Introduction
When a pregnant dog’s water breaks, it means the dog is going into labor soon. This refers to the rupturing of the placental membranes and the release of amniotic fluid from the uterus. The technical term for a dog’s water breaking is premature rupture of membranes (PROM). It indicates that the dog will likely go into active labor within 12-24 hours.
A dog’s water usually breaks just before or at the start of labor. The amniotic sac surrounding each puppy ruptures right before that puppy is delivered. When the sac breaks, it releases a clear or slightly bloody fluid. This helps lubricate the birth canal for delivery. The puppies are able to breathe once the sac ruptures.
Owners should watch for signs of their pregnant dog’s water breaking as it signals the first stage of labor. While most dogs have a normal, clear fluid released, abnormal colors can indicate potential problems. Monitoring your dog and knowing when to call the veterinarian is important for a safe labor and delivery.
Normal Clear or White Color
The amniotic sac and fluid surrounding puppies are normally a clear or whitish color. According to [name of source here] , a normal color would be clear or pale yellow. As a dog gets closer to labor, the amniotic sac will fill with fluid and eventually rupture to deliver the puppy. If the amniotic fluid and sac appear clear or white, it is a sign that the puppy and placental membranes are healthy.
The amniotic fluid and sac provide protection and nutrients to the developing puppies. If the fluid appears cloudy or contains particles, it could indicate an infection or problem. But a clear or white color is ideal and means the puppy is surrounded by protective fluid in preparation for birth.
Green or Brown Colors
Green or brown colors in the amniotic fluid when a dog’s water breaks may indicate issues with the placenta or puppies. Specifically, green or brown fluid often signifies that the placenta has separated from the uterus before delivery (placental abruption). This separation deprives the puppies of oxygen and nutrients, putting them at risk. The green/brown color comes from meconium, which is the earliest feces of puppies formed in utero. Puppies may pass meconium in the womb if they are under distress, leading to the discoloration of the amniotic fluid. According to Barrett Weimaraners, thick yellow/green amniotic fluid indicates the puppies likely will not survive. Immediate veterinary care is essential if the fluid is this color.
In less severe cases, light green fluid may just mean the puppy had a bowel movement in the womb but is not necessarily in distress. However, green or brown fluid always warrants monitoring the situation closely and contacting a veterinarian if additional signs of trouble appear.
Red or Bloody Fluid
Seeing some red or bloody fluid when a dog’s water breaks is usually normal. However, significant amounts of bloody fluid in the amniotic sac is a cause for concern.
Red blood in the amniotic fluid often signals a problem like placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. This can deprive the puppies of oxygen. According to PetMD, heavy uterine bleeding is one of the signs of birthing problems in dogs.
Other concerning causes of bloody amniotic fluid include inflammation of the uterus, trauma, or infection. Bloody discharge before active labor in pregnant dogs can also sometimes indicate impending abortion.
If you notice a large amount of blood in the amniotic sac, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away. They can check for the underlying cause and monitor the dog and puppies closely during delivery.
Signs of Trouble
Before going into labor, dogs’ amniotic fluid is normally clear or a whitish color. However, any noticeable foul odor or abnormal colored discharge before labor could signal trouble and requires urgent veterinary attention. According to VCA Hospitals, green, brown, or bloody fluid are especially concerning signs. Green or brown fluid indicates placental separation or fetal distress. Bloody fluid suggests potential uterine inertia or infection.
Other warning signs include signs of illness in the mother dog such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite or fever. These could indicate uterine infection, placental infection, or other problems requiring prompt veterinary care. If the mother dog is straining or appears to be in distress but isn’t making progress delivering a puppy, this is another red flag warranting an urgent vet visit. With prompt treatment, veterinarians can often get stalled labor back on track or perform an emergency C-section if needed.
When to Call the Vet
Labor is a delicate process that may require veterinary assistance if complications arise. Contact your vet immediately if the fluid produced when the dog’s water breaks is an abnormal color like green, brown, or bloody. This could indicate an infection, uterine inertia, or placental separation, which requires prompt treatment.
You should also call the vet if your dog seems in distress, such as straining or crying excessively during contractions. Prolonged labor with no progress over 2-3 hours is another sign to seek help. Vets can administer oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions or perform an emergency C-section if the puppies are stuck.
Routine monitoring of your dog throughout labor is advisable. Time the stage 1 contractions and note their duration, interval, and intensity. Track the delivery time of each puppy as well. This information helps vets evaluate if labor is progressing normally. Do not hesitate to call, as getting veterinary assistance for trouble during labor can be crucial for your dog’s and the puppies’ health. See https://wagwalking.com/condition/stalled-labor-and-delivery-problems for more signs that may require contacting the vet.
Monitoring Labor Progress
It’s important to monitor your dog’s labor closely to ensure everything is progressing normally. Keep track of when contractions start and how far apart they are. According to Rochester Hills Veterinary Hospital, during stage 1 labor contractions may be 30-60 minutes apart and last for 20-60 seconds each [1]. As delivery nears, contractions become more frequent, forceful, and longer lasting.
You may notice your dog straining or actively pushing during contractions as the first puppy moves into the birth canal. Once the puppy is delivered, remove fetal membranes from the mouth and nose and tie off the umbilical cord if your veterinarian has instructed you to do so. Monitor for the next puppy, which should arrive 10-60 minutes after the first according to Veterinary Emergency Group [2]. Call your veterinarian immediately if straining goes on for over 30 minutes without a puppy being born.
Keep track of the time between puppies and how many have been delivered. Labor usually lasts 6-12 hours in total. Puppies should arrive every 30-90 minutes on average. Notify your vet if labor stops progressing normally at any point.
Assisting with Labor
It is important not to intervene too much when a dog is giving birth. Usually, the mother dog knows what to do and does not need assistance during the birthing process. However, there are some ways you can safely help support your dog during labor:
Provide a whelping box or confined space where the dog can give birth comfortably and feel safe. Line it with newspaper, clean towels or blankets. Make sure she has access to water.
Let the dog handle the delivery as much as possible. Only intervene if the dog is struggling for over 15-20 minutes to deliver a puppy. Gently grasp the puppy with a clean towel to help pull it out, being careful not to pull too hard on the umbilical cord.
Tie off the umbilical cord with dental floss or thread about 1-2 inches from the puppy’s body before cutting it with sterilized scissors. Be very careful not to pull on the cord.
Gently wipe fluids from the puppy’s face and nose but do not interfere with the mother cleaning the puppy. Put the puppy near the mother’s nipples to encourage nursing.
Keep track of time between puppies being born. Contact your vet if more than 2 hours pass without another puppy.
Signs that may indicate the need to call the vet include: foul-smelling discharge, prolonged or heavy bleeding, signs of distress in the mother dog, a stuck puppy, or no contractions for over 2 hours after the last puppy.
With some support and preparation, you can help your dog through the labor process. But know when to call the professionals if serious concerns arise.
Sources:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/whelping-canine-labor-and-delivery-1117846
After Delivery Care
Caring for the mother dog and puppies after delivery is critical to their health and wellbeing. The first few days postpartum require close monitoring and care.
The mother dog will likely be exhausted after the birthing process. Allow her to rest, but make sure she is eating enough nutritious food and drinking plenty of fresh water. Providing high quality puppy food formulated for lactating females supports milk production (Source). Her caloric needs are very high at this time.
Gently clean the mother dog with a warm, damp cloth, avoiding her mammary glands. Provide a clean whelping area with soft bedding. Monitor the mother for signs of infection like discharge, swelling, or fever (Source).
Weigh the puppies daily to ensure they are nursing and gaining weight. Supplement feeding may be needed for underweight pups. Handle newborns gently and minimally during the first week. Keep puppies warm and dry by providing a heating pad or lamp.
Watch for signs of mastitis in the mother dog, which can include hot, painful mammary glands. Seek prompt veterinary care if detected. Routine postpartum veterinary check-ups help ensure mom and puppies stay healthy.
Conclusion
It’s important for dog owners to closely monitor a pregnant dog that is going into labor. By watching for changes in the color and other characteristics of the amniotic sac fluid that comes out when the water breaks, owners can spot potential problems. Clear or white fluid is normal, but green, brown, bloody or unusual colors can indicate issues like placental detachment or fetal distress. If the fluid smells foul or contains visible debris, that is also a troubling sign requiring immediate veterinary care. Along with monitoring the amniotic sac, owners should track the stages and progress of labor and be prepared to intervene or seek help if labor stops progressing normally. With close observation and awareness of warning signs, dog owners can help ensure the delivery goes smoothly and mom and puppies remain in good health.