At Spiegel Bird Dogs, the miracle of new life unfolds with each whelping season. As dedicated breeders of Brittany puppies in Michigan, we are committed to ensuring the utmost health and safety of our matrons and their puppies through meticulous care during the whelping process. Today, I would like to share insights and practices that guide us through this critical time.
The whelping process can be divided into three primary stages, each crucial for the well-being of the mother and her puppies.
Stage 1: The Onset of Labor This stage is characterized by a drop in the matron's body temperature of 1 to 3 degrees, typically reaching around 98°F. The expectant mother becomes restless, exhibiting signs such as panting, nesting behavior, and occasional vomiting. This is an intense yet quiet phase as she prepares internally for delivery. Puppies must begin arriving within 14 hours after these initial signs manifest. Any delay beyond 14 hours or any unusual colored discharge (such as green or excessively bloody), necessitates immediate veterinary intervention.
Stage 2: Active Delivery The dam experiences abdominal contractions and begins actively pushing. The first puppy must arrive within two hours of labor commencing. Following the birth of the first puppy, we ensure that no more than three hours elapse between the delivery of each subsequent puppy. We vigilantly monitor active, intense pushing to ensure it does not exceed one hour without delivering a puppy. Delays can signify complications, requiring swift action and possibly veterinary assistance.
Stage 3: Post-Delivery and Placenta Expulsion After each puppy is born, the placenta may follow shortly after. However, most times, the bitch will transition between Stage 2, actively delivering puppies, and Stage 3, expelling placentas, before returning to Stage 2 to deliver additional puppies. We maintain a diligent count of the placentas to ensure none are retained, which could lead to complications for the mother.
Special Attention Points
Immediate Puppy Care: If a puppy is enveloped in its sac and the dam is preoccupied with the placenta, we gently intervene to free the puppy and ensure it begins breathing properly.
Calcium Supplementation: Administering calcium is crucial. We provide the dam with 3.5 mL of calcium from the initial temperature drop, followed by a 2 mL dose every six hours during Stage 1. During Stage 2, we administer a 2 mL dose after each puppy's delivery to support the dam's muscular ability to continue the whelping process.
Puppy Umbilicus:Â We treat the umbilicus of each puppy at birth, 2 hours after birth, and 8 hours after birth with a tincture of iodine (decolorized to prevent red stains).
Neonate Emergency Care: Should a puppy experience difficulty breathing, we employ several steps, such as warming, gentle stimulation, and clearing airways, ensuring each newborn has the best possible start to life.
Monitoring and Support
We constantly monitor our Brittanys for signs of normal progression and any indications of distress. Our whelping kit is always ready and stocked with essentials (see whelping supplies post).
Each whelping event at Spiegel Bird Dogs is a blend of joy and vigilance. The arrival of each Brittany puppy is met with enthusiasm and relief, knowing that careful planning and preparedness help ensure the health and vitality of our beloved dogs and their adorable puppies.
Commitment to Canine Health and Welfare
Our practices at Spiegel Bird Dogs are designed around the well-being of our dogs. We are dedicated to providing the utmost care during these critical times, ensuring that both dam and pups are healthy, active, and well-prepared for the exciting life ahead.
Every season brings new challenges and learnings, but seeing a healthy litter and a strong, attentive mother is an unmatched reward for us. We look forward to each whelping with anticipation and preparation, embracing our role in bringing the next generation of Brittanys into the world.
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