My Pet is Having Babies

The delivery of puppies or kittens is usually uneventful. The following are normal stages of delivery:

Stage 1: usually lasts 2-6 hours up to 24. The pet may show nesting behavior and may be restless. Contractions may/may not be present.

Stage 2: the puppy/kitten is passing thru birth canal. The pet will have obvious signs of straining and contractions.

Stage 3: passing the placenta 5-15 min. after delivery.

What Causes Dystocia (difficult birth)?

Maternal (Mom) Causes - Pelvic opening is too small, uterus fails to contract properly, or false pregnancy.

Fetal Causes- The fetal head/body is too large, or mal-positioned. When to Call.

Assistance may be needed if you notice any of the following:

1. Pregnancy lasting more than 70 days.


2. Stage 1 has lasted for more than 24 hours.


3. Steady strong contractions over an hour without a puppy or kitten being delivered.


4. Prolonged resting phase lasting over 4 hours if not all of the fetuses have been delivered.


5. There is an abnormal vaginal discharge.


6. Mother is vomiting or lethargic.


7. Placental membranes have been present for longer than 15 minutes without delivery of a fetus.

After arriving at your veterinarian’s, the doctor will perform an exam, take radiographs to determine fetal number and size, and check blood calcium and albumin levels (low calcium contributes to uterine exhaustion). Oxytocin may be administered to stimulate uterine contractions. If these medications do not result in mom giving birth, then a Cesarian Section (C-section) will be needed.

Compliments of Animal ER of University Park, LLC., 8239 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park, 941-355-2884.