Greyhound Breeding: The Whelping Process

Understanding the signs and preparing in advance can ensure the health and safety of the mother and her puppies during this phase.

Predicting the Whelping Date

After breeding a female greyhound, the veterinarian or stud master typically provides an expected date of whelping: the day when the female will give birth. This date is crucial and should be prominently noted.

The duration of pregnancy: greyhounds, like most dogs, usually have a gestation period of about 63 days, or roughly nine weeks, from the time of ovulation.

Monitoring the Mother’s Health

During the final week of the pregnancy, the health and behavior of the mother-to-be should be closely observed.

Key health parameters to monitor are:

Rectal Temperature: Once or twice a day, monitor the female’s rectal temperature. The normal temperature for dogs ranges from 38-39°C. Approximately 24 hours prior to the birth, it’s normal for the rectal temperature to drop below 37°C. This temperature drop is a key indicator that whelping is imminent.
Appetite: Watch for any changes in her eating habits. Some females stop eating a couple of days before whelping, while others eat right up to the hour before.
Behavior: Note any signs of restlessness or nesting behavior. This is particularly prominent in the last few days leading up to the labor.

If the mother seems overdue with no signs of whelping, or if a caesarean section is being considered, a prompt veterinary assessment is essential. A blood test can determine the progesterone levels, which drop significantly around whelping time and can indicate if it’s the right time for a caesarean section.

Preparing for Whelping

Equipping oneself with the knowledge of the whelping process is vital during this stage. By revisiting the signs that indicate the start of whelping, one can be better prepared for the process.

The stages of normal whelping include:

Stage one: The mother will start to show signs of discomfort, restlessness, and pacing. She may refuse food and may even vomit. This stage can be short or may last up to 24 hours.
Stage two: The mother begins active straining, and the puppies are delivered. This stage takes between a few minutes to an hour per puppy.
Stage three: After each pup, the mother will expel a placenta.

Emergency preparedness: It’s crucial to have an action plan ready in case of any complications during the whelping process. This plan could include immediate contact numbers for veterinarians or urgent care facilities.

Finally, having the necessary tools on hand is part of essential preparation. Therefore, having a whelping box, clean towels, a heating source for the puppies, disinfectant, and other necessary items is crucial.

Labor Process in Greyhounds

The labor process in Greyhounds can be broken down into stages, each marked by specific characteristics and behaviors. Notably, first-time breeders should pay particular attention to the signs and changes that precede whelping.

The First Stage of Labor

The initial stage of labor in female Greyhounds is characterized by preparatory symptoms but lacks noticeable contractions. It is during this stage that the mother’s body prepares for birthing the pups.

Key behavior and symptoms during the first stage of labor include:

Nesting and restlessness: The female dog may become quite restless, often engaging in nesting behavior as part of the preparation for the pups’ arrival.
Shivering, shaking, and heavy panting: Such physical responses are common as labor approaches, indicating the body’s hard work during the preparatory stage.
Vomiting: Some females may vomit during this early labor stage, a response to the increasing pressure on the stomach.
Altered social behavior: Some females may become very affectionate and clingy, craving company and comfort, while others might prefer solitude, seeking out secluded and quiet spaces.

Managing the First Stage of Labor: Precautions and Interventions

Given the varied reactions of female Greyhounds during this stage, certain precautions and interventions are necessary.

To manage the first stage of labor effectively, you should:

Ensure the female is in the whelping box: As labor begins, it’s important to keep the female within her whelping box to prevent her from birthing in undesirable or potentially dangerous locations.
Provide a suitable environment: This involves offering dark, quiet spaces which female Greyhounds instinctively seek out. Refrain from moving the greyhound once she has settled in her whelping box.
Monitor labor closely but respectfully: Remain vigilant to sudden changes in behavior or discomfort levels, especially under-the-house or behind-the-shed hiding tendencies, which could delay or complicate the whelping process.

The duration of this first labor stage varies, potentially lasting from a few hours to an entire day. It’s important to note that many greyhounds may display imminent labor signs during the day and are more likely to whelp at night.

The Second Stage of Labor

During the second stage of labor, female Greyhounds experience contractions which eventually lead to the delivery of the puppies.

Key aspects of the second stage of labor include:

Contractions: Throughout this stage, the female will experience frequent contractions, initially spaced out, with each pup taking time to be born.
Pup birthing: Each pup is enclosed in a fluid sac within the uterus. As they emerge, the sac may appear first, followed by either the pup’s nose or tail, as puppies can be born head-first or tail-first.
Removal of the fluid sac: To ensure the pups can breathe, the fluid sac must be removed. The mother will usually do this by chewing and licking the sac and pup until it breaks, stimulating the pup’s breathing.

Interventions During the Second Stage of Labor

In some cases, human intervention may be necessary to ensure the health of the newborn pup and help the mother manage the process.

When intervention is required, take the following steps:

Clear the pup’s airway: If the mother does not break the fluid sac, step in to remove the membranes and fluid from the pup’s mouth to enable breathing.
Simulate the mother’s licking: Use a towel to gently rub the pup, mimicking the female’s licking, to stimulate its breathing.
Assist in simultaneous births: If two pups are born close together and the mother cannot tend to both simultaneously, be prepared to assist by clearing the airways and stimulating the pups.

Understanding these key aspects of the second stage of labor, along with the necessary precautions and interventions, can contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the female Greyhound and her newborns.

The Third Stage of Labor: Placenta Passage and Pup Management

The third stage of labor involves the exiting of the placenta. This stage commences after the birth of each pup and repeats until the female has given birth to all her pups.

Placenta passage characteristics:

Timing of exit: The placenta may be expelled along with the pup or a few minutes afterward.
Ingestion by the mother: It’s common for the mother to consume the placenta and chew through the umbilical cord.

Interventions in the Third Stage of Labor

Occasionally, human intervention may be required during the placenta passage.

Interventions may include:

Umbilical cord management: If the female does not sever the umbilical cord or if it appears to be bleeding, tie the cord with clean cotton thread at around a centimeter from the pup’s body. Trim the excess cord a few centimeters past the knot using clean scissors. Apply antiseptic to the stump to prevent infection.
Observing the female’s behaviour: Monitor the female’s behaviour for signs of distress or excessive restlessness. This could indicate a complication.
Checking for remaining pups: If it’s unclear whether the female has finished giving birth, encourage her to stand and gently feel her abdomen for signs of remaining pups. Some can be tucked under the ribs and may be hard to detect.

Monitoring Birth and Pup Data

Keep track of important pup information which might aid in identifying any complications.

This includes:

Time of birth: Record the birth time to keep track of intervals and identify potential complications.
Pup details: Note the color, sex, and weight of each pup as they’re born.

Spotting Complications

Being alert to warning signs during labor can assist in seeking timely veterinary aid when things don’t go as planned.

Alert signs include:

Over 30-40 minutes of strong contractions without pup birth
Over 15 minutes of contractions with a visible pup
More than 3 hours between pups
Green discharge
Excessive bright red blood
A female that is very restless, crying, or frantically licking her vulva

These time frames are estimates; always consult your veterinarian about when to seek assistance. Having an experienced individual on call during your first few whelpings can be incredibly helpful.

Assisting with Pup Birth and Postnatal Care

After delivery, immediate care for the newborn pups and mother is critical to ensure their health and well-being.

Assisting with Stuck Pups

If a pup appears stuck during delivery, it may be necessary to assist. However, pulling too hard can cause serious injury.

Procedures for assisting stuck pups include:

Gentle Pulling: If a pup is visible and appears stuck, you may gently assist its birth. Avoid pulling excessively hard, especially on pup’s head or tail.
Pulling Direction: Any efforts at aiding should be in the direction outward and downward, towards the female’s hocks.
Veterinary Assistance: If the pup seems stuck and gentle traction doesn’t help, seek immediate assistance from a veterinarian.

Initial Postnatal Care

Postnatal care commences immediately following birth, focusing on health, nutrition, and general well-being of both the pups and the mother.

The aspects of initial postnatal care include:

Early Suckling: Pups should start suckling as soon as possible after being born. The mother’s first milk, known as the colostrum, is rich in antibodies critical to protecting pups from infection during their initial weeks of life.
Nipple Assistance: If a pup has difficulty locating the nipple, it may need help getting attached and beginning to feed.
Natural Hormone Release: Suckling by pups also stimulates the release of oxytocin in the mother, a hormone instrumental in milk let-down and uterine contractions. These contractions help push out any remaining placenta and initiate healing of the uterus lining.

Warning: Never administer an oxytocin injection to the mother without specific instructions from your veterinarian relating to the recently delivered mother.

Post-delivery Maternal Care

After the mother has delivered all her pups, it is important to tend to her needs.

The steps include:

Sanitary Break: Once sure that the mother has birthed all her pups, take her for a toilet break. This allows a chance to clean up the mother.
Bathing if Necessary: If the female is significantly soiled, she might need a quick bath. However, ensure she is fully dried to prevent her from getting cold.
Offering Food and Water: Encourage the mother to eat and drink. It’s common for new mothers to ignore food, focused on returning to their litter, but nutrition and hydration are essential for her recovery.

Postnatal Environment and Health Checks for Mother and Pups

Following the birth of pups, maintaining a clean and comfortable environment is essential, along with keeping an eye on the health of the mother and her pups. Regular health checks during this period can ensure early identification of any potential issues.

Postnatal Environmental Maintenance

Creating and maintaining the right environment immediately after birth is vital for the comfort and wellbeing of both the pups and their mother.

Guidelines for setting up the environment:

Bedding Renewal: First, clean up all soiled or wet newspaper and replace it with fresh bedding materials in the whelping box.
Pup Management: While cleaning, the pups can be comfortably placed in a basket or box along with a hot water bottle for warmth. Make sure the hot water bottle is wrapped in a towel to protect the pups from potential burns.
Feeding Priority: Once the mother has settled, ensure that all the pups have had a good feed. Special care should be given to any smaller or weaker pups to help them access the back teats, which usually have a better milk supply.

Observing the Mother’s Behavior

In the immediate hours and days following birth, the mother may spend most of her time resting and cleaning her pups. This is a critical window for potential complications, and careful monitoring can help ensure prompt veterinary intervention if necessary.

The elements to focus on include:

Checking Discharge: It’s normal for the mother to have discharge for 4-6 weeks post birth. The color can range from reddish-brown to blackish green. However, it should never give off a foul smell or appear creamy in texture. If there’s concern over the color or volume of discharge, reach out to your veterinarian.
Behavioral Changes: Be observant for any signs of aggression if you try to move the mother or check on the pups during the early stages after birth. An aggressive display may indicate underlying issues.

Post-Whelping Healthcare

It is advisable that the mother and pups undergo a lever of veterinary check ups soon after birth.

Following are the recommendations:

Veterinary Consultation: Most veterinarians recommend bringing in the mother and pups within 12-24 hours after birth for a post-whelping check-up. Alternatively, you may have organized for your veterinarian to visit your home.
Medical Examinations: These checks will ensure the mother has given birth to all her pups, assess if she needs an oxytocin injection to aid in cleaning out her uterus, evaluate her milk production, and investigate the physical health and normality of the pups.
Monitoring Signs of Complication: Keep a close watch on the mother and her pups for any signs of problems, at which point you should immediately seek veterinary help. Regular monitoring and early intervention can greatly improve prognosis in case of complications occurring post birth.

Post-Whelping Health Check and Pup Vaccinations

Scheduling a general health check for the mother within 6-8 weeks of whelping is crucial to ensure her well-being and recovery. Additionally, this is also an opportune time to combine the visit with the pups’ first vaccinations, safeguarding their health right from the start.

Female Greyhound Health Check

A prompt post-whelping health evaluation conducted by a veterinarian holds significant importance.

Reasons to schedule a health check:

Recovery Assessment: The health check allows the veterinarian to observe the mother’s healing progress and detect any possible postpartum complications.
Preventive Measures: Early detection and intervention of potential health issues can help prevent serious complications down the line.

Pup Vaccinations and Health Evaluation

As the pups grow and prepare to face the world, their immune system needs protection through vaccinations.

Key aspects of pup vaccination and health evaluation:

Vaccination Schedule: Combining the mother’s post-whelping health check with the pups’ first vaccinations can streamline the process and ensure timely vaccinations for the pups.
Disease Prevention: Vaccinating the pups helps build their immunity against common canine diseases, providing them a solid foundation for a healthy life.
Overall Health Evaluation: During this visit, the veterinarian can also evaluate the pups’ general health status by assessing their growth, dental health, and physical development.

Coordination between the breeder and veterinarian to schedule a timely post-whelping health check for the mother and the pups’ first vaccinations significantly contributes to the overall health and well-being of the newly born Greyhound litter.

Registering a Greyhound Litter

Registering a Greyhound litter is a critical process, carried out through an established institution like the Greyhound Stud Book. This registration not only documents the breed’s pedigree, but also helps track important data about the breed’s population, health, and characteristics.

Greyhound Stud Book and the National Coursing Club

The Greyhound Stud Book, which is managed by the National Coursing Club, has had control over greyhound coursing since its creation in 1858, much like the Jockey Club with horse racing.

Key facts about the National Coursing Club and the Greyhound Stud Book:

Historical Significance: The National Coursing Club (NCC) has been in existence since 1858, establishing itself as an authoritative figure in the realm of Greyhound coursing.
Breed Registry: In 1882, the NCC inaugurated the original Greyhound Stud Book. Since then, this registry has exclusively documented the breeding history of greyhounds.
Pedigree Establishment: After the initiation of the stud book, the greyhound breed was effectively closed, meaning all greyhounds racing today in Britain, Ireland, USA, and Australia can trace their lineage back to the registered dogs in the Stud Book.

Process of Registering a Litter

For registering a litter, Greyhound breeders can access the necessary forms and guidance from the Greyhound Stud Book’s website.

Highlighted steps in the registration process are:

Access to Forms: The Greyhound Stud Book provides necessary forms to the breeders, available for download on their official website.
Completion and Submission: Breeders need to fill out the asked details accurately, following the instructions provided, and submit for processing.
Registry Update: Upon successful submission and processing, the new litter will be registered in the Greyhound Stud Book, becoming part of the greyhound breed’s official historical record.

By properly registering their Greyhound litters, breeders make significant contributions to the breed’s continuity, health management, and the future of greyhound coursing.