Stage 2
The cervix dilates fully, contractions become more obvious and the stage ends with the delivery of the puppy. As the urge to push becomes stronger, your bitch's straining is very noticeable.
It is quite normal for her to shiver at this time.
Before the first pup is born, there is often a greenish-black discharge or lochia which is as a result of the placenta separating from the uterus. It is important that you note the time of this discharge, as in an uncomplicated whelping, the first pup should be born within the next 2 hours.
Puppies may be born in anterior presentation ie with the nose and front paws first, or in posterior presentation ie with tail and hind feet first - either is quite normal.
In the uterus, each pup is surrounded by two sacs - the outer one, the allantochorion, tends to rupture as the pup enters the birth canal.
The second sac, the amnion, may or may not rupture during birth. If it does not, the bitch will break the sac to release the puppy, enabling it to begin breathing. She will also bite the umbilical cord and lick the puppy vigorously, stimulating it to breathe and dry off.
You may need to intervene at this stage to open the sac so that the pup can start to take its first breath. If you do need to cut the cord, it is essential that you do not cut the cord too short and that it is torn with your fingernails rather than cut with a sharp blade as this will cause bleeding.
The puppy must be rubbed quite vigorously with a towel which will mimic the bitch's licking action to stimulate breathing and circulation. Some breeders choose to put butter on the pups to encourage the mother to lick them.
Your bitch should suckle pups between births. This si so important to allow as the sucking will stimulate the release of oxytocin; increasing milk let-down and causing further contractions of the uterus.
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