When to seek help from a Veterinarian

• If labor has not started within 24 hours past temperature drop.
• From the time the first visible contraction is seen, the first puppy should be delivered within two hours, although up to three hours can be normal.  It is the passage of the puppy into and through vagina that stimulates these contractions.  A gloved finger inserted into the vagina and pressed against the dorsal vagina wall will stimulate labor contractions in the same way as a pup in the passage.  This technique is called feathering.
• Prolonged second-stage labor may be caused by large pups or malpresentations, such as the back presented first or forelegs extending into the body of the uterus with the head extending up one horn and rear legs up the opposite horn.
• Too small of a maternal pelvis for the size of the pups is another problem when whelping.

A call to the veterinarian is indicated when

• More than twenty-four hours have passed since the temperature drop without signs of second-stage labor (thirty-six hours maximum).
• Mild or intermittent labor contractions have been seen for more than thirty minutes without appearance of the puppy at the vulva.
• Head, nose, or rear legs and tail protruding through the vulva for more than fifteen minutes and you are unable to pull the pup out.
• More than six hours rest (no labor) between puppies and you know she is not finished.

What to do in case of trouble

• Determine if there really is a problem.  Sometimes all the excitement of whelping can cause you to be overly anxious.  Pause, take a deep breath and really determine if it’s an emergency situation.
• The inexperienced breeder should seek help from the veterinarian.  Breeders with more experience may be able to try some things at home.
• Use a non-latex glove to provide an examination.  Heavily lubricate one finger to execute your examination.  Insert your finger into the vulva and feel for a pup.  Can you feel a pup in the birth canal?  If so, is it anterior or posterior?  Does she seem to have enough lubrication for delivery, or is the birth canal dry?  How large does the pup seem to be?  Does the pressure of your finger on the dorsal vaginal wall stimulate labor?  If so, does this labor succeed in moving a puppy further into the vagina?  A pup far enough down the birth canal may be grasped and pulled.  This must be done gently, pulling not straight backward, but in an arch corresponding to that of the vagina rising over the pelvis when dropping downward through the vulva.  This is a technique best left to a veterinarian unless you’ve had experience.  Personally I’ve had to pull 3 puppies with no experience and the puppies we okay.  Just be careful and gentle.  Only pull the puppy with a contraction.
• NEVER, EVER hesitate to call your vet if you have questions or concerns when whelping