[labbylov]

Hi Everyone! I am new to this site and have been breeding and showing Labrador Retrievers for over twelve years. I recently had a new experience and wonder what tips other breeders might have.

I recently had a female give birth to five puppies within a period of four hours. She then pushed briefly as though another pup was coming. Then over the next several hours the labor stopped. Suspecting another pup was there I took her to my Vet. She examined, ex-rayed, and ordered a C-sec resulting in one dead pup. She claimed it was too late to give Oxytocin.

I live in a rural area. This occurred during a very cold night. I asked the Vet to give me a prescription for Oxytocin.,so if this ever happened again I could intervene, stimulate the labor and perhaps save the pup. She refused claiming the drug is too dangerous.

My question is what as a breeder you would do? Is there any homeopathic products that could safely stimulate labor? I have another female due to have pups in about a month and now I am worried. Thank you for any tips.

[OrangeDog]

The Oxytocin is the best thing to use for sure and I recommend getting the Rx for next time if you are not close to a vet.

[Todd]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I did a bit of research for you and here are some natural ways I found online to induce/stimulate labor in dogs;

Massage

Labor is often induced in dogs when the puppies are all forced up against the birth passage. Some people try to hurry the process by strongly massaging the female's stomach forcing the puppies downward. Although a massage might be a good idea, such a forceful one at this stage is not. A lighter massage would ease your dog's discomfort and make you feel better. But to push so hard into the abdomen so as to actually move the puppies may harm both puppies and the internal organs of the mother.

Exercise

Keeping your pregnant dog from adequate exercise can often lead to complications in the birthing process. So it is important to give the expectant mother plenty of opportunities for exercise. Also, increased pressure on the bladder from pregnancy may cause some dogs to use the bathroom more frequently, which makes the exercise even more welcome. However, it is not wise to let the dog run excessively. The practice of inducing labor by hard exercise like running, playing fetch, jumping or standing on hind-legs will often cause a confusion of umbilical cords and jamming of puppies together. This can cause the prenatal deaths of puppies and sickness from septis in the mother.

Patience is Important

Sometimes canine labor can last for hours. Patience is rewarded by a stream of new, wriggling, warm bundles of life appearing again and again from the laboring mother. Impatience, and the silly acts brought about by impatience, is often rewarded by blood, death and suffering. Do not get mother to stand on hind legs, nor is it smart to pull the puppies out. Damage to the dog's birth passage will lead to excessive bleeding and a higher chance of infection. Puppies can be killed or harmed by large, clumsy fingers squeezing them and pulling them apart from the natural process.

Herbal Excesses

Most dogs, when faced with approaching labor, will stop eating. This is one of the signs to look for when seeking a clue about canine labor. Attempting to feed the animal any food at this time is against the dog's own natural urges. Even water may be spurned by some animals. That's okay---offer water, but don't be upset if it is not lapped up. However, some people try to fill their dogs stomachs to "force" the puppies out or think that laxatives or oils fed to the dog can somehow affect the reproductive system. It won't work and it may harm or cause the dog pain. The act of feeding alcohol to a dog may actually stop the process of labor, leading to possible death of both puppies and mother.

Patience

The key is to trust your dog and the natural rhythms that control the birth process. The joy of watching new life taking the first breath or feeling the warmth of its mother's fur for the first time is a wonder. All good things take time, and the same is true of puppies. Canine pregnancy can seem to last forever, but doesn't. Sometimes, during labor, it seems hours between each new puppy, but, in reality, it is only minutes. If there are concerns about a dog's pregnancy or the delivery of the puppies, it is important that a trained and experienced vet is called to examine or attend the mother. If not, enjoy the entire process, for as long and as uncomfortable it might be, there is that magical reward at the end.

[Lunareclipse]

Originally Posted by OrangeDog

The Oxytocin is the best thing to use for sure and I recommend getting the Rx for next time if you are not close to a vet.

She asked the vet. The vet wouldn't give her any...

[OrangeDog]

try another vet... do you have a repro vet in the area? Or ask your vet what else the advise if they are not willing to give the Rx? I can't imagine any vet refusing to give it to an experienced breeder... it can save the life of a puppy and even the bitch!

[SavatheWolf]

I have heard that if you wet a cloth with warm water and gently rub it around there abdomen (GENTLY) it can help stimulate the labor, and make you dam a lot more comfortable.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by SavatheWolf

I have heard that if you wet a cloth with warm water and gently rub it around there abdomen (GENTLY) it can help stimulate the labor, and make you dam a lot more comfortable.

Yes there probably is some truth to that, at least as far as making the mother more comfortable. Just like with people, adding an icepack of cool cloth to the abdomen can help relieve stomach aches. Same goes with mild heat.

[Lara's mom]

I would definitely get a second opinion and, if necessary, change vets. A person can be taught how and when to use that drug and the life of both the puppies and the mother may depend on it.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I would definitely get a second opinion and, if necessary, change vets. A person can be taught how and when to use that drug and the life of both the puppies and the mother may depend on it.

I agree. It's obviously not something you want to give your dog like candy, but in an emergency situation is may be very necessary. Maybe try scheduling an appt. with your vet and explain your situation. You'd be surprised what she may do for you. Vets probably worry about prescribing these types of things because they could be potentially dangerous if not used under veterinary supervision, however if it's a matter of life or death for the mother or one of her pups it is necessary.

Only other things I can think of is your vet thinks the drug is very addictive and your dog will become addicted to it Probably pretty hard for a dog to pop the pills without thumbs (no dogs don't have thumbs. They have dew claws)

[Lara's mom]

This is a drug to induce labour. I doubt any woman, canine or human is going to become addicted to that!!!

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

This is a drug to induce labour. I doubt any woman, canine or human is going to become addicted to that!!!

Oh, no no. I was just joking around...

Can't imagine being addicted to labor, not that I would know from experience or anything

[Lara's mom]

O.k. I thought that perhaps you didn't know what it was used for! lol!!!