Boxer Labor

Question
My boxer is about three years of age and she is having her second litter. Her first litter was just one female, but now after six hours shes had eight pups. I would like to know how to prepare myself for so many and if any will die. Also is it normal to have dark blue liquid and blood during labor ?

Answer
Hi Alex

First are you sure the liquid isn't black?  Blood and after birth is normal. Black liquid indicates a problem.  

Has she had all her pups? You'll want to ensure that all the placenta's and the afterbirth have been expelled.  You may want to ask your vet for a dose of oxytocin to clean her out, tighten her uterus and bring in her milk.

Mother Nature has a way of ensuring the species survive so other than keeping the dam and her pups in a safe environment, a whelping box is best.  To help your female with care, rotate the pups every 30 - 45 minutes.  Let half the litter nurse and get cleaned and put the other half in a warming box. After 24 hours when the dam's milk is down and she's well rested, she should be able to handle the entire litter.

Good luck