Thinking about how to induce labor in dogs at home? You’ve come to the right place! If your dog is overdue, inducing labor is a great way to get things moving along and cut short their stay in the womb. It’s important to remember that dogs are not humans. There’s no guarantee that it will work, but some women have had success with inducing labor in dogs at home. The process isn’t as simple or logical as it sounds, but there are steps you can take to help your dog give birth sooner rather than later. If your veterinarian has advised you that your pet needs help going into labor, here are four tips on how you can induce labor in dogs at home, without any side effects for either of you.
How To Induce Dog Labor At Home
Be aware of the signs of imminent birth
Any dog owners who are hoping to induce labor in dogs at home should be aware of the signs that a dog is going into labor. Some signs include a bloody discharge from the vulva, frequent urination, a change in her appetite, and a drop in her energy levels. If you see any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. There will likely be other signs that indicate your dog is in labor, such as restlessness, panting, pacing, and trembling. If your dog is nesting, it could be a sign that she’s ready to give birth. It’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your dog in the weeks leading up to her due date.
Check for infection
Dogs can be just as susceptible to infection as humans are, and it’s important to check for infection before you start trying to induce labor in dogs at home. Infection is especially dangerous for pregnant dogs, so it’s important to be sure there isn’t any present before you begin any home labor induction methods. A veterinarian can check for infection by swabbing your dog’s vaginal area for signs of infection. If your dog does have an infection, it’s much safer to let her give birth naturally. Infection can be treated with antibiotics, which can be given to the puppies through their mother’s milk.
Syntocinon or Cervical Mapping
Syntocinon is a synthetic hormone that is commonly used to induce labor in pregnant dogs. It triggers the canine body to release oxytocin, which initiates contractions in the uterus. Syntocinon is used to induce labor in dogs who are overdue, have a large number of puppies, or have an infection. Syntocinon can be given as an injection, or it can be applied as a drip. Cervical mapping is a way to manually stimulate the cervix in dogs. A veterinarian may use a small rod with a string attached to it to manually manipulate the cervix. This is usually done after a dog’s water breaks.
Prostaglandin Injection
A prostaglandin injection can be given to induce labor in dogs. This is a very common way to induce labor in human pregnancies, and it’s sometimes used in dogs, too. Prostaglandin is a hormone found naturally in the body. Some veterinarians use a synthetic form of prostaglandin to induce labor in dogs. It works by encouraging the cervix to efface, or thin out, and begin to open. It also stimulates uterine contractions to progress. It’s important to note that prostaglandin is not always successful at inducing labor in dogs. It might take several hours, or even days before you notice any change in your dog’s behavior. If the injection doesn’t work, your veterinarian might suggest another way to induce labor in dogs.
Light and Sound Therapy
Some pet owners have had success inducing labor in dogs at home by fiddling around with light and sound therapy. You can use a light therapy technique by shining a bright light on your dog’s belly for five to ten minutes every hour. You can use a strobe light, incandescent light, or even sunlight to achieve this. Alternatively, you can play sound therapy by playing a recording of a baby crying, or even your own voice. Some women claim that the sound of a human baby crying will help their dog go into labor. It’s important to start this method at least two weeks before your dog’s due date.
Ginger and Other Natural Therapies
Ginger is a traditional remedy for nausea in pregnant women and has also been used to induce labor in dogs. You can give your dog ginger in the form of tea, or you can even try feeding it in their food. Another common natural therapy that some pet owners have tried is eating chili peppers. Other people have used healthy, natural herbs and essential oils, including rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, and frankincense. If you decide to try inducing labor in dogs at home with herbal remedies, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first to make sure they’re safe to use in pregnant dogs.
Use a heating pad
This is a technique that some women use to jump-start their own labor, so it makes sense that you could try it to induce labor in dogs. To use the heating pad technique, you’ll need a heating pad that has an adjustable heat setting. Place it on low heat and place the pad near your dog’s belly for 20 minutes. Then, turn it off for an hour before repeating the process. A lot of people swear by this method, but it may cause your dog unnecessary discomfort. You should only try this if your dog is very relaxed and comfortable around you. Your dog might start to get restless if the heat is too intense or the pad is too close to its belly.
Massage and exercise your dog
If you’ve been trying the light and sound therapy techniques and they haven’t worked, it’s a good idea to try giving your dog a massage and getting them some exercise. You can try walking your dog, running with them, or even swimming with them. You can also try giving your dog a good massage. You should be careful with this method because it can cause contractions in dogs who are full-term. You should only try these techniques if your veterinarian has recommended them. If your dog is approaching full-term, it might be too tiring to exercise or massage. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs that they’ve had enough, like panting heavily or drooling excessively.
Give your dog an enema
Using an enema can help clean out your dog’s vaginal canal, which can help to trigger the contractions that will lead to labor. Some dogs will give birth within 24 hours of receiving this treatment. If your dog has their first puppy while they’re receiving its enema, it could get messy. Be careful to stay on top of the clean-up until the birth is complete. Another thing to consider with an enema is that it can cause your dog to go into premature labor. If this happens, you’ll want to take them to the veterinarian immediately, as they may need to be delivered via C-section.
Conclusion
There are a lot of old wives’ tales about how to induce labor in dogs, but very few of them are proven to work. Only try this if your dog’s veterinarian recommends it. Some dogs may need extra help going into labor, and it’s best for your pet if you let the veterinarian decide how to induce labor in dogs at home. Keep in mind that all dogs are different. Some dogs will go into labor as soon as you try one of these techniques, while others may take several days. Be patient, and stay on top of your dog’s health if they’re overdue.
