Canine parturition: The normal whelping process

Abstract

This thesis investigates normal parturition in female dogs through a literature review and preliminary analysis of data from the ongoing “The Weight of Whelping” questionnaire by the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. It examines hormonal influences, physiological and behavioural changes, the three stages of labour and dystocia, including its differentiation, to define what constitutes normal versus abnormal parturition and to provide a timeline for the parturition process. Results from 16 whelps of nine Standard Poodle bitches revealed significant variability in parturition timelines, underscoring the importance of monitoring multiple parameters rather than relying on a single indicator.