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stray dog pregnant or not
I foster dogs for a dog rescue. Recently a man brought me a dog he "found running around his yard for a week". He said he put every effort into finding the owners but couldnt. So, this sweet little brindled mix is now in my care. She looks as though she could possibly be pregnant. She has a swollen vulva, several of her nipples have some mammary tissue, her abdomen is hard, when she lays certain ways her abdomen seems possibly enlarged (however we dont have a comparison). Anyone have any insight? I am sure you can understand that with this being a rescue that is privately funded, we use caution before taking the dogs to the vet, unless of course it is obviously sick or injured. She is scheduled to be spayed next week. So, the other question is if she is pregnant spay and abort pups or have pups then spay.
I'm sure a lot of people are going to disagree with me, but if she is pregnant I couldn't spay and abort the puppies. I volunteer for a humane society, and I know there are a ton of dogs and cats looking for homes already without having more puppies born, but I feel if she is pregnant the babies should have a chance, too. Just my opinion.
Well, sounds like there is a good chance she is in whelp. Can you express anything from the teats? Any type of discharge from the vulva? If you lay her down and get her relaxed, can you put your hand on her abdomen and feel any movement? Any chance you have a stethoscope? Sometimes you can hear the fetal heartbeats if they are far enough along.
She could be spay and puppies aborted. It is usually more expensive and riskier fir the female due to the increased blood supply and how far along she is.
If she is scheduled to be spay, I assume by a Vet, they should be able to determine if she is pregnant.
I can understand the rescue/short on funds issue but I think it would be wise to have her checked and weigh your options then.
You don't mention the breed and who knows, if she was bred, with what other breed. Could pose a health risk for her.
Please update and good luck.
She could be spay and puppies aborted. It is usually more expensive and riskier fir the female due to the increased blood supply and how far along she is.
If she is scheduled to be spay, I assume by a Vet, they should be able to determine if she is pregnant.
I can understand the rescue/short on funds issue but I think it would be wise to have her checked and weigh your options then.
You don't mention the breed and who knows, if she was bred, with what other breed. Could pose a health risk for her.
Please update and good luck.
Ok I too have strong feelings against the spay and abort because of risk to her and because I too feel like the pups deserve a chance. We believe she is a bulldog/lab mix. She is approx 60 pounds. I can not express anything from nipples but the other day I did notice a clear discharge. I have a stethoscope, but its not a pediatric one. I havent been able to hear any heartbeats and I have been trying! I dont feel any movement in there when she is resting. I cant get the rescue to pay for a vet visit before spay, maybe I should just pay for it myself. The owner of the rescue is persistent about spay and abort. Maybe I can somehow convince her to wait and if pregnant let her have pups and I will be responsible for them. I will let you know what happens!
Ok, at least she is a good size but sometimes the Bullies have a hard time delivering due to the head size but may not be an issue.
The swollen vulva and some discharge (clear or straw colored) being off their food (in some), maybe swelling of the teats were usually good indication to me a female was in whelp.
I don't have a pediatric stethoscope either and maybe she is not far enough along to hear heartbeats. I would lay the dog on her side, let her relax and I would sit or lay next to her and slowly take my time and listen. The heartbeat may be faint but is very fast.
Up to you about the Vet visit. A good Vet can usually tell palpating if the dog if there are puppies.
Yes, do keep us updated and good luck!
The swollen vulva and some discharge (clear or straw colored) being off their food (in some), maybe swelling of the teats were usually good indication to me a female was in whelp.
I don't have a pediatric stethoscope either and maybe she is not far enough along to hear heartbeats. I would lay the dog on her side, let her relax and I would sit or lay next to her and slowly take my time and listen. The heartbeat may be faint but is very fast.
Up to you about the Vet visit. A good Vet can usually tell palpating if the dog if there are puppies.
Yes, do keep us updated and good luck!
We think we heard heartbeats last night!!! Now to convince the owner of the rescue to let Indy have her babies...will keep you posted!
Hope you had some success with that. If you are offering to raise pups, good fir you and I hope it it a small litter. If course, a lot of work for you. Will the rescue help with costs of workings, shots, etc? Would then cover the cost of spaying after puppies are weaned?
Yes,do keep us posted and good luck!
Yes,do keep us posted and good luck!
I am definitely offering to raise them! I have had a mama and 13 two day old pups dumped on me once, I am sure this wont be as difficult. We do all wormings and shots at the rescue so that shouldnt be an issue. I will update you soon!
Thank you for trying to help both the mother and babies, I wish you much luck. Definitely keep us updated.
Indy is going to be able to have her pups! And wow has she gotten bigger the last few days! She doesnt have any milk yet, but I am sure she will soon. Now to get ready for the whelping! This will be the first time for me actually being with the momma during whelping. Any advice???!!!!
Ah, glad to hear that and hope all goes well.
Yep, lots of advice. Be ready!!!
Do you know how to take a rectal temp on a dog?
If she has not been bathed, do so now.
Have a place where you can contain her. You have access to an X-pen or two?
Start saving newspapers, lots of them. Have plenty of clean towels and wash cloths.
Dental floss, in case you have to tie cords.
Sterilized scissors and/or hemostats.
Leash and flashlight
Box large enough to hold newborn pups.
A heating pad ( you may or may not need)
Canned puppy formula or canned goat's milk and a puppy bottle in case you need it.
A good friend that will help. Know anyone that has whelped puppies?
Keep the number of the Vet and vet ER clinic handy.
A bottle of Vodka. :-). Kidding
Any idea when she is due? If she is carrying high, you may notice her abdomen drop lower.
I have delivered or helped deliver a number of puppies and each female can be different and have sometimes fooled the best of us.
Good time to start reading up now on whelping puppies so you know what to expect.
It us not uncommon for puppies to be born breach. You need to make sure she expels a placenta after each puppy. If Nature kicks in, she will probably try to eat them, this is natural. I usually deliver pups myself. I let them have one or two then get rid of the others.
Anyway, any questions, we will help as best we can.
Yep, lots of advice. Be ready!!!
Do you know how to take a rectal temp on a dog?
If she has not been bathed, do so now.
Have a place where you can contain her. You have access to an X-pen or two?
Start saving newspapers, lots of them. Have plenty of clean towels and wash cloths.
Dental floss, in case you have to tie cords.
Sterilized scissors and/or hemostats.
Leash and flashlight
Box large enough to hold newborn pups.
A heating pad ( you may or may not need)
Canned puppy formula or canned goat's milk and a puppy bottle in case you need it.
A good friend that will help. Know anyone that has whelped puppies?
Keep the number of the Vet and vet ER clinic handy.
A bottle of Vodka. :-). Kidding
Any idea when she is due? If she is carrying high, you may notice her abdomen drop lower.
I have delivered or helped deliver a number of puppies and each female can be different and have sometimes fooled the best of us.
Good time to start reading up now on whelping puppies so you know what to expect.
It us not uncommon for puppies to be born breach. You need to make sure she expels a placenta after each puppy. If Nature kicks in, she will probably try to eat them, this is natural. I usually deliver pups myself. I let them have one or two then get rid of the others.
Anyway, any questions, we will help as best we can.
Oh, how long is her hair? Before whelping, but I had long haired dogs, i trimmed and shaved some parts.
If the hair is short, you should be ok.
If the hair is short, you should be ok.
Ok..I have most supplies on the list, except for puppy formula and bottles. I do not have a pen. I was thinking of using an old playpen or an appliance box. I called the vet yesterday and they are on call for emergencies so if we need them they will come in. I dont have any friends that could help, but I have a husband and two kids (16 and 17). I do not work so I am pretty much home most of the time(after four cancer surgeries its hard to work!). I have 9 dogs inside at this point. We usually stay around 6, but there have been so many brought in to the rescue we decided to take on a few extra to help out. Not sure when she is due, but from what I have read I am guessing her to be around 7 weeks along. Since yesterday she has not wanted other dogs around her, she doesnt get aggressive, just growls if they get close. She has lost some hair around her nipples. Her abdomen is larger towards the bottom now and not so much on the sides. She is eating and drinking more frequently (we free feed so she gets as much as she wants!). Thank you so so very much for your support and advice, it means more than any of you could know!!! Oh ya, is there any kind of supplement I need to be giving her?
If you are feeding a good dog food, you should not need supplements.
The appliance box would probably be best. Cut die pen iPhone side you can access inside then. Put in a lot of layers of newspaper so when they get wet from delivery, you can pull out the wet ones. Throw in a towel for her to nest. You might set the box up and introduce her to it.
Get a rectal thermometer and some Vasaline to take temps. My dogs know to lay on their sides for this or do whatever works. Regular temp is about 102. You might want to check twice a day. The temp will probably drop to maybe 97-98 about 24 hours before whelping, usually. If you catch the drop, you know to get ready.
The appliance box would probably be best. Cut die pen iPhone side you can access inside then. Put in a lot of layers of newspaper so when they get wet from delivery, you can pull out the wet ones. Throw in a towel for her to nest. You might set the box up and introduce her to it.
Get a rectal thermometer and some Vasaline to take temps. My dogs know to lay on their sides for this or do whatever works. Regular temp is about 102. You might want to check twice a day. The temp will probably drop to maybe 97-98 about 24 hours before whelping, usually. If you catch the drop, you know to get ready.
Ok. Her temp is at 100.5 she doesnt have any milk in yet but she is definitely getting bigger! She hasnt eaten much today. Just wanted to update!
She may or may not get milk in. That temp is low but probably not the drop. Are you checking twice a day?
Where is she sleeping? Give her a towel or two to see if she starts nesting.
I would definitely keep an eye on her, ESP outside. Have your whelping box and supplies ready now.
I love to feel puppies kicking!
Funny story, I used to have my pregnant females lay on their sides and I would lay near them on the floor to feel puppies kicking, check for heartbeats, etc. was checking one once and two of my other females came over, lay down near me and rolled over so I could check them too. Lol!
Had a female here once that I had leased fir a breeding. About a week before her due date, saw her digging a hole under a bush in the yard. Sure enough, when her labor started, she wanted to go out to that hole. Had a hard time keeping her in the whelping box for a while. :-)
Good luck
Where is she sleeping? Give her a towel or two to see if she starts nesting.
I would definitely keep an eye on her, ESP outside. Have your whelping box and supplies ready now.
I love to feel puppies kicking!
Funny story, I used to have my pregnant females lay on their sides and I would lay near them on the floor to feel puppies kicking, check for heartbeats, etc. was checking one once and two of my other females came over, lay down near me and rolled over so I could check them too. Lol!
Had a female here once that I had leased fir a breeding. About a week before her due date, saw her digging a hole under a bush in the yard. Sure enough, when her labor started, she wanted to go out to that hole. Had a hard time keeping her in the whelping box for a while. :-)
Good luck
This was the first time I checked her temp. I had to go buy a thermometer today, I couldnt find my other one in the doggie cupboard. She insists on sleeping in my bed! I have seen her digging at the pillows and bedding. I have everything in a neat little box ready to go! I am in the process of making a whelping box. I couldnt find anything that seemed like it would work for her size. I guess I better get it finished asap!!
In your bed? Oh boy!
Glad you have things ready. Thought you said you had a large appliance box? That would work if you do or can get one.
Can you gate off an area in the kitchen or service porch that doesn't have carpet? Just try and find a quiet, warm place. If on carpet, put a tarp down then layer papers on that. I have a whelping box with 3 enclosed sides and I can clamp on a heat lamp if necessary. Keeps the dog in and gives me access. Oh, do get a trash bag to keep handy to put soiled paper in, if you choose to do it that way. If you layer a bunch of newspaper, you can remove any wet ones between pups and have dry ones underneath. I do give them a towel to nest with. Try to set your area up so she can get used to it.
Or, she may just have them in your bed. :-)
Glad you have things ready. Thought you said you had a large appliance box? That would work if you do or can get one.
Can you gate off an area in the kitchen or service porch that doesn't have carpet? Just try and find a quiet, warm place. If on carpet, put a tarp down then layer papers on that. I have a whelping box with 3 enclosed sides and I can clamp on a heat lamp if necessary. Keeps the dog in and gives me access. Oh, do get a trash bag to keep handy to put soiled paper in, if you choose to do it that way. If you layer a bunch of newspaper, you can remove any wet ones between pups and have dry ones underneath. I do give them a towel to nest with. Try to set your area up so she can get used to it.
Or, she may just have them in your bed. :-)
I couldnt find an appliance box..of course! My entire house is tile flooring so we are good there. My room is the most quiet and secluded room in the house and she is comfortable in there. I am setting up the whelping box in the corner. I live in south georgia, it doesnt really get cold here but I do have a space heater if we need it. Hopefully we can get her sleeping in it tonight!! Her temp is at 100.2 this morning. You have been awesome with all your advice!!!! I would still be sitting here not knowing what to do. You can read a million things online, but nothing compares to advice from somebody that has done it!!! Again, thank you!!!
Sounds like you are preparing which is great! Better to be ready but these dogs can surprise us! Looks like the temp is going down. Dogs differ but the drop may go down to 97 - 98 something but they can all be different. Have fooled the most experienced of us.
You going to do cords or let her? Have the dental floss handy in case you have to tie off.
Do keep reading up on whelping and puppy care.
Hoping she will be a good mom.
You going to do cords or let her? Have the dental floss handy in case you have to tie off.
Do keep reading up on whelping and puppy care.
Hoping she will be a good mom.
I am a little unsure of the cord situation. I have read so much that conflicts and has confused me. I have read to let mom do it, then I read where mom can actually pull it and cause a puppy to bleed. What is your opinion on the matter? I am prepared to do it, just not sure if I should. The poor girl has grown since this morning I swear! She is getting very uncomfortable.
So wish you had someone close with some experience.
Not that it makes us any better than others, but I had pure bred dogs and have many dog show friends. Most of us help during the birthing process, if need be, and do cords ourselves. This is NOT to say that the dam can't do it, we just took extra precautions. There us a chance she may not do it, bite the cord off too close, etc. I don't want to scare you here, really. We use hemostats (2). When the puppy is born and breathing, we take it before Mom does. Clamp a hemostat on the cord an inch or so from the pup's stomach. About an inch or so further, clamp another hemostat on the cord, take scissors and cut between the two hemostats. Take dental floss, sometimes, and tie tightly on the cord, about near the end that was cut, and trim off ends. If this comes off, not a problem if there is no bleeding. Hemostats and scissors are sterilized and cleaned with alcohol between puppies. That is why most of whelp with a friend to help, just easier. Having not done this before, hard to explain. You will probably have to let her do it, just keep an eye on her. I may let them eat one placenta but I trash the rest, up to you. They often throw up later.
IF, for some reason she does not chew the cord (sometimes first time Moms aren't sure) then take the dental floss, place like I described the hemostat placement and cut between the tied floss.
If a puppy is breech, not unusual, good idea to help it out. Terry cloth washcloths work well. If the puppy is breech, hold the washcloth near the vaginal area. When enough of the puppy is out, gently grab it and just hold it until she has a contraction. When she has a contraction, you can pull gently on the puppy to help it out but pull towards the Mom's stomach. Whatever presentation, after the puppy is out, the Mom should break the sack. If not, break it yourself off the head so it can breath.
Wow, I am writing a book here. Lol
You know, you can just let her do it, monitor and help out if you have to. At least you have some ideas what to do.
Keep reading and look up some pictures.
Keep a leash and flashlight handy too
Whew!! Hope the other forum members aren't upset.
Not that it makes us any better than others, but I had pure bred dogs and have many dog show friends. Most of us help during the birthing process, if need be, and do cords ourselves. This is NOT to say that the dam can't do it, we just took extra precautions. There us a chance she may not do it, bite the cord off too close, etc. I don't want to scare you here, really. We use hemostats (2). When the puppy is born and breathing, we take it before Mom does. Clamp a hemostat on the cord an inch or so from the pup's stomach. About an inch or so further, clamp another hemostat on the cord, take scissors and cut between the two hemostats. Take dental floss, sometimes, and tie tightly on the cord, about near the end that was cut, and trim off ends. If this comes off, not a problem if there is no bleeding. Hemostats and scissors are sterilized and cleaned with alcohol between puppies. That is why most of whelp with a friend to help, just easier. Having not done this before, hard to explain. You will probably have to let her do it, just keep an eye on her. I may let them eat one placenta but I trash the rest, up to you. They often throw up later.
IF, for some reason she does not chew the cord (sometimes first time Moms aren't sure) then take the dental floss, place like I described the hemostat placement and cut between the tied floss.
If a puppy is breech, not unusual, good idea to help it out. Terry cloth washcloths work well. If the puppy is breech, hold the washcloth near the vaginal area. When enough of the puppy is out, gently grab it and just hold it until she has a contraction. When she has a contraction, you can pull gently on the puppy to help it out but pull towards the Mom's stomach. Whatever presentation, after the puppy is out, the Mom should break the sack. If not, break it yourself off the head so it can breath.
Wow, I am writing a book here. Lol
You know, you can just let her do it, monitor and help out if you have to. At least you have some ideas what to do.
Keep reading and look up some pictures.
Keep a leash and flashlight handy too
Whew!! Hope the other forum members aren't upset.
Thank you so much. I wish there were someone around here with experience too. I think I will see how momma does with the first one and make a judgement call from there. She is a very young dog, doesnt look to be more than a year old. Hopefully instincts will take over, if not I am prepared. Thank you again for all your advice. I will keep you updated!
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