Poppy is in labour!

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showjump26

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So our unplanned pregnancy seems to be coming to and end. at around 6am this morning Poppy became very restless, panting, shaking, nesting. Still no sign of pups and she is still restlessly walking around the house with our other dog in tow!

No idea how long until they decide to come, but from what I read it is a matter of hours. She's in and out of her whelping box the whole time, so fingers crossed that is where she finally settles down! Kind of hoping she can hold out until this evening so I have chance to put the horses to bed whilst mum watches over Poppy!

Fingers crossed!!
 
Now at 13:45 if there's still no progress, I'd be having a 'gentle' feel, or failing that, I'd get a vet. The other point is, and it's important, before and at the point of parturition, no dog in labour needs the company of another dog. I'd get the companion out of sight and sound, were I you. Her pacing may well be to get rid of her attendant!

Let us know how things are, and good luck.

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
Now at 13:45 if there's still no progress, I'd be having a 'gentle' feel, or failing that, I'd get a vet. The other point is, and it's important, before and at the point of parturition, no dog in labour needs the company of another dog. I'd get the companion out of sight and sound, were I you. Her pacing may well be to get rid of her attendant!

Let us know how things are, and good luck.

Alec.
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What Alec said . . . how is she doing now?

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Still just panting and no sign of contractions. She is going and laying beside the other dog as if she wants her attention, should I still remove Brandy? My cousin who is a vet is coming around soon. Online is says not to worry yet because apparently this bit can last a good 6 - 18 hours before pups are born?! She has eaten half her breakfast this morning so not totaly off her food. Also there is no discharge as of yet...
 
showjump26 said:
Still just panting and no sign of contractions. She is going and laying beside the other dog as if she wants her attention, should I still remove Brandy? ....... ........ Also there is no discharge as of yet...
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I've personally never had such a protracted first stage, but if those with authority say that it's possible, then that's that.

Yes, most certainly remove the other dog. At the point of stress animals usually revert back to their base instincts, and her withholding of the next stage may very well be because of the perceived risk to her newly born, from another dog.

With no sign of any discharge, I would say that she's either being naturally slow, or she's shut down and refusing to continue. In your shoes I would certainly remove her companion, and see if that precipitates birth.

I'm rather stabbing in the dark, but do update, please. I'd be interested to hear.

Alec.
 
Deep breath (that's you), sit and watch and do nothing. Don't speak, leave her be, and leave her to her own devices. All so often when we think that we're helping, we are only adding confusion, and a dimension which the whelping bitch really doesn't need.

She (and you), will be fine.

Alec.
 
So far 4 pups :) 2 boys 2 girls, however we have just had another that was still born, despitey mine and Poppy's best attempts :( very sad. However the others are noisy and very lively, all feeding happily!
 
Generally, a litter of pups are born in two halves. The second can be separated and from the first, by up to an hour. A gentle prod around will help you decide whether there are more, en-route! If you've had 2 or so, and a break, then it may well be over. If there hasn't been a break, then you may only be at the half way stage. Did your cousinly vet turn up, and are things going to plan?

Alec.
 
She's had 7 including the stillborn. She's asleep now and pups are feeding, I hunk there must be one more, I think I can feel one! My cousin has been on the phone during most of it, he's coming over in an hour to determine whether she's finished or not! She's so tired, but has eaten and drank! So relived it went well!
 
Glad all went well, 7 (or 8 if another has popped out) is a nice number for a maiden bitch. Look forward to the photos. If she has eaten quite a few of the placentas she may have the squits today, so don't worry if that happens.
 
Well done you, and Poppy too! Now all that she needs are peace and quiet, and regardless of the temptation, oohing and aahing visitors, kept to a minimum, at least for a few days. New mums need to find their feet, so to speak!

Anyway, congratulations!!

Alec.
 
They look lovely contented pups. As Alec said, try and keep her quiet and keep away the visitors for a week or so, plenty of time as they grow for everybody to meet them. Be prepared for hours of time spent just watching puppies :)
 
Cute!!
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