In our last blog we wrote that we are expecting three litters of Labrador Puppies this fall. Dave called us up just hours before our first female went into labor and asked us to tell about our experience as we whelp our litters. We decided to keep track some of the events and share some of our birthing experiences with you. This was not our first litter of Labrador puppies by any means, but the suspense and anticipation still builds. How many puppies is it going to be? Are we going to have an all night birth or a daytime one? Will we run into any complications? Do we have all our birthing supplies on hand?
Before the Labrador Puppies Came
Around 4:00 P.M., an hour after we talked to Dave, Moxie started showing signs of early labor. These included panting, shaking, refusing to eat, and scratching in her whelping box. These continued, and around 7:00 we decided to give her her first dose of calcium. After that she slept a lot, but around 8:45 she seemed to possibly be having some contractions. She definitely seemed more restless, and went out to use the bathroom, and was straining some. I had a feeling the first puppy would be coming soon and we did not leave her out of our sight. It’s not unheard of at all to have a puppy born while she’s out for a potty break.
As we continued waiting for the first puppy to be born we tried to come up with names that would go good for Labrador Puppies. We decided to go with names starting with ‘M’ like their mom ‘Moxie.’
The Labrador Puppies Begin Arriving
Finally!… at 10:20 the first puppy arrived! A chocolate male that we named Maverick. This was the first chocolate puppy we’ve ever had so we were really tickled. Mama knew just what to do, but we were there to keep a close eye on things to make sure she got the birth sac opened, the little fellow was breathing, and the umbilical cord cut. Did you know hair bands fit perfectly around their little necks? We have all different colors and designs as a way to keep them identified. She was licking him vigorously and he was soon ready to begin nursing.
After that we had a 45 minute wait till Meeko, another chocolate male, was finally born. We knew we were in for a long night at this rate. We didn’t know how many pups she’d have, but it was obvious this had hardly made a dent. Milo, a fox red male came about 15 minutes later. Much better. Maybe we will be able to get some sleep tonight.
It wasn’t real long and another chocolate. This one is a girl! We have a friend who’s wanting a chocolate girl and are excited to tell her. We named her Macy. Time began to creep and tiredness was settling in. How does mint chocolate chip ice cream sound for a midnight snack? Absolutely wonderful!!!
The Vigil Continues
Four more chocolate puppies were born in the next hour and a half followed by another fox red. By this time things had settled into a smooth routine and we took turns resting. Moxie was also very sleepy and hardly noticed when a puppy was being born. At 3:05 A.M the final puppy made his appearance. Till it was all said and done it had taken her just over five hours to birth twelve puppies which was not bad at all.
After a bit of shut eye we started the process of weighing the puppies so we could track their weight gain. With a litter of this size it’s important to make sure they are all getting sufficient nutrition. It’s much harder to turn things around if you don’t notice there’s a problem till they become weak and lethargic. The puppies ranged in weight from Minnie at 10.4 ounce to Milo at 13.6 ounce.
Afterward
We gave mama some warm chicken broth and she lapped it up with gusto. The only thing that would take her away from her puppies was a quick bathroom stop. Even with us handling her babies she was very vigilant. All twelve of them were keenly accounted for. We kept the room nice and cozy and also added a heat lamp for the first few days. It’s very important that newborn pups be kept nice and warm.
I love photography and started snapping some pictures. Each stage is so cute and people love to see them from tiny on up. And then comes the fun of putting them online for others to see and hope that we’ll have lots of loving homes who will want to have one of these sweet little Labrador Puppies for their very own! Now we’re going to hopefully enjoy a few days of respite before Sukie is due with her puppies. We should have a full litter of Fox Red’s and Yellow’s from her. Check us out on www.sweetvalleyacreslabs.com
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