Uterus Contractions
We talked about how an oxytocin shot may be necessary to stimulate a dogs uterus to contract so that any retained material can be safely expelled. This is often necessary when the mom has placentas or even dead puppies in her. The clean-out oxytocin shot the vet gives is the synthetic version of oxytocin. In a natural setting, the pups nursing cause the secretion of natural oxytocin from the mother dogs pituitary gland. This oxytocin causes mild contractions in two specific areas: in the uterus so it can return to its previous normal size (involution) while expelling any post-delivery tissues, blood and blood clots, and in the milk glands so milk can be released. In this case, panting is normal during nursing, while the uterus contracts, explains veterinarian Jon Rappaport in an article for Pet Place. However, you want to make sure her rectal temperature is normal, she is eating well, and her bowel movements, urine and vaginal discharge look normal.
Eclampsia/Milk Fever
In this case, mother dogs are being rapidly depleted from calcium blood levels due to the high demands of nursing, and this can be a life-threatening condition. While this condition most commonly occurs around one to three weeks after giving birth, its not unheard of occurring even during pregnancy, according to Pet Education. The decreased calcium levels may cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, shaking, a stiff gait, restlessness, increased water intake, fever and panting. Consider though that some dogs can be stoic and will still eat and nurse as instinct tells them to take care of the pups. It is useless at this point to try home remedies feeding calcium supplements; the dog needs prompt veterinary attention and the administration of intravenous calcium gluconate.
Is panting a sign of labor in dogs?
After the temperature drop, stage I labor begins, characterized by restlessness and anxiety. You may notice panting, pacing, refusal of food and maybe vomiting. Nesting behavior begins. This is the time to place her in the whelping box (hopefully she is already accustomed to the box).