Poodle Information
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Poodle Pregnancy
Overview
One of the most common questions is "How do I know if my Poodle is pregnant?" All Poodles, whether Toy, Miniature or Standard will be pregnant for approximately only 63 days. An ultra sound is inconclusive until around 35 days and a x-ray will not show anything till around 45 days when the calcium in the puppies bones solidifies. This leaves very little time to get prepared. So let's discuss some important Poodle pregnancy facts.
One of the most common questions is "How do I know if my Poodle is pregnant?" All Poodles, whether Toy, Miniature or Standard will be pregnant for approximately only 63 days. An ultra sound is inconclusive until around 35 days and a x-ray will not show anything till around 45 days when the calcium in the puppies bones solidifies. This leaves very little time to get prepared. So let's discuss some important Poodle pregnancy facts.
The First Signs
Not sure is your Poodle is pregnant? Let's first clear up some myths and look at some Poodle pregnancy facts. A female Poodle may become pregnant:
- Any time after her 1st heat, no matter how young she is
- At any age, no matter how old she is, as long as she is still entering heat...and some female dogs will have heat cycles for their entire lives if not spayed
- Even if there has not been a "tie"
Since an ultrasound or x-ray will not be conclusive until much further into the pregnancy, you will know by observing the following signs:
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She will act lethargic, wanting to rest more often
- Her stomach will enlarge very quickly
- Her nipples will grow very large and some inverted nipples that you may not have even noticed will "pop out"
- She will clean herself more thoroughly than usual
- Nesting behavior will begin
- Her appetite should increase
Litter Size
Preparing for the Birth of a Poodle Litter
There is a greater chance of the need for C-sections with Toy and Miniature Poodles than with Standard Poodles. However on average, 98% of deliveries go well, without the need for a C-section or complications.
While the majority of delivers are without complications, you will want to be prepared for any situation.
You will need:
1. A thermometer
2. Sheets, towels or newspapers
3. Floss or thread
4. A suction bulb - the type that is used to suction out mucus from human babies’ noses
5. A cardboard box
6. Heating pad
7. Patience and ability to stay calm in intense situations - It is recommended to enlist a helper when it is time for your Poodle to deliver
How to Know it is Time
All dog breeds are carry the puppies on average for 63 days; however a Poodle pregnancy can last anywhere from 59 to 65 days.
2 weeks before your dog’s due date, begin to take her temperature. Have your Poodle in an area where she feels safe and comfortable. Use a rectal or oral thermometer but use it rectally. You should lubricate it and insert it about 1/2 inch. Leave it for 3 minutes. Your dog’s normal temperature will be between 101 F (38.33 C) and 102.5 ( 39.17 C). When your Poodle’s temperature drops below 100F (37.78 C), she should deliver the pups in less than 24 hours. You will want to put your Poodle in a small, cozy room on top of a lot of sheets. Alternatively, you may wish to set up a cardboard box lined with newspaper.
If your Poodle does not go into labor within 24 hours after her body temperature drops to below 100F , bring her to the vet ASAP.
Stages of Labor
There are 3 main stages of canine labor.
Stage 1
During the first stage of labor the cervix will dilate and contractions will begin. This element of Poodle labor can be painful and a dog may express this by:
Because of the mess that will be made when your Poodle gives birth, we recommend having your dog on a kitchen or bathroom floor, on top of soft clean towels and sheets. This is the longest stage of labor, lasting 6-18 hours, on average. When this stage is complete, your Poodle is almost there! During this stage, keep the dam's environment quiet and calm. Keep all other dogs away, especially the sire.
Stage 2
As this stage progresses the water usually breaks and a white fluid is passed. In some cases, the water sacs may be expelled intact. The water may be expelled after each puppy or randomly during labor. Puppies will usually be pushed out every 1/2 hour or so after 10-30 minutes of forceful straining. If you see the rear legs of a puppy protruding from your Poodle, you must help by gently pulling the puppy in a downward and rearward arcing motion. Gently! Puppies are very fragile and easily hurt.
It is normal for many puppies to be born feet first or sideways. As the pups are pushed out, the dam will lick each puppy clean and bite off the umbilical cord. It is important to let the dam do this. The rough licking of the dam stimulates the puppies to breathe and it gets their circulation going. It will be normal for the dam to ingest the placenta, sac or any other tissues. If she does not bite off the umbilical cord, it must be cut using sterile thread, tied around the cord. This should be done about 1 inch (2.54 cm) away from the pup’s belly. If she does not lick a puppy to induce circulation, you just gently use the suction bulb to remove any mucus in the mouth and nose and then gently rub the pup.
Stage 3
Once all the puppies have been born the dog enters this 3rd stage of labor during which time the uterus contracts fully, expelling any remaining placenta, blood and fluid. It is not unheard of for a puppy to still be inside, when you think all is done. This is 1 very important reason to have an x-ray done, so that you know how many puppies to expect. Once you are sure that all puppies have been pushed out, you can then begin cleaning the area. Once everything is clean, allow her and her pups to cuddle and snuggle on a new and clean sheets or blankets. A heating pad should be placed under the sheets or blanket; do not allow pups to lie directly on the heating pad. A close eye must be kept on everyone. Often a tiny newborn will have trouble crawling over to the dam and will need some assistance getting close enough to suckle.
Red Flags
If the dam does not tear away a sac that is enclosed around a pup, this must be done by you.
- The average size litter for a Toy Poodle is: 3 pups
- The average size litter for a Miniature Poodle is: 5 pups
-
The average size litter for a Standard Poodle is: 7 pups
Preparing for the Birth of a Poodle Litter
There is a greater chance of the need for C-sections with Toy and Miniature Poodles than with Standard Poodles. However on average, 98% of deliveries go well, without the need for a C-section or complications.
While the majority of delivers are without complications, you will want to be prepared for any situation.
You will need:
1. A thermometer
2. Sheets, towels or newspapers
3. Floss or thread
4. A suction bulb - the type that is used to suction out mucus from human babies’ noses
5. A cardboard box
6. Heating pad
7. Patience and ability to stay calm in intense situations - It is recommended to enlist a helper when it is time for your Poodle to deliver
How to Know it is Time
All dog breeds are carry the puppies on average for 63 days; however a Poodle pregnancy can last anywhere from 59 to 65 days.
2 weeks before your dog’s due date, begin to take her temperature. Have your Poodle in an area where she feels safe and comfortable. Use a rectal or oral thermometer but use it rectally. You should lubricate it and insert it about 1/2 inch. Leave it for 3 minutes. Your dog’s normal temperature will be between 101 F (38.33 C) and 102.5 ( 39.17 C). When your Poodle’s temperature drops below 100F (37.78 C), she should deliver the pups in less than 24 hours. You will want to put your Poodle in a small, cozy room on top of a lot of sheets. Alternatively, you may wish to set up a cardboard box lined with newspaper.
If your Poodle does not go into labor within 24 hours after her body temperature drops to below 100F , bring her to the vet ASAP.
Stages of Labor
There are 3 main stages of canine labor.
Stage 1
During the first stage of labor the cervix will dilate and contractions will begin. This element of Poodle labor can be painful and a dog may express this by:
- Acting restless
- Shivering
- Pacing
- She may vomit
- She may cry or whine
Because of the mess that will be made when your Poodle gives birth, we recommend having your dog on a kitchen or bathroom floor, on top of soft clean towels and sheets. This is the longest stage of labor, lasting 6-18 hours, on average. When this stage is complete, your Poodle is almost there! During this stage, keep the dam's environment quiet and calm. Keep all other dogs away, especially the sire.
Stage 2
As this stage progresses the water usually breaks and a white fluid is passed. In some cases, the water sacs may be expelled intact. The water may be expelled after each puppy or randomly during labor. Puppies will usually be pushed out every 1/2 hour or so after 10-30 minutes of forceful straining. If you see the rear legs of a puppy protruding from your Poodle, you must help by gently pulling the puppy in a downward and rearward arcing motion. Gently! Puppies are very fragile and easily hurt.
It is normal for many puppies to be born feet first or sideways. As the pups are pushed out, the dam will lick each puppy clean and bite off the umbilical cord. It is important to let the dam do this. The rough licking of the dam stimulates the puppies to breathe and it gets their circulation going. It will be normal for the dam to ingest the placenta, sac or any other tissues. If she does not bite off the umbilical cord, it must be cut using sterile thread, tied around the cord. This should be done about 1 inch (2.54 cm) away from the pup’s belly. If she does not lick a puppy to induce circulation, you just gently use the suction bulb to remove any mucus in the mouth and nose and then gently rub the pup.
Stage 3Once all the puppies have been born the dog enters this 3rd stage of labor during which time the uterus contracts fully, expelling any remaining placenta, blood and fluid. It is not unheard of for a puppy to still be inside, when you think all is done. This is 1 very important reason to have an x-ray done, so that you know how many puppies to expect. Once you are sure that all puppies have been pushed out, you can then begin cleaning the area. Once everything is clean, allow her and her pups to cuddle and snuggle on a new and clean sheets or blankets. A heating pad should be placed under the sheets or blanket; do not allow pups to lie directly on the heating pad. A close eye must be kept on everyone. Often a tiny newborn will have trouble crawling over to the dam and will need some assistance getting close enough to suckle.
Red Flags
If the dam does not tear away a sac that is enclosed around a pup, this must be done by you.
The dam should be taken to the closest animal hospital if:
Note: Would you like to have very detailed information on all pregnancy issues, full details on every step of delivery and direct advice with the AllPoodleInfo Experts? We have this for you in the AllPoodleInfo Book. Find Out More Here
After the Birth
Once the litter is born, it will be normal for:
Red Flags After Delivery
Some Poodles may have trouble with producing enough milk before the puppies are of the age to be weaned. This can happen with an older Poodle or if your Poodle developed a certain pre or post pregnancy health issue. Newborn Poodles should be weighed at birth (and tagged if there so that you are sure who is who!) and then weighed each day to make sure that they are gaining weight daily. If the dam is not able to supply enough nutrition or in the rare case that she rejects a pup or puppies, you will need to nourish the litter. Please note that “regular” milk must never be used. Only milk replacer should be given. Small puppies most often will need to be fed with a dropper – Never use a syringe to “squirt” milk into a puppy’s mouth, they can easily choke by doing that.
More Information
- You know that there is a pup inside, but more than 4 hours has passed without that pup being pushed out
- If a puppy is stuck and you cannot manipulate them out
Note: Would you like to have very detailed information on all pregnancy issues, full details on every step of delivery and direct advice with the AllPoodleInfo Experts? We have this for you in the AllPoodleInfo Book. Find Out More Here
After the Birth
Once the litter is born, it will be normal for:
- The dam to be extremely hungry – offer as much food as she wants, she will need this extra nutrition as she will be producing a large quantity of milk. It is best to offer puppy food during and after the pregnancy if you are giving manufactured food to your Poodle. If you are home cooking, there is no need to change the meals.
- The dam’s coat to thin out. This can happen due to hormonal changes and in time, it will grow back to normal thickness.
Red Flags After Delivery
Some Poodles may have trouble with producing enough milk before the puppies are of the age to be weaned. This can happen with an older Poodle or if your Poodle developed a certain pre or post pregnancy health issue. Newborn Poodles should be weighed at birth (and tagged if there so that you are sure who is who!) and then weighed each day to make sure that they are gaining weight daily. If the dam is not able to supply enough nutrition or in the rare case that she rejects a pup or puppies, you will need to nourish the litter. Please note that “regular” milk must never be used. Only milk replacer should be given. Small puppies most often will need to be fed with a dropper – Never use a syringe to “squirt” milk into a puppy’s mouth, they can easily choke by doing that.
More Information
- Preparing for Delivery
- How to Create a Proper Whelping Box
- What you Must Know About Cesarean Sections
- The Importance of X-rays (Not Ultrasounds)
- How to Care for Newborns
- Health Issues that Only Pregnant Poodles Can Develop
- Post-Pregnancy Must-Knows
- Registering a Litter
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And Much More is inside of the Giant AllPoodleInfo Book – Click to Learn More
