How to Tell if Your Dog Has Passed All Placentas and What to Do

Generally, a dog will have one placenta for each puppy they deliver, so as a pet owner, it’s crucial to observe your dog closely during and after whelping. If your dog fails to expel all of the placentas, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for prompt treatment, often involving an oxytocin injection.

Initially, during the birthing process, each puppy is typically followed by its corresponding placenta. Observing your dog throughout the entire process is key. If a placenta is retained, you might observe continued straining behaviors and vaginal discharge. A definitive way to determine this is by taking your dog to the vet for an abdominal ultrasound to confirm the presence of any retained placentas or puppies within the uterus. If a retained placenta is detected, the vet will typically administer oxytocin to encourage its expulsion.

If the retained placental fragment is small, an injection of oxytocin may be sufficient to help the dog pass it. Simultaneously, an antibiotic injection is typically administered to avoid bacterial infections and subsequent inflammation. However, if the placenta cannot be passed naturally, and is attached to the uterine wall, manual removal becomes necessary. During the birthing process, it's very important for owners to monitor whether the dog expels the placentas. Sometimes, dogs will eat their placentas; if you notice this, it's still advisable to take your dog to the vet for an x-ray to confirm complete expulsion. Failure to expel all placentas can lead to serious complications and should be promptly addressed.

Usually, placentas are expelled within 24 hours post-delivery; some dogs may take longer. Dogs often expel and eat the placentas, hence it's important for the owner to watch during the birthing to determine if the placentas are expelled successfully. A retained placenta is subject to decomposition and can lead to bacterial infections, potentially causing pus formation, hence prompt veterinary attention is vital to get a diagnosis and treatment. If you have any doubts, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice, particularly if you notice any unusual symptoms like lethargy, fever, or foul smelling discharge. In summary, proactive monitoring during and after whelping is crucial for the health of your dog and her puppies. Consistent observation for post-birth discharge and retained afterbirth will allow for early intervention and help prevent complications. Remember, ensuring all the placentas are expelled is a critical part of canine postpartum care and helps prevent postpartum complications such as infection. Make sure to monitor your dog closely and seek professional help to promote a safe recovery after delivery.Free access here:Pet Grooming

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