I am a certified Veterinary Assistant with 16 years experience in the field of dog breeding.
During my professional carrier, I have attained knowledge in the following: Pre and post
natal care of the female dog, Artificial Insemination, proper sanitary birthing
procedures, and post delivery care of the puppies
Organizations West Coast Quality Breeders Association, American Kennel Club, American Canine Association.
Publications Several online publications that you can view by googling my name - Penny DiLoreto
Education/Credentials 1986 graduate of the San Diego ROP Veterinary Assistant Program where I received certificates in the following areas: Animal Handling and Restraint, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Sanitation and surgical Prep., Instruments and Equipment, Vaccines and injections, Health and Safety, Veterinary laws and Ethics, biohazardious Waste and disposal Laws, Medicating and grooming Procedures, Medical Math, Anesthesia, Radiology, Basic Laboratory Procedures, Fecal Analysis and parasitology, Pharmacology, Emergency Medicine, and Reproduction.
Awards and Honors Outstanding Student Award given the San Diego ROP Veterinary Assistant Program
Question this is my dogs first litter and I see a grayish/clear sac protruding, is she suppose to chew open the sac or will it burst on it's own? She can't even reach herself to lick it or do anything? I don't know what I should do?
Answer Hi Marysia. When the time to give birth arrives the mother will show signs of contractions and possibly begin to shiver. The puppy will pass from the vaginal opening inside a graayish/clear sac. I'm assuming that this is what you are seeing.
After each puppy is delivered it will be proceeded by a greenish, fluid-filled sac (placenta). Each puppy is attached to a placenta by an umbilical cord. In larger litters, you may not see one placenta passed immediately after every puppy. Some placentas may be retained and be expelled gradually days after all puppies are born. Most puppies are born head first, but as many as one-third may be born hindquarters first. Either position is considered normal.
In most cases, after each puppy is born, the afterbirth will soon follow. However sometimes - for whatever reason- not always. It is not uncommon for two afterbirths to pass at the same time, what is important is that all the afterbirths eventually pass.
In some cases, unknown to us, the mother can and will pass the afterbirth outside, while using the restroom, making it had to be completely sure that each one has passed.
Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.
