What is afterbirth in dogs?
The afterbirth, also called the placenta, is a temporary organ that develops in female dogs during pregnancy to nourish the puppies. It forms connections between the mother dog’s uterus and the puppies inside her, allowing nutrients and antibodies to pass from the mother to the puppies in her womb (PetMD, 2012).
The placenta contains rich blood vessels and begins developing shortly after the puppies implant in the uterine lining. It serves as the sole source of nourishment for the puppies throughout the pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients while also filtering out waste products. The placenta allows the mother dog to pass important antibodies to her puppies that help protect them after birth. The placenta detaches and is expelled after all the puppies are born, marking the end of the pregnancy.
Does a dog pass the placenta after each puppy?
Yes, when a dog gives birth, they pass a placenta or afterbirth sac after each puppy is delivered. Unlike humans who have a single placenta for multiple babies, dogs have multiple placentas – one for each puppy. The placenta connects each unborn puppy to the uterus wall to provide oxygen and nutrients during pregnancy. This allows the puppies to grow inside the mother’s womb.
During labor and delivery, each puppy emerges still encased in its individual placental sac. Normally during the birthing process this sac breaks open and the placenta passes out through the birth canal shortly after each puppy. According to vcahospitals.com, the mother will usually eat the placentas as they are expelled. This is normal instinctual behavior for a dog.
So in summary, yes dogs do pass a separate placenta or afterbirth sac for each puppy right after it is delivered, which the mother dog will usually consume immediately. This is all part of the normal whelping process.
What happens during placental expulsion?
After each puppy is born, the mother dog will pass the placenta for that puppy. This process is known as placental expulsion. Contractions of the uterus help to detach and expel the placentas after birth. The mother dog may show signs of discomfort or straining as she works to expel the placentas.
Placental expulsion can take several hours after birth is complete. Each placenta should pass shortly after each puppy, but it’s not abnormal for the afterbirth to be expelled up to a few hours after the final puppy.
According to PetMD, “In a normal delivery, each placenta should be expelled 5 to 15 minutes after each puppy.”1 The mother dog continues having mild contractions which help detach and pass the placentas, one for each puppy born.
Signs that placental expulsion is occurring normally include the mother dog being alert and tending to the newborn puppies. Mild restlessness, panting, and shivering can also be expected as the placental tissues detach and are expelled.
Is it normal for dogs to eat the placenta?
Yes, it is completely normal and natural for a mother dog to eat the placentas after giving birth. This instinctive behavior serves several purposes:
Eating the placenta helps conceal the smell of afterbirth, which could otherwise attract predators to the vulnerable newborn puppies. By consuming the placentas, the mother dog helps keep her litter safer in the critical time after birth.
The placenta contains nutrients like iron, selenium, and vitamin B-12 that are beneficial for the mother dog after the exertion of labor and birth. Consuming some of the placentas provides her with nourishment to recover and produce milk for nursing.
As long as the placentas appear normal, eating one or two is generally not harmful for the mother dog. However, too much consumption could cause gastrointestinal upset, so this should be monitored.
Overall, placental ingestion is simply an innate behavior for dogs to protect and provide for their newborn puppies. Unless directed otherwise by a veterinarian, it can be allowed as long as the mother is healthy and is not obsessively consuming the placentas.
When should you be concerned about placental issues?
While some minor bleeding and discharge after birth is normal, there are some concerning signs that indicate a problem with placental expulsion:
Prolonged or excessive bleeding – More than a few drops of fresh red blood or moderate bloody discharge beyond the first day or two after whelping could indicate a retained placenta or uterine infection.
Signs of infection – Foul-smelling discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever in the mother dog can be signs of a uterine infection or sepsis.
Placenta tissue remaining in uterus – If visible placenta tissue hangs from the vulva or is passed days after whelping, it indicates some placenta was not expelled properly. This tissue can decay and cause infection.
Any of these signs warrant a veterinary visit to evaluate for retained placenta material or infection requiring treatment.
Caring for mom and pups after birth
After giving birth, it is important to provide proper care for the mother dog and her puppies to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some tips for caring for mom and pups after delivery:
Let the mother dog lick the newborn puppies immediately after birth to help stimulate breathing and blood circulation. The mother’s licking also helps bond her to the puppies. According to Urban Pet Hospital, letting the mother lick the puppy’s face right after delivery can save the puppy’s life by helping it breath1.
Keep the puppies warm by providing soft bedding and keeping them close to the mother. Ensure the whelping area is draft-free and maintain a temperature around 85°F for the first few weeks2. Let the puppies nurse frequently to receive the mother’s first milk, colostrum, which contains essential nutrients and antibodies.
Feed the mother a high quality puppy food and provide fresh water always available. The mother dog requires extra nutrition for milk production and recovery from birthing. Letting the mother eat the placentas also provides nutrients3.
Warning signs of placental complications
While most dogs pass their placentas normally after giving birth, some may experience complications like a retained placenta. This is when the placenta is not expelled after whelping. There are several warning signs that indicate placental complications in a mother dog after giving birth:
Fever – An elevated body temperature in the mother dog may be caused by an infection from retained placenta tissue. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, fever is one of the signs of retained placenta in dogs. If the dog’s temperature is over 103°F, contact your veterinarian.
Vomiting and diarrhea – Throwing up and loose stools can also signal an infection from retained placenta tissue. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis. These are signs to monitor closely after whelping.
Bleeding 2+ weeks after birth – Normally, the mother dog will have a bloody vaginal discharge for 1-2 weeks after giving birth as the uterus cleans itself out. However, if she is still exhibiting vaginal bleeding after 2 weeks, it could indicate retained placenta material or uterine infection.
Foul vaginal discharge – A foul-smelling discharge from the vagina is not normal and may signal retained placenta tissue starting to decay in the uterus. This requires prompt veterinary attention.
Lethargy – If the new mother seems extremely tired and lethargic even 2-3 weeks after giving birth, an infection from retained placenta may be the cause. According to WagWalking, fatigue and muscle tremors can accompany retained afterbirth.
If you notice any of these warning signs in a mother dog after she gives birth, contact your veterinarian right away for an examination and treatment.
Treating retained placenta in dogs
If a dog retains all or part of the placenta after whelping, veterinary treatment is usually necessary. Some options for treating retained placenta in dogs include:
IV fluids and antibiotics: If the dog is ill or running a fever, the vet may prescribe intravenous fluids and antibiotics to prevent infection or treat sepsis. Antibiotics like amoxicillin or cephalexin are commonly used.
Oxytocin injections: Oxytocin helps stimulate uterine contractions to expel placental tissue. The medication can be given as an injection or IV drip under veterinary supervision. (Source)
Manual extraction: If the placenta does not pass after oxytocin treatment, the vet may manually remove it. This is done under sedation or anesthesia. The uterus is flushed after removal. (Source)
Monitoring: After treatment, the dog should be monitored for fever, discharge, or other signs of infection. Discharge can persist for 2-4 weeks after placental issues.(Source)
Preventing placental issues
Proper prenatal care is essential for preventing placental complications in dogs. Taking your dog to the vet for regular checkups allows the vet to monitor the health of your pregnant dog and her puppies. Your vet may recommend supplements or medications if issues arise.
Ensuring your pregnant dog maintains a balanced diet and gets adequate exercise is also important. Feed her a high-quality puppy food and avoid strenuous exercise, especially in late pregnancy. Monitor your dog’s weight gain to ensure she and the puppies are getting proper nutrition.
Pay close attention to your dog as her due date approaches. Look for signs of impending labor like nesting behavior, vaginal discharge, and milk production. Be prepared to assist with the birthing process if your dog has trouble delivering a puppy (1). Seek emergency vet care if you notice excessive bleeding or a protruding placenta.
While you cannot prevent all placental complications, proper prenatal and birthing care gives your dog the best chance for a smooth delivery.
When to call the veterinarian
While most dog births go smoothly, there are times when you need to call the veterinarian. Prolonged labor lasting over 2 hours is a warning sign that something may be wrong (source 1). You should also call the vet immediately if your dog has been straining for 20-30 minutes without producing a puppy (source 2). This delay could indicate uterine inertia or obstruction, requiring medical intervention.
Excessive bleeding or foul-smelling discharge can be signs of infection or complications with the placenta. Contact your vet right away if you notice these symptoms after birth (source 3). Additionally, call if the puppies are not nursing or seem lethargic. The vet can check for health issues and make sure the pups are properly feeding.
With prompt veterinary care, many birthing complications can be successfully treated. Don’t hesitate to call, as it’s always better to be safe when dealing with troubled labors.
