If Complications Arise Consult Your Veterinarian
As a breeder you should have a phone number on hand of a veterinarian. It is a good idea to let your veterinarian know that a litter is planned and have an out of hours number ready just in case.
You should call your veterinarian if the mother exhibits:
- Any signs of distress or acute pain
- Contractions lasting in excess of 45 minutes without the arrival of a puppy
- Long gaps between puppies (if over 2 hours have passed between puppies being born)
- If the mother starts, shivering, trembling, or collapses
- If the mother passes a dark green or bloody fluid before the birth of the first puppy. After the dam has successfully birthed the first puppy, this discharge is perfectly normal.
- If there are no signs of going into labor passed the 64th day of pregnancy.
*It is important the conception date has been verified with your veterinarian)