. It should be pink, not red or white.

3. What to Watch Out For

The following are signs that something may be wrong with one or both of your dog’s eyes:

• Discharge & crusty gunk
• Tearing
• Red or white eyelid linings
• Tear-stained fur
• Closed eye(s)
• Cloudiness or change in eye color
• Visible third eyelid
• Unequal pupil sizes

4. A Clean Sweep

A gentle wipe with a damp cotton ball will help to keep your pooch’s eyes gunk-free. Wipe outward from the corner of the eye and be careful not to touch his eyeball—you don’t want to scratch the cornea. If your dog constantly suffers from runny eyes and discharge, please see your veterinarian. Your pet may have an infection.

5. Control the Eye-Fro

Long-haired breeds can get eye damage if their locks aren’t tamed. Using scissors with rounded tips, carefully trim the hair around your dog’s eyes to keep his vision clear and prevent hairs from poking and scratching.

6. Ouch-Free Grooming & Maintenance

Soaps and topical medications can be major irritants. Make sure to protect your dog’s eyes before bathing him or applying ointments or flea-control formulas.

7. Driving Ms. Fluffy

Many a pooch loves the open road and the wind in her fur, but if debris or an insect touches her eye, she may suffer pain and a long-lasting injury. It’s much safer to drive with the windows only partially down and doggie’s head inside the vehicle. The wind can also dry out your dog’s eyes, possibly causing irritation and infection.

8. It’s in the Genes

Do a little research and find out if your dog’s breed is predisposed toward eye conditions, such as glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy. Of course, your pet should have his eyes checked on annual vet visits, but knowing about possible inherited problems will help you take important precautions.

9. Eye-Catching Behavior

Watch your pooch’s body language—pawing or rubbing his eye area may alert you to possible problems.

10. Know Thy Eye Disorders

The following eye-related disorders are commonly seen in dogs:

• Conjunctivitis: One or both of your dog’s eyes will look red and swollen, and there may be discharge. Dry Eye: Diminished tear production can cause corneal inflammation, squinting and discharge. 
• Cherry Eye: An enlarged tear gland forms a cherry-like mass on the dog's eye. 
• Epiphora: An overflow of tears creates stains on the dog’s facial fur. 
• Glaucoma: The cornea becomes cloudy and the eye enlarges due to an increased pressure in the eyeball. 
• Ectropion: A turning outward of the upper eyelid causes the lower lid to droop. 
• Entropion: A rolling in of the eyelid causes discharge and tearing. 
• Cataract: An opacity on the lens of the eye can cause impaired vision and possible blindness. 
• Progressive Renal Atrophy: Caused by degeneration of retinal tissue—night blindness is often its first sign.

Siberian Husky (Husky) (Sibe) dogs

"This is my three year old male Siberian Husky named Husky. He is very intelligent and also very playful. He has sired several litters. He is a perfect example of his breed."

Description 

Siberian Huskies are strong, compact, working sled dogs. The medium sized head is in proportion to the body, with a muzzle that is equal in length to the skull, with a well defined stop. The color of the nose depends upon the color of the dog's coat. It is black in gray, tan or black dogs, liver in copper dogs and flesh-colored in pure white dogs. The medium sized, oval shaped eyes are moderately spaced and come in blue, brown, amber, or any combination thereof. Eyes can be half blue and half brown, (parti-eyed) or can have one blue eye and one brown eye (bi-eyed). The erect ears are triangular in shape, set high up on the head. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The tail is carried over the back in a sickle curve, not curved to either side when the dog is excited. The large "snow shoe" feet have hair between the toes to help keep them warm and for gripping on ice. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The medium length, double coat is thick and can withstand temperatures as low as -58 degrees to -76 degrees F ( -50 degrees to -60 degrees C). Coat colors include all from black to pure white, with or without markings on the head. The face mask and underbody are usually white, and the remaining coat any color. Examples of common colors are black and white, red and white, brown, gray and white, silver, wolf -gray, sable and white, red-orange with black tips, dark gray and white. Pie-bald is a very common coat pattern.

Temperament 

Siberian Huskies are loving, gentle, playful, happy-go-lucky dogs who are fond of their families. Keen, docile, social, relaxed and rather casual. This is a high energy dog, especially when young. Good with children and friendly with strangers, they are not watchdogs, for they bark little and love everyone. Huskies are very intelligent and trainable, but they will only obey a command if they see the human is stronger minded than themselves. If the handler does not display leadership, they will not see the point in obeying. Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog character. If you are not this dogs 100% firm, confident, consistent pack leader, he will take advantage, becoming willful and mischievous. Huskies make an excellent jogging companion, as long as it is not too hot. Huskies may be difficult to housebreak. This breed likes to howl and gets bored easily. Does not do well if left alone for a long period of time without a great deal of exercise before hand. A lonely Husky, or a Husky who does not get enough mental and physical exercise can be very destructive. Remember that the Husky is a sled dog in heart and soul. They are good with other pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Huskies are thrifty eaters and need less food than you might expect. This breed likes to roam. Siberian Huskies can make wonderful companions for people who are aware of what to expect from these beautiful and intelligent animals and are willing to put the time and energy into them.

Height: Dogs 21-23½ inches (53-60cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)

Weight: Dogs 45-60 pounds (20½-27kg.) Bitches 35-50 pounds (16-22½kg.)

Health Problems 

Prone to hip dysplasia, ectopy (displacement of the urethra), eye issues such as juvenile cataracts, PRA (primarily in male dogs), corneal dystrophy and crystalline corneal opacities. Breeders can get hip screenings from the OFA and eye screenings yearly from a canine opthamologist (AVCO) and register the exam through CERF and SHOR). Also prone to a skin issue known as zinc responsive dermatitis, which improves by giving a zinc supplements.

Living Conditions They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Siberian Huskies are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. One has to use common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in packs.

Exercise Siberian Huskies need a fair amount of exercise, including a daily walk or jog, but should not be excessively exercised in warm weather. They need a large yard with a high fence, but bury the wire at the base of the fence because they are likely to dig their way out and go off hunting.

Life Expectancy About 12-15 years.

Grooming 

The coat sheds heavily twice a year. During that time they need to be brushed and combed daily.

Origin 

Siberian Huskies were used for centuries by the Chukchi Tribe, off the eastern Siberian peninsula to pull sleds, herd reindeer and as a watch dog. They were perfect working dogs for the harsh Siberian conditions: hardy, able to integrate into small packs, and quite happy to work for hours on end. The dogs have great stamina and are light weight. Native to Siberia, the Husky was brought to Alaska by fur traders in Malamute for arctic races because of their great speed. In 1908 Siberian Huskies were used for the first All-Alaskan Sweepstakes, an event where mushers take their dogs on a 408 mile long dogsled race. The dogs gained popularity in 1925 when there was a diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska. Siberian Huskies were used to bring in the much needed medicine to the people. In the late early to mid 1900s Admiral Byrd used the dogs in his Antarctic Expeditions. During World War II the dogs served on the Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit. The Siberian Huskies talents are sledding, carting and racing. The Siberian Husky was recognized by the AKC in 1930.

Ten Dog Illness Symptoms that Require Emergency Care

Dogs Dog illness symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Many symptoms may mean illness but not an acute emergency. But other symptoms such as loss of consciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, high or low temperature, as well as several others can be an indication that your dog needs emergency veterinary assistance. If you notice any of the following signs or think you may be observing them, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

1. Loss of Consciousness

A change in consciousness can manifest as sudden collapse, tremors, staggering, sudden withdrawal or lack of responsiveness, coma, convulsions or sudden blindness. A dog may also exhibit a chronic tilting of the head or biting at imaginary objects.

2. Seizures

You can identify a seizure in several ways. The dog's entire body will likely shake or tremor for several seconds. Then the dog will be unresponsive for a few seconds or up to a minute. You may see the whites of the eyes.

3. Difficulty Breathing

If a dog is struggling to breathe, you may notice him gasping for breath or breathing in a labored manner. You might also notice noisy respiration, and the dog's tongue may become blue. It may also appear swollen.

4. Change in Temperature

A dog's temperature should be around 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If his temperature goes below 99 or above 104 degrees, something is seriously wrong. You need to take the dog's temperature if you see him panting, if he feels very cold or if he seems really lethargic.

5. Bleeding

If you cannot stop blood from any area of the dog's body, apply pressure with a clean piece of fabric and go to the emergency vet. Uncontrolled bleeding can cause loss of consciousness and death.

6. Signs of Acute Pain

If a dog won't stop whining or yelping, he's trying to tell you something is wrong. If the usual problem solvers don't work, seek veterinary attention.

7. Extreme Energy Changes

If a dog becomes extremely lethargic all of a sudden, it's a sign of a possible serious and systemic problem. Extreme lethargy manifests as a dog who won't come out of his crate or won't move a muscle when called or enticed with food or a favorite toy.

8. Symptoms that Do Not Alleviate

The following symptoms should not last for more than 2 to 3 days. These include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, poor appetite, constipation, wheezing, or dully, dry and flaky hair and skin. Lameness, weakness, and major changes in urination are also symptoms that should change in a few days.

9. Abdominal Bloating

A bloated or abnormally distended abdomen is an acutely serious issue. If your dog seems to be having abdominal pain (i.e. winces or whimpers when touched there), but he isn't vomiting, this is a sign of potential poisoning or an acute kidney problem.

10. Other Times to Call the Vet Immediately

After any accident, fall, or dog fight, a vet should check for trauma, injury, or shock. If you suspect that a dog has ingested poison or any sharp object, don't wait for symptoms to appear. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Plan For Your Dog’s Pregnancy

On average, female dogs take about 62 days to gestate after being bred. Any time frame between 54-72 days is normal though. You have a long road ahead of you, so make sure you’re ready for this exciting journey.

The First Month

During the beginning stages of pregnancy there is not much for you to worry about!

Feed your dog her regular diet for the first month. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not give your dog vitamins during this time. If your dog takes supplements during her pregnancy she may have problems extracting calcium from her bones after she gives birth. This will make her more susceptible to hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is the presence of low serum calcium levels in the blood and can result in muscular weakness and even seizures.

The Second Month

Start feeding your expecting mother a high-quality puppy food. Puppy food will provide her with the extra calories that she needs without providing excess supplementation.

About a week before her due date, you should start taking her temperature each day. If you don’t know how to take your dog’s temperature you should ask your vet to show you the correct procedure. The normal rectal temperature for dogs ranges from 100 to 102.5F.

About 24 hours prior to giving birth, your dog’s rectal temperature will drop a few degrees.

One to Two Weeks Before Delivery

You should start getting your supplies together! You’ll need to construct a “whelping station.” This should be an area where your new mom will deliver. She should be able to get in and out without letting her pups loose. Make sure you put the box in a quiet place that your dog feels comfortable.

Supplies you’ll need:

• Plenty of clean towels
• Sharp scissors (to cut the cords)
• Dental floss (for tying off the cords)
• Povidone iodine (for disinfecting the cord ends)

The Birthing Process

Be ready to get your hands dirty because whelping is messy!

The 3 Stages of Labor:

#1- Cervix is Dilating, Dog Experiences Some Uterine Contractions (this stage often goes unnoticed)

This stage lasts about 6-12 hours and your dog may experience some shivering, restlessness, panting, vomiting, and unwillingness to eat during this stage. If you notice this happening, you should encourage your dog to go to the whelping area.

#2- Active Labor

If your dog has more than one puppy, she will alternate between stages 2 and 3 in-between births. Dogs usually rest for about an hour in-between puppies.

It takes about 10-20 minutes to deliver the first puppy. If your dog is actively straining for more than an hour, you should call the vet because your dog is going to need some professional help getting those babies out.

Puppies are born either head first of breech (rear first). Both are normal and you should not be alarmed if you see a breech puppy.

Some dogs squat to have puppies and some lie down. Some dogs grunt and some will scream, just be flexible

on what your dog may need. Every dog is different!

Puppies are born with their amniotic sac intact. If the mom doesn’t attend to her pups within the first 2 minutes, you’ll need to intervene.

The membrane must be ruptured so the puppy can breathe. Use a child nasal aspirator to clear the fluid from the puppy’s mouth and rub near the umbilicus with a towel to stimulate respiration.

Then, take a piece of dental floss and tie off the cord about an inch from the puppy’s body. Take the scissors and cut it off, take the end of the cord and dip it in the povidone iodine to disinfect it.

If the mother wants to do all this herself− by no means should you stop her. Some dogs chew off their puppy’s cord themselves− there’s nothing wrong with this. Don’t let the mother eat the placenta though. Take it away from her, and she’ll never know the difference.

#3- Placenta Expulsion

Generally placenta expulsion occurs within 15 minutes from the time each puppy is delivered. Every puppy will have one placenta. You should count the numbers of placentas expelled to make sure that none of them are retained inside the mother.

The Puppies Are Here− What Now!

Make sure all the puppies get a chance to have their first meal. The first milk is rich with protective

antibodies that really help them to start off on the right foot. Mom is also going to need a light meal and potty break.

You should call your vet to let him know the results of the event. Your vet may suggest that you bring everyone in for a checkup to make sure everything is returning to normal!

For about 6-8 weeks, mom will be producing a reddish brown to bright green odorless discharge called lochia. No worries, this is normal and you should not be concerned about it. However, if your dog has a bright red bloody discharge, you should call your veterinarian right away.

Continue to take your dog’s temperature and inspect the mammary glands daily so that any uterine or mammary infection can be caught and treated early.

Your dog will need extra food now that she’s a momma and she’s lactating. She will need 3-4 times more food. Also, make sure the puppies are eating a high quality puppy food.

You can start supplementing the mother’s diet with calcium. You can get this from your vet or give her cottage cheese.

Also, make sure your dog has access to plenty of water, but not in the “whelping station,” you don’t want one of the puppies to drown.

Have fun with your new puppies- you certainly have your work cut out for you!