Parturition Behaviour - Bitch

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Stage 1

  • Lasts ~ 12 hours
  • Prepares the bed
  • If carrying one pup, the onset of lactation coincides with parturition.
  • If carrying multiple pups, milk may be expressed from the teats several days prior to the onset of parturition.
  • Body temperature subnormal by at least 1.2◦C within 24 hours before the onset of labour.
  • Restless
  • Indifferent to food
  • Panting

Stage 2

  • Depends upon the number of foetuses, but usually lasts ~6 hours.
  • Straining indicates the onset of the second stage.
  • Bitch remains in her bed in sternal recumbency
  • 'Water bag' of the first foetus appears at the vulva, and attains the size of a golf ball.
  • Bitch licks the vulva vigorously and usually ruptures the 'water bag'.
  • Delivery of the head requires the greates effort, once this is bord the rest of the foetus follows easily.
  • Expulsion of the first foetus may take up to 1 hour.
  • Umbillical cord is intact at birth, the mother will soon bite it away.
  • Bitch rests for a time after the birth of the first puppy.
    • Lies licking the puppy, which soon begins to suckle.
    • Pays frequent attention to the vulva and licks any discharge.
  • Foetal membranes generally voided in 10-15 minutes and eaten by the bitch.
  • Straining recommences after a delay of 30 minutes - 2 hours.
  • Effort and time required for subsequent deliveries is usually less than the first.
  • May rest in between subsequent deliveries, but may not. The period of rest is also very variable.
  • Puppies tend to be expelled from alternate horns (unlike the sow).
  • Expulsion of foetal membranes is also irregular, they may come out individually, or the next puppy may be born with the membranes of its predeccessor around its neck.

Stage 3

  • Membranes of the last foetus are expelled with it or shortly afterwards.
  • Discharge is dark green in colour.
    • Due to breakdown of the marginal haematoma, uteroverdin which is the product of biliverdin breakdown escapes.