When the female fails to release the puppies or kittens from the placenta (or, for example, it is not possible as with a caesarean section), we will have to assist her.

In most cases it will be enough to interrupt the blood flow in the umbilical cord by pinching with your nails and then cutting the umbilical cord with rounded scissors (not too close to the navel, the remainder will dry out and fall off by itself from the navel!).

Sometimes, however, it may be necessary (or according to personal preference) to tie off the umbilical cord with, for example, suture thread or an artery clamp before cutting it on the side of the placenta.