My dog is shivering 14 hrs after birth

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I have a beagle mix who was a stray who my husband and I took in about a month ago. We had no idea she was expecting and I have never dealt with labor/delivery as I've always spayed and neutered my dogs. Regardless, shes now a wonderful addition to our family. Well she delivered yesterday afternoon, everything went smoothly. I talked with my vet and he gave me pretty accurate descriptions of what was going to happen and what I should do. She did well, but today nearly 14 hours after delivery shes shivering. Is this normal? I don't know what to do my vet is closed and I am not certain if I should be worried or not. She's eating and drinking, just shivering. Thank you so kindly in advance for any advice you may have.

ANSWER: Hi Laura

Some females will shiver after whelping.  However, did you witness each birth?  Do you know if she expelled every placenta and the afterbirth?  Or it could be possible she has a pup still inside.

With you vet closed, the best thing to do is get her some vanilla ice cream or any other calcium source (except cow's milk -- which will give her the runs and could cause dehydration.) Start with small amounts.  The calcium will cause her uterus to contract pushing everything out.  

Short walks and a small space heater set on warm, or a heated blanket will help keep her warm too.

Good luck

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QUESTION: I am 95% every placent and the afterbirth was expelled. Shes eating (LIKE A CHAMP) and she has lots of energy. I took her from our garage we went into our yard she wanted in the house for a few minutes and then was jumping at the door to get back outside. SO shes full of energy, just when she nurses, she shivers. I am beyond grateful for your advice, I am calling everyone I know asking.

ANSWER: Has her milk come down?

You want to keep checking her teats.  If they are hot and hard you will have a case of mastitis on your hands.  To keep them supple, apply warm face clothes or towels on them and massage gently.  It will help with the discomfort.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: YES! The bottom two teats are very hard and are 3 times the rest of the others. So should I just put the warm wash cloths on those two or all? Again, thank you ever so kindly. You have no idea how much worry you are taking off my shoulders!

Answer
Massage them and use the warm compress, it will work wonders.  If they become impacted, stand her in a bath of warm water for 5 - 15 minutes a couple times a day.  

Mastitis can lead to a serious infection and bad milk is the kiss of death for pups.