Week 9

So many exciting things happening this week and so many things to do and get done. This is usually the week an X-ray is done giving me a better idea of how many are in her belly. As we close in on the final stage of this pregnancy we are hoping and praying for a safe and healthy delivery for mom and pups. Starting on day 59 of her post ovulation (4 days prior to expected due date), I will be taking temperatures twice a day, and increasing each day. On day 62-63 temps are taken every 1-2 hours. It is important that I catch the “temp drop” as this indicates the first stage when labor begins. Everything is recorded and notes taken to ensure the safety of both mom and pups.

First Stage Labor

First stage labor is the start of the birthing process. It can go on for 6 to 36 hours, rarely as long as 48 hours. During this stage, the bitch’s progesterone level is plummeting, her cervix is opening and uterine contractions begin, but are mostly invisible to us. She may want to go outside to potty or to find what she thinks is a safe place to have her pups (like the spot she was digging earlier in the pregnancy), however she is kept on leash so she doesn’t get stuck somewhere or dig a bigger hole. Instead, she has a nice place to nest, in the whelping room or box.

FIRST STAGE 6 – 36 HOURS - Bitch’s temperature has dropped--below 99⁰ F two readings in a row or below 98⁰ F for one reading. You know that pups should be delivered within 36 hours, more likely within 12 to 24 hours.

SECOND and THIRD Stages of Labor (2ND is whelping, 3rd is placenta) This is the time we see the first visible contraction, no matter how mild. This starts the clock on the birth of the first pup.

WATER BREAKING - Bitches may or may not show signs of their “water breaking.” Many bitches will release several tablespoons to ½ cup of clear watery fluid before the first pup is born. Typically, the pups will be born within 3 hrs but it is not unusual for it to take up to 4 hrs.

TYPICAL PROCESS DURING THE EARLY STAGE

During this time the digging and rearranging her bed/blankets is soothing and may actually help with the whelping process. She is also likely to have bouts of restlessness, during which she may pace, dig, shiver, pant, or even vomit. She may nap or even sleep heavily for hours. This is all normal, and yes it goes on for a long time…up to 36 hours of Stage 1 Labor! This is the time that I too will be resting so I’m not sleep deprived.

TIME TO RALLY THE TROUPS!

Since my whelping team lives relatively close, I will call them when temp drops and they will come once I see contractions. Depending on the time of day/night one of them may come early to watch my girl while I get a few extra hours sleep.

WHEN THE TIME COMES…

Whelping can be a sprint or a marathon. It is a stressful time and hope that I’ve put in enough time and work with my girls, keeping them fit, flexible and healthy and ready to sprint or complete a marathon. No two litters are the same. No two whelping’s are the same, but I strive to do my best keeping everyone healthy and safe during this process.

Once things start to happen 100% of my focus is on my girl and pups. If time allows I will keep everyone posted on facebook. I do try and go live throughout the whelping, however it is not guaranteed. There are many things we need to do with each pup after its born and between the delivery of every pup. Depending on how fast things are going will depend if there is time to go live for a minute or two.

Usually the next 72 hours after puppies are born I have my hands full making sure everyone is healthy and doing well. If I do not respond to an email, text or phone call, please do not take this personally. This is an exhausting time for me, my girl and pups…we all need to get caught up on our sleep so I can raise healthy, loving, sound and solid puppies.

Thank-you for understanding and support. I’m looking forward to sharing this time with you.

Tygold Golden Retrievers
Kelly Tynan