Helping to bring new born puppies into the world can be a thrilling experience. Unfortunately, your Chihuahua can't always tell you when things aren't going as smoothly as planned. It is your precious girl that will still do most of the work, and remember dogs were having litters long before we came along.

Uterus before mating

Everyone has their own formula to a successful birth, and no doubt 'your way' will work best for you. For the maiden whelping helpers out there. I have tried to put together the most helpful advice given over the years from vets and friends. I also have a few tips of my own to share with you too. There are some simple measures you can take to help ensure that all goes smoothly during labour and delivery.

Pregnant Uterus

Basics about pregnancy

Chihuahua's generally give birth 58-63 days after conception. It's always a good idea to have a veterinarian check over your little girl during pregnancy, to confirm the pregnancy and just to be sure there are no obvious complications. Your Vet will be able to confirm pregnancy by using an ultra sound scan at about 28 days. They may be able to palpate (feel) the abdomen and diagnose pregnancy without a scan. Your Chihuahua will need about 1.5 times the amount of foodthey usually eat from about day 35 of the pregnancy. Where as they will need three times as many calories after the pups are born. I do not supplement calcium prior to delivery (a common occurrance) as this is thought to cause a metabolic imbalance, and create problems with feeding pups after the birth. It is vital however to make sure that your bitch is on a growth enhancing food during pregnancy. This high calorie food should supply all the extra nutrients for both pups and mother. I like to use 'Hill's science plan growth formula.' This is available at all good pet stores and most vets stock this range. You'll know your Chihuahua is nearing delivery time when her appetite increases and her need for playtime decreases. I find my little girl is very clingy at this time, but others may not be.

The Making of a Maternity Ward

Most Chihuahuas will decide on their own where they're most comfortable giving birth. They will favour quiet enclosed areas away from distractions. Let her go where she's comfortable. If you find she's decided to nest in your wardrobe, you may need to set up a Maternity Ward of your own. A nice big box will be needed, large enough for your Chihuahua to comfortably turn around and stretch out with a little room to spare. Line the box with several newspapers, they love to dig them up when they are nesting. Papers are easily changed and thrown away during labour. Paper is a very good insulation to be underneath your clean sheets. One side of the box should be low enough for you Chihuahua to get in and out of the box without to much effort, but high enough to provide security for the pups. What ever you decide to use let your little girl get aquainted with her new maternity ward early enough to be comfortable with her new surroundings before her Babies arrive.

List of essentials for the big day

Normal head first birth

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• Big Box for expectant mother
• Lots of newspapers to line the box with.
• Clean sheets/blankets for the box
• Scissors (to cut the cord)
• Thread (to tie the cord off if necessary)
• Warm water to wash your hands
• Towel
• Vets number to hand
• Car and driver on stand by (in case of emergency)
• Heat pad for pups if its cold
• Flask of tea/coffee

Breech birth

• Good book (you may be awhile)
• Comfortable chair
• Warm milk (for the mum)
• Plenty of your bitches favourite food(in case she fancy's a nibble Unlikely )
• Puppy formula (best be prepared)
• Kitten/puppy nursing kit ( available from your vet or pet store)
• Packet of biscuits (you may get hungry)
• Lots of peace and quiet- good luck!

The first stage of labour

During the last day or so you will see various sign that should indicate your Chihuahua is ready to give birth. Due to a hormonal changes just before whelping your Chihuahua's body temperature will drop from a normal 100-102 degrees to 99 degrees or below this is a certain indicator that labour has begun. Your first birth will usually take place within 24hrs of her temperature dropping. When you are taking her temperature be gentle, as it may be a little uncomfortable. Other signs to look for are shivering, pacing, panting or acting out of character, and sometimes vomiting. She may trot around nervously or dig at the floor or furniture, looking for a place to nest. Hopefully at this point you will have your little maternity ward set up and on stand by. A suggestion at this point is to call your vet to let him know that your little girl has started her labour, so that he can be prepared in case of an emergency.

Make Her Comfortable

Line your box with as many towels or sheets that you can find. Remember you and your girl has a long night ahead of you. Tossing in her favourite toy or blanket will encourage her to use her whelping box. Making your little girl comfortable during this time should be your top priority. You should be in a nice quiet spot with minimal interruptions.

Pup in a sack

Second and third stage of labour

The second stage of labour is the pushing and birth of a puppy; the third stage is the expulsion of the afterbirth and placenta. Dogs generally take care of themselves during birthing and delivery, and there is rarely a cause for human intervention but Chihuahuas may need a little more care and attention. Your first pup should arrive between 30min and an hour after the start of the first strong contractions. (small contraction may have been occurring up to 1-2 hours prior to that, although they are not always as noticable) When the pup is born the bitch will lick and clean her pup vigorously, this helps to empty the pups lungs of any remaining amniotic fluid, and it stimulates the pup to breath. If your bitch doesn't do this help her by clearing away the membrane and drying the pup with a soft towel. The placenta may follow the pup straight away but sometimes this is not always the case. In any instance make sure you keep count of the placentas, there should be one for each pup. Half of all pups born ' breech' (tail first) this is quite normal. The placenta is dark green in colour, you may choose to let your girl eat her placenta's I personally only allow her to eat one as any more and she gets a terrible upset stomach. During a normal labour the pups can come anywhere up to 2 hours apart any longer and you should call your vet. After each pup has been born your bitch may take a short rest. At this point she will enjoy a nice warm drink of milk, she may need to go to the toilet, allow her to do what she wants. A short walk will also encourage the contractions and help with the birth.

Clearing fluid for pups nose and mouth

Rub pup to dry it

Chihuahuas have large heads and this may cause problems during the birth so be alert you may need to act as midwife for your companion i.e

• If a puppy seems to only come out half way despite extensive straining by it's mother, I usually jump in and assist. Have someone hold your pet's head and gently take hold the puppy with a clean towel and ease the pup out gently. Following the natural curve of the spine. Try to work with the bitch and wait for a contraction. If the puppy doesn't immediately slide out, call your veterinarian immediately.
• Make sure the pup is freed from the sack of amniotic fluid straight away, your bitch should do this instinctively but if not help her.

Gypsy and her newly born babies

When to call the vet

Most births go smoothly. There are occasions, however, during which the mother may need help. Watch for these danger signs and act immediately, if necessary:

• Your dog passes dark green fluid before delivery.
• Your dog has been straining (without delivering) for more than one hour.
• Your dog is weak, restless and nervous for more than thirty minutes after labour stops.
• Your Chihuahua appears to be in extreme pain (some bitches are very vocal during the birth)
• If it has been longer than three hours since the last pup was born and you know there are more still to come
• It is longer than 68 days gestation.
• Your dog begins shaking, trembling or begins vomiting days or weeks after delivery.

NB* Should your Chihuahua exhibit any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. These can be symptoms of an emergency and time is of the essence.

The Aftermath

Now that your Chihuahua has given birth, you will have a whole new family to watch over. Remember that your Chihuahua will be protective of her new pups. So for at least the first few days, keep traffic to a minimum. Your dog may also not want to leave her whelping box after birth this is normal. Let her actions guide your behaviour, but also make sure she has an adequate supply of water and food and is allowed outdoors to relieve her whenever needed. It's helpful to place the dog's food and water close to the whelping box, so she feels comfortable enough to care for herself. The birth is now over. Now it's time to enjoy all the new, noisy life in your house!

Metritis (Inflamation of the uterus)

• Fever
• Foul smelling discharge
• Listlessness
• Loss of appetite
• No interest in the pups
• Decreased milk production.

Eclampsia

This is a condition that effects Chihuahuas quite often, this condition results when the bitch has difficulty supporting the calcium demand of feeding the puppies. Calcium supplimention prior to birth can make the bitch predisposed to this condition. Dogs can not store calcium; therefore they must have a balanced diet during and after the pregnancy and birth. My vet recommends Hill s science plan Growth formula. I have found that since I changed my dogs onto the formula, I have had little or no problems of Eclampsia. Symptoms of Eclampsia are as follows:

Newborn chi pup weighing only 2.5oz

• Nervousness and restlessness
• A glazed look in the eyes
• A lack of interest in the pups
• A stiff painful gait
  

• Muscle spasms
• Inability to stand
• Fever
• Seizures
• will lead to death if not treated quickly.

This condition occurs during the First three weeks after the pups are born. Be vigilant and call your vet immediately if she shows any of the above symptoms.

Mastitis(inflamation of the breasts)

Mastitis

Normal nursing teats are soft and enlarged. Affected teats are hard red and sore. Your bitch doesn't often appear sick or unwell, but she may be trying to discourage the pups from feeding. Don't stop the pups from feeding as this will make the engorged teat become even more painful, encourage the pups to feed as it can not harm them, A warn compress usually helps relieve and discomfort.

Conclusion

Most dogs are excellent mothers and go through the birthing process unaided. I hope you will find these tips useful. Please remember if in doubt phone your vet he really wont mind helping when you are concerned. Please note that this information is intended as a guideline only! They are not a replacement for veterinarian care. Please use common sense and good judgement, and all should go well.

Invaluable whelping information at these Veterinarian sites:-
[Vet notes on whelping]   [Whelping info]