Effective Canine Labor Prevention Techniques: Tips for

Section 1: Clinical Symptoms of Difficult Labor in Bitches

1. The normal gestation period for a bitch is typically two months, which is around 60 days, usually 62 days. An extended gestation period beyond this duration is considered abnormal and may necessitate artificial assistance in delivery.

2. Before giving birth, a bitch may exhibit behaviors such as carrying objects and preparing a nest, accompanied by a small amount of urine. If she has not delivered within 6 to 10 hours, it may indicate a difficult labor.

3. If amniotic fluid is released and there is no sign of uterine contractions within 2 to 3 hours, it could be a sign of difficulty.

4. The discharge is green, and the fetus has not been expelled, indicating a potential issue.

5. If the labor lasts more than 4 hours, and there is no sustained uterine contraction after the delivery of one or more heads, but a fetus is still palpable in the abdomen or birth canal, it may be a sign of difficulty.

6. The presence of pelvic fractures, a fetus stuck in the birth canal, or other birth canal abnormalities can also indicate a difficult labor.

Section 2: Preventive Measures

To prevent difficult labor in bitches, attention should be given to aspects such as breeding management, disease prevention, and mating practices.

1. Regular exercise can promote blood circulation and metabolism for both the mother and the fetus, ensuring their health and facilitating delivery. Exercise should be consistent and sustained. However, it is important to reduce the intensity of exercise during the first three weeks of pregnancy to avoid miscarriage.

2. A wellbalanced diet is crucial for the bitch during pregnancy. Different nutritional needs should be met at different stages of pregnancy, including protein, energy, vitamins, and calciumphosphorus. Feeding should be increased moderately in the latter stages of pregnancy, without overfeeding or underfeeding. Calcium supplementation is essential, as a deficiency can lead to weak contractions.

3. Bitches with a history of difficult labor, pelvic fractures, or uterine tumors should not be bred.

4. Avoid pairing a large male dog with a small female dog. Instead, opt for a pairing of dogs with similar or slightly differing sizes.

5. Bitches should be bred when they are fully mature, not immediately after reaching adulthood, to prevent difficult labor caused by premature breeding. Their bodies may not be fully developed, and their pelvis, uterus, and birth canal may not be adequately prepared for childbirth.

The first breeding of a bitch should not occur before the second estrus, ideally after the third estrus. As the bitch's body has matured, this can prevent difficult labor due to early breeding.

6. Minimize external environmental stress and stimuli for the bitch.

Tip from Oxygen Pet Doctor: For more information on articles about difficult labor in pets, click on "What to Do When a Dog is in Labor."