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Pregnancy Management & Whelping Support

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Expert Care from Conception to Whelping

Pregnancy care is critical for healthy moms and strong litters. At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive pregnancy management, from early detection to whelping assistance. Our team of experienced veterinary professionals is committed to ensuring the safest outcome for both mother and puppies by offering personalized support throughout the entire pregnancy process.

Why Choose Family Friends Veterinary Hospital?

With our compassionate team and state-of-the-art services, we offer expert care tailored to meet the needs of both the mother and her puppies. Our dedicated staff, led by our experienced veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians, has the knowledge and tools to guide you through every step of pregnancy management and whelping. Whether it’s routine monitoring or handling high-risk situations, we are here to provide the highest level of care for your dog and her growing family.

Our Pregnancy Support Services:

Progesterone Monitoring

Progesterone levels play a key role in the pregnancy process. Monitoring these levels allows us to track hormone fluctuations and helps prevent premature labor. Accurate progesterone testing is vital for determining the optimal time for breeding and for managing pregnancies to avoid early or prolonged labor.

Ultrasound Confirmation

Early pregnancy detection is essential for proper planning. An ultrasound can confirm pregnancy and may be used to estimate the puppy count. This scan, typically scheduled between 24-28 days after ovulation or breeding, is crucial for determining the need for a planned C-section. Note that while it can confirm pregnancy, it cannot always provide an exact count of puppies. An ultrasound also helps us ensure that the pregnancy is progressing without complications.

Radiology Services

Radiographs (X-rays) are typically scheduled around 55 days after ovulation or the last breeding. This service provides a clear picture of the developing puppies and gives us an accurate puppy count. If you're planning on free whelping, radiographs are highly recommended to help you anticipate the number of puppies and prepare for the birth. They can also help identify any potential complications that may arise during labor.

Nutritional Guidance

Proper nutrition is vital for healthy fetal development and the well-being of the mother throughout pregnancy. We provide guidance on high-quality diets and nutritional supplementation to ensure that the mom receives everything she needs to support her growing puppies. Proper nutrition supports not only the health of the puppies but also helps maintain the mother's energy levels for labor and postpartum recovery.

High-Risk Pregnancy Management

Certain breeds are more prone to pregnancy complications, such as dystocia (difficult labor), preterm labor, or uterine inertia. For these breeds, close monitoring throughout the pregnancy is essential. Our team provides specialized care for high-risk pregnancies, ensuring both the mother and puppies are regularly assessed for any signs of distress or complications.

Whelping Support & Labor Monitoring

We offer guidance on how to recognize the signs of labor and when it's time to reach out for veterinary assistance. Post-whelping, we perform exams on both the mother and her puppies to ensure that they are thriving. The mother will also be evaluated to ensure proper recovery, including checking for any signs of postpartum infection or complications such as retained placentas or uterine infections.

Common Signs of Labor:

As labor approaches, your dog may exhibit certain signs that indicate she is preparing to give birth. These signs include:

  • Restlessness & Nesting Behavior: The mother may begin to pace, dig at bedding, or seek out a quiet place to settle.

  • Decreased Appetite & Vomiting: It’s common for the dog to stop eating a few hours before labor begins, and some may experience mild vomiting.

  • Panting & Shivering: As contractions begin, the mother may start panting or shivering.

  • Mucus Discharge: A clear or slightly bloody mucus discharge from the vulva is a common sign that labor is imminent.

  • Contractions: You’ll notice her abdomen visibly contracting as she works through the stages of labor.

When to Seek Emergency Care:

It’s important to stay alert during the whelping process. If any of the following occur, call your FFVH veterinarians, or seek immediate emergency care:

  • Labor lasts more than two hours without a puppy being born.

  • Excessive bleeding or a very large amount of discharge.

  • A puppy is visibly stuck or only partially delivered.

  • The mother is in distress, such as extreme panting, trembling, or excessive vocalization.

  • A failure to deliver all the puppies.

Reach Out to Us for Support and Guidance

At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we are here to support you throughout the pregnancy and whelping process. Our team is always available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and assist with any complications that may arise. If you have any concerns during pregnancy, labor, or whelping, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Your dog’s health and well-being are our top priority, and we are dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy delivery for both mom and puppies. Please reach out to us at any time—whether you need help with pregnancy monitoring, nutritional advice, or emergency care during labor. We are here for you every step of the way.