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The gift of a litter of puppies or kittens can be a wonderful, rewarding experience for pet owners. An owner that chooses to raise a litter must assume the responsibility of mating pets that are of sound conformation, good temperament, and meet or exceed the breed characteristics. Consideration of availability of responsible owners for the new puppies and kittens is a must. The harsh reality of euthanasia of unwanted puppies and kittens is an end to many indiscriminately mated pets.

Proper care of the mother will help insure a healthy litter and mother. At our hospital, we like to examine the female prior to breeding. At this time obvious heritable defects and size problems are discussed and we review immunizations status and parasite issues. After successful mating, we like to examine the potential mother approximately 30 to 35 days post-mating. Many times pregnancy can be determined by abdominal ultrasound examination. The most important exam is a radiograph between 50-60 days which allows us to determine the number of puppies/kittens. Changing nutritional requirements are reviewed and special diets may be recommended to better meet the dietary demands associated with the last month of pregnancy.

The birthing process should hopefully occur in familiar quiet surroundings. A special box (either cardboard or wood, or child’s swimming pool) roomy enough for mother and litter should be available three to four days in advance of birthing. The box should be located out of household traffic, yet easily accessible. Signs of pre-labor can occur 8 to 24 hours prior to true labor.

Typical signs of pre-labor: mother usually refuses food, she is uneasy and attempts to seclude herself, nesting behavior may be observed along with pacing, frequent urinations, and panting. True labor occurs with definite abdominal contractions. The mother may lie on her side or squat to strain. The first newborn is usually born within 1 to 2 hours after the onset of labor. Newborns are normally born at half hour intervals although one to two hour intervals are not unusual. There are exceptions where normal birth is difficult or sometimes impossible. Some early signs of problems are labor that begins, then stops, failure to produce a puppy or kitten 1 or 2 hours after the onset of labor, two hours between newborns, and unusually severe contractions or pain. Obviously, if any of the above occurs, contact McClung’s Animal Hospital. Early intervention into a problem may prevent newborn deaths and help insure the mother is able to care for and nurse her newborns.

After the birthing process, the mother should lie down and be free of contractions. She should be given the opportunity to void and then return to her puppies or kittens to nurse. A small portion of food and water may be offered but do not be alarmed if she refuses both. The new mother and her litter should be checked by a veterinarian within twenty-four hours after birth. This is extremely important to access if mother has delivered all babies / placentas.

Raising a litter of puppies or kittens is a lot of work and responsibility for pet owners. Though it is not for everyone, the rewards of seeing healthy puppies and kittens develop and placed in good homes can be a special experience for the whole family.

TIMELINE

DAY 1-7:  Mating occurs between dam/sire

DAY 35:   Ultrasound to determine pregnancy

DAY 50-60:  X-ray to determine number of newborns

DAY 63:  Birth

1 DAY AFTER PAR TUITION (BIRTH):  Post whelping exam of mother/newborns

3 DAYS AFTER BIRTH:  Dewclaw removal, tail docking, if applicable