WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOUR PET IS EXPECTING continued If there are problems during the birthing process, early intervention can make a life or death difference for the mum and babies. Call the vet if: When to call the vet; Pups and kittens are usually delivered feet and head rst, but it is also normal for the back legs and tail to come out rst. The newborns are usually covered in a membrane which Mum will bite away before she vigorously licks them to stimulate breathing. restless; sometimes she will pace, pant, shiver or even vomit. This can last 6-12 hours. A rst time mother, or a mother who is disturbed by too much attention of activity in the birthing area, may not release the newborn from these membranes. If this happens, it is important that you intervene and do this for her. Gently tear away the membrane and rub the baby vigorously with a warm, clean towel to stimulate them to breathe. Once the baby is breathing, the umbilical cord can be knotted or tied off about 1cm from the newborn, then cut and disinfected. The newborn should be returned to mum as soon as possible. l There is no pup / kitten produced after 30 minutes There should be a placenta or “afterbirth” for each baby, though it may not immediately follow each birth. Sometimes a placenta will be delivered after each newborn – i.e. baby, placenta, baby, placenta, etc. However, it is also normal to have multiple newborns delivered before the placentas, i.e. baby, baby, placenta, baby, placenta, placenta, etc. Sometimes Mum may eat the placentas immediately after they are expelled, so it may be difcult to accurately know how many have been passed. green or black discharge. l It has been more than 4 hours between births, After this the contractions become more intense, and a pup/kitten will be delivered. Once delivery starts, there is usually a birth every hour or so, though it is not uncommon to have a 2-4 hour gap between births. Mum usually rests a little during this time and may clean and nurse any babies that have been delivered. If Mum is straining unproductively for more than 30 minutes, it is wise to contact your vet. of straining, especially is there is a bloody, dark It's always useful to have Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence on hand to help ease stress and anxiety for the expecting mother (and owner!). l The mother is not interested in the babies and they started labour 24 hours after her temperature has l The mother is apathetic, seems ill or is restless especially if the mother seems restless or lethargic. are not suckling. dropped. l The mother is past her “due date” or she has not After the birth It is always a good idea to have the mother and babies checked by the vet within 3 days after birth. This will help to ensure that the babies haven't been born with any major abnormalities (heart murmurs, deformities) and that the mother is t after giving birth and that nothing has gone wrong (like having a retained puppy). after delivery. It is normal for the mother to have a green, dark red or brown discharge for up to 8 weeks after giving birth, but if it becomes foul smelling or an abnormal colour, it should be checked by your veterinarian.