Page 86 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

Breeding

Puppies are usually
born head first; however, breech

presentations, in which the

puppy is delivered tail-end first,
occur about 40% of the time

and are also considered normal.

generally require longer delivery times. English wash it and toss it about. Her tongue is used to
Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pekinese puppies tear the sac and expose the mouth and nose. This
tend to have sizable heads that make delivery vigorous washing stimulates circulation, causing
more difficult. It is not unusual for these breeds to the puppy to cry and begin breathing; it also dries
rest an hour or more between each puppy. Rarely, the newborn's haircoat. The mother will sever the
a dog may deliver one or two puppies, then have umbilical cord by chewing it about 1,5 to 2 cm from
labour stop for long time and veterinary assistance the body. Next, she will eat the placenta. If the
should definitely be obtained. Aussie mothers are puppy or a fluid-filled bubble is partially visible
usually very good once, very natural during labour from the vagina, the owner should assist delivery.
and know what to do. A dampened gauze or thin wash cloth can be used
to break the bubble and grasp the head or feet.
Puppies are usually born head first; however, When a contraction occurs, firm traction should be
breech presentations, in which the puppy is applied in a downward (i.e., toward her rear feet)
delivered tail-end first, occur about 40% of the direction. If reasonable traction is applied without
time and are also considered normal. Each puppy being able to remove the puppy, or if the mother
is enclosed in a sac that is part of the placenta cries intensely during this process, the puppy
("afterbirth"). The placentas usually pass after the is probably lodged. A veterinarian's assistance
puppies are born. However, any that do not pass should be sought without delay. It is normal for
will disintegrate and pass within 24-48 hours the mother to remove the placental sac and clean
after delivery. It is normal for the mother to eat the the puppies; however, first-time mothers may be
placentas. If the delivery proceeds normally, a few bewildered by the experience and hesitate to do
contractions will discharge the puppy; it should so. If the sac is not removed within a few minutes
exit the birth canal within ten minutes of being after delivery, the puppy will suffocate, so you
visible. Following delivery, the mother should should be prepared to intervene. The puppy's face
lick the newborn's face. She will then proceed to should be wiped with a damp wash cloth or gauze

86 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023