labor

Question
Hey Joyce,

Sorry to bother you again but my dog is in labor now.  She is shivering some and is panting but not too uncomfortable.  She is having contractions and has started to push some but nothing has come out.  She started this at 1:30pm and it is now almost 2pm.  If she is pushing and nothing is coming out...is that normal?

Answer
Hi April

Two things will help with the process (and yes it can be normal).  Vanilla ice cream will help with contractions and getting her up for a short walk.

The pups have to move from the horn to the birth canal, a process that can take a couple of hours.

Getting your female up and walking her around can reposition and pup enough to get things moving.  Vanilla ice cream is good for contractions, keeping your female hydrated and is rich in calcium, which will help with her milk and with contractions.

I'm by the computer all day, so if you get nervous, drop me a line.

Joyce