One of my oldest dogs is pregnant with her second litter of puppies. I wasn’t around for her first delivery, but have since moved back in with my mother, so I’ll be present for her second. She’s getting closer and closer to going into labor, and I’m starting to panic.
My mom helped her the first time around. She kind of struggled to nest, and my mom said she kept following her around instead of finding a spot somewhere to get comfortable. My mom just eventually cleared out a space with a bunch of blankets and her kennel and made her stay in the room until she settled down.
My mom seemed so chill considering she was there for both of our female dogs first deliveries. But, in the case she has to be to work and I’m there, or my husband is there, I’d at least like some extra tips, pointers, and encouragement. I’m a bit nervous. Genna (doggy who is preggers), didn’t have any complications the first round. All puppies survived and were healthy. But there’s always a possibility of complications. Aside from anything needing veterinary attention, I’d still like to help where I can.
I think making a nest in a spot she’s comfy with (crate if that’s her safe space) is the main thing. Waiting for her to assemble a nest seems both unnecessary and potentially damaging to people’s clothes or whatever (if she finds a laundry pile, say). Sounds like she wants someone near (following your mom) and then the usual, food and water nearby.
She doesn’t really seem interested in using clothes. No one even really keeps their clothes in access of our dogs. My main concern is her not staying somewhere where she’s made herself comfortable. I don’t mind spending however long in the room with her if need be.
She had three puppies in total. The first one was a still born. She went into labor early yesterday morning. Normal whelping process. It took a while for the second puppy to come. She cleaned her up and usual nursing started right away.
The last puppy got stuck in the birth canal. Before we realized any of this I woke up very nervous when I saw that she hadn’t delivered anymore after the second within a 7-8 hour period. Called some places, they said she needed a C-section. Racking up to a 3-4,000$ Bill. I immediately burst into tears because I thought I was going to have to put her down since I cannot afford that.
However, my mom noticed she was pushing again, and saw the head of the last puppy who was stuck. We googled and tried to help Genna get the puppy out, but she was exhausted and pushing was becoming less and less effective. My mom held her head and I tried to stimulate uterine contractions. After that we called a vet, I rushed Genna over and they promptly removed the puppy. She was given a couple of shots for various things to help with the nursing process.
I’m very shaken up. The painful noises Genna was making, along with seeing a puppy stuck halfway, and how mangled he was from Genna trying to chew him out, made me vomit. She was trying to help us help her. She did great. As best as she could. And I’m so thankful that Genna is going to be okay. She’s gonna be okay. I’m just glad Genna is okay.
It’s been a very stressful event for all of us. They’re nearly finished at the vet, and Genna will be given back and we will make sure she and the baby are comfortable and make sure the nursing process continues to go smoothly.
The one lone puppy who made it is a beautiful little girl. All black. I named her Victoria. Latin for victorious.
Very sad update. The only puppy who made it passed away not even 30 mins ago from me making this post.
The little sweetheart was absolutely cold to the touch a couple hours prior. She was moving still, but not much. I figured Genna needed assistance so I kept the little puppy wrapped up as best I could.
The previous day she was much warmer and wiggling around and everything.
Genna also wasn’t lactating properly, if much at all. This litter was very tough for her. With the lack of nutrition, and probably just being born under such stressful conditions, the little puppy Victoria ended up passing.
It’s very much made me distraught. Trying to save three puppies and not being able to has…fucked me up a bit.
But they’re all at peace now. Every single one of them. Genna did her absolute best, and she’s doing okay. She’s dropped weight rapidly, so now of focus is just on getting her healthy and making sure she’s being loved on and cared for as usual.
