Shih Tzu Labor and Delivery: A Guide for Pet Owners

Shih Tzu Labor and Delivery can be a nerve-wracking experience for pet owners. Shih Tzus typically go into labor 58-68 days after breeding, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

As your Shih Tzu's due date approaches, it's essential to monitor her behavior and watch for signs of impending labor. These can include restlessness, pacing, and panting.

Keep an eye out for physical changes such as a swollen abdomen, discharge, and nesting behavior. Your Shih Tzu may also start to show more interest in her nesting area and may even prepare it by arranging her bedding and toys.

It's crucial to have a veterinary team on standby, especially if this is your Shih Tzu's first pregnancy. They can provide guidance and support throughout the labor process.

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An increase in appetite is a common sign of pregnancy in dogs, so be prepared to feed her more frequently.

Weight gain is another indicator, as the puppies are growing and developing inside the womb.

You may notice an increase in nipple size, which is a sign that the puppies are producing milk.

A swollen belly is a clear indication that your Shih Tzu is pregnant, and it will continue to grow as the pregnancy progresses.

Tiring more easily is a common symptom, as the mother's body is working hard to support the growing puppies.

Some Shih Tzus may exhibit nesting behavior, where they prepare a safe space for their puppies to be born.

If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to take your Shih Tzu to the veterinarian for a checkup to confirm the pregnancy and determine the best course of action.

Here are some common signs of labor in Shih Tzus:

To prepare for your Shih Tzu's delivery, it's essential to set up a birthing space in your home. This should be a quiet, private area where your dog can feel safe and comfortable giving birth.

As a Shih Tzu owner, it's essential to know the signs of impending labor and what to expect during this critical period. A pregnant Shih Tzu may stop eating a few days before whelping and may start trying to build a "nest" in the whelping box.

Prolonged labor, straining without producing a pup, and longer than two hours between pups are all symptoms of stalled labor and delivery problems in dogs. These signs indicate that you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

A normal whelping process typically lasts 3-12 hours, with three stages: the onset of labor, the passing of puppies, and the after-birth period. During this time, the mother's rectal temperature will drop, and you'll see strong contractions, followed by a clear fluid from her vulva.

Here are some key signs to watch for during labor:

A drop in rectal temperature is also a sign that labor is approaching, typically 8-to-24 hours before delivery. This temperature drop happens when the dog's progesterone levels suddenly lower, and it may only last for a few hours.

As your dog approaches whelping, watch out for warning signs of labor. Pregnant mothers may stop eating a few days before whelping and may start trying to build a "nest" in the whelping box. A drop in rectal temperature usually precedes delivery by about 8-to-24 hours from a normal temperature (100-to-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit) to 99 degrees or even lower.

Pregnant dogs close to delivery start to pant heavily. Abdominal contractions may begin slowly and gain strength and frequency – sometimes they're strongest for the first delivery accompanied by straining and moaning. You may see the water sac come out when there's a puppy in the birth canal, and within one hour the first puppy should be delivered.

Each puppy is born enclosed in its placental membrane and in each case, the mother licks the puppy vigorously and tears this membrane off, sometimes eating it. If she does not remove it, you will have to do it, as puppies cannot survive for more than a few minutes before their supply of oxygen runs out. You may need to rub the puppy with a clean towel until you hear him cry.

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The duration of a normal whelping is about equal to the number of puppies in utero. So, a litter of 6 should normally take about 6 hours total. You'll want to keep an eye on the mother to ensure she lets all the puppies nurse within a few hours.

Here are some signs that whelping is progressing normally:

If labor lasts a long time, the mother may need to go to the toilet in between deliveries. Keep a close eye on her in case she starts giving birth to the next pup at the same time.

A retained placenta can cause problems for the mother, so it's essential to keep track of the number of placentas. You should also be prepared to offer the mother water to drink and to take her outside to relieve herself if she is in the middle of having a large litter.

A dog's normal body temperature is around 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial indicator to keep in mind as we discuss whelping and labor.

During labor, a dog's temperature can drop to 98 or 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature drop is a normal and significant sign that puppies are on the way.

This temperature drop typically happens about 24 hours before labor begins, making it a great indicator that whelping is imminent.

Twice-daily monitoring of your dog's body temperature can help alert you to the impending birth, so be sure to keep a close eye on this important sign.

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If your Shih Tzu shows a greenish or bloody discharge, it's essential to take her to the veterinarian right away.

A greenish or bloody discharge can be a sign of a problem, so don't hesitate to seek help. Your veterinarian can assess the situation and provide guidance on the next steps.

If your Shih Tzu is in labor and no puppies appear in three to four hours, it's crucial to take her to the veterinarian. This can be a sign of a complication, and your vet can help ensure the health and safety of both mom and puppies.

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Here are some warning signs for potential complications during Shih Tzu labor:

If your dog shows signs of labor and no puppies appear in three to four hours, take her to the veterinarian. This is a crucial step to ensure the health and safety of both your dog and her puppies.

A greenish or bloody discharge can be a sign of a problem, so take your dog to the vet if you notice this. It's essential to monitor your dog's rectal temperature, as a drop of more than 24 hours ago can indicate a complication.

If your dog's rectal temperature dropped more than 24 hours ago and labor isn’t starting, call your veterinarian. This is a sign that something might be wrong, and it's always better to err on the side of caution.

Other warning signs to look out for include:

Remember, your responsibilities as a dog owner don't end with the birth of your dog's puppies. You'll need to care for them and ensure they're healthy, well-socialized, and placed in loving forever homes.

Excessive licking of the genitals near her due date is a good sign that your dog is going into labor.

If you're unsure whether or not your dog is pregnant, excessive genital licking may indicate a health problem instead.

Consider your dog's overall health and wellness, as well as her expected due date, to figure out if this is a sign of labor or not.

Your dog may also excessively lick her nipples in preparation for giving birth, which is completely normal in the context of canine labor.