Get an insider look at the Birthing Process of our Dachshund Puppies!
Three stages of labor
Stage one:
We count down 63 days from when our females tie with our males. About a week before we hit 63 days I start monitoring the mama’s temperature, because once their temperature drops to 98 degrees or below that means the first stage of labor has begun. This is when the mama starts nesting, panting, whining for you, and becomes extremely restless. Some mamas will be secretive and even try to find a place to hide. At this point, it’s time to get my girl into a dark comfy area with lots of blankets and water. The first stage of labor will go on for 12-24hrs from the time that the temperature drops. This is why I monitor their temperature regularly to catch the drop in temp. From the normal 101 degrees to 97 degrees.
Stage Two:
I will notice the second stage of “Active labor” has begun when the stomach starts to get very tight and I can visibly see contractions. Then the pushing occurs. The first pup usually takes the longest, but once I see the little guy in the canal, I make sure the timing is no more than 15 minutes before the pup comes sliding out otherwise its time to pull out my stuck puppy kit.
Stage three:
The third stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta. Each puppy has a placenta and sometimes delivered along with the pup. I always keep track of the placentas on my notepad. I let the mama eat a few for nourishment but I discard the rest, or she will get diarrhea and/or vomit. She will repeat the third stage of labor until all of the puppies are born. Some mamas will have 2-3 puppies in 20 minutes and then take a break for a few hours, while other mama’s take 2-3 hours per puppy. I stay by the mama’s side the whole time and monitor closely you can just call me the weenie midwife. As long as she is comfortable, and not contracting-forcefully the 2-3 hour intermission of each puppy is okay. If I notice the mama is contracting forcefully and no puppy has even entered the canal I know it is time to make a trip to the vet. Luckily I have been fortunate enough to not encounter this throughout my seven years of breeding, but I am ready if that day ever comes.
