Assisted Delivery of Puppies

wAn assisted delivery may be necessary when a puppy is lodged in the birth canal during delivery.

wThe use of a gloved and lubricated finger is the most reliable and safest way to pull a puppy through the birth canal. Just be aware though, that in certain breeds this is very difficult and potentially dangerous.

wYou may need the help of your vet here. Under no circumstances should you attempt to use any instruments to assist delivery as they can do great harm to the puppy and the bitch.

wIn larger breeds when assisted delivery is needed, it is important to feel the puppy by gentle palpation or squashing of your bitch's abdomen with both hands. Once you have located the puppy between your 2 hands, you can then apply gentle pressure to this area to prevent the puppy from moving back up the vagina into the abdomen.

wInsertion of a clean and gloved finger with plenty of lubrication such as KY jelly; then allows you to decide whether the puppy is presented head or tail first.

wWhen the presentation of the puppy is known, you can then (after the removal of any obstruction), gently push the puppy down the birth canal by applying gentle pressure with your one hand on the bitch's abdomen to prevent the puppy slipping back.

wIt is important that the puppy is pulled gently in unison with the uterine contractions.

wIt should be noted that a breech birth when a puppy comes hind feet first, is normal presentation but when the puppy is presented tail first and the hindlegs curved underneath it, this is a true breech.

wIf you are able to gently pull both hindlegs between your fingers or both your fingers around the neck if the head comes first; you should manage to get a large breed puppy out yourself. Never pull on just one limb and do not pull on both limbs in small breed dogs.

wIt is so important to pull downwards between the bitch's legs as this follows the natural curvature of her pelvis. Do not forget plenty of lubrication (KY jelly) as well.

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