The primary signs a dog is entering labor usually begin with a drop in body temperature, followed by restlessness, nesting, and noticeable panting or pacing. Knowing these canine whelping signs early helps owners prepare for the big event and know when to call the vet.
Preparing for the Big Day: Recognizing Early Labor Signs
Bringing puppies into the world is an amazing event. But knowing exactly when it starts can be tricky. Labor happens in stages. Recognizing the early signs is key to a smooth delivery. You need to watch closely for changes in your dog’s normal behavior. These changes signal that birth is near.
Body Temperature Drop: The First Major Clue
One of the most reliable early dog impending labor signs is a drop in your pregnant dog’s rectal temperature. Normally, a dog’s temperature stays around 101°F to 102.5°F.
About 12 to 24 hours before active labor starts, this temperature often drops below 100°F. Some vets say a reading below 99°F is a sure sign.
How to Check Temperature:
* Use a digital rectal thermometer.
* Lubricate the tip well.
* Gently insert it about one inch into the rectum.
* Hold it still until it beeps.
* Check the temperature several times a day in the last week of pregnancy.
This drop happens because of hormonal changes in the dog’s body. It signals the body is getting ready to push the puppies out.
Changes in Appetite and Thirst
Many dogs will refuse food entirely when labor is close. This can start a day or two before birth. It is not usually a worry unless the dog seems sick for a long time.
Some dogs drink a lot of water. Others stop drinking much water at all. Watch for these changes in their normal routine.
Nesting Behavior in Pregnant Dogs
You will see noticeable pregnant dog nesting behavior. This is a strong instinct kicking in. Your dog feels the need to make a safe, soft place for the puppies.
She might:
* Shred blankets or towels obsessively.
* Dig at carpets or bedding materials.
* Try to hide or seek out a quiet, dark spot.
* Pace back and forth repeatedly.
This nesting shows she is anxious and looking for the perfect whelping box. Make sure her chosen spot is ready and comfortable.
Restlessness and Pacing
A very common sign is increased agitation. You will see a lot of dog restlessness before birth. She might not be able to settle down.
She may walk in circles. She might lie down, stand up quickly, and then walk around again. This restless period can last for several hours. It often happens just before the first stage of labor begins.
Deciphering the Stages of Labor
Dog labor happens in three main stages. Knowing what happens in each stage helps you track progress.
Stage One Labor: Getting Ready
Stage one labor is the longest part. It can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. Sometimes, it can even last up to 24 hours in first-time mothers.
During this stage, the uterus starts to contract. These contractions are usually mild at first. They are not always visible from the outside.
Key Stage One Signs:
* Panting heavily, even when resting.
* Frequent urination or trying to go potty often.
* Shivering or trembling.
* Seeking out the owner for comfort (clinging behavior).
* Refusing to eat.
The cervix starts to open during this stage. This allows the puppies to move into position for birth.
Stage Two Labor: Active Delivery
Stage two is when the actual pushing and delivery of puppies occur. This stage begins when strong, visible contractions start. This is what most people think of as active labor.
Dog in active labor signs include:
* Strong, visible abdominal contractions. You will see her belly muscles tense up.
* Intense straining or “bearing down.”
* Vocalization, like whining or groaning during pushes.
* The water bag appears.
The first puppy should arrive within 30 minutes to an hour after strong contractions begin. If she strains hard for over an hour without a puppy, call your vet right away.
Stage Three Labor: Placenta Delivery
Stage three happens after each puppy is born. This is when the placenta is delivered. Usually, the placenta comes out within 5 to 15 minutes after a puppy is born.
It is normal for a mother dog to eat the placenta. However, passing too many placentas without puppies is a problem. Keep track of how many puppies you see versus how many placentas she passes.
Critical Timing: Dog Contractions Timing
Accurately observing dog contractions timing is vital for monitoring labor progress.
Contractions during stage one are subtle. You may not see them easily. They are often felt more than seen.
During stage two, contractions become very obvious and forceful.
How to Track Contractions:
1. Start timing when you first see the dog visibly straining or pushing.
2. Time the duration of the strong push.
3. Note the rest period between the end of one push and the start of the next.
Normal Timing Ranges in Stage Two:
* Strong contractions should occur every 10 to 30 minutes.
* Straining should last no more than 30 minutes before a puppy is delivered.
* If she pushes hard for an hour with no puppy, seek emergency help.
Observing the Water Breaking Signs
Knowing when the dog water breaking signs appear signals the final countdown. The amniotic sac contains the fluid surrounding the puppy.
When the water breaks, you will see clear, odorless fluid drain from the vulva. This fluid is sometimes greenish or dark. This usually happens right before the first puppy is due to be delivered.
Important Notes on Water Breaking:
* If the water breaks and the first puppy doesn’t arrive within 30 to 60 minutes, call your vet. Prolonged delay can harm the puppies.
* Sometimes, the water bag does not visibly break outside the dog. The sac might break just as the puppy is being pushed out.
Physical Changes: What to Look For
Besides behavior changes, your dog’s body goes through noticeable changes as birth nears.
Mammary Gland Development
A very clear physical sign is the development of the mammary glands. Dog milk coming in signs usually appear in the last week or two of pregnancy.
- The teats swell and become larger.
- They may look pinker than usual.
- In the 24 to 48 hours before birth, milk may express (leak) from the nipples. This is a very close indicator of impending labor.
Cervical Changes (Seen by Vet Only)
A veterinarian can check the cervix using a digital exam. A dog ready to whelp will have a cervix that is soft and dilated (opened). This is not something an owner can check safely at home.
Changes to the Vulva
The vulva (the external genital area) may look swollen throughout pregnancy. As labor nears, it might appear even more swollen or feel softer to the touch. Just before birth, some slight discharge might be seen.
Comparing Early Signs vs. Active Labor Signs
It helps to put the signs side-by-side to see the progression.
| Labor Stage | Time Frame (Approximate) | Key Observable Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Labor (12-24 hrs before) | Temperature drop below 100°F | Refusal to eat, marked restlessness, intense nesting. |
| Stage One (6-24 hours) | Mild, internal contractions start | Panting, pacing, shivering, clinging to owner. |
| Stage Two (Active Labor) | Strong pushing begins | Visible abdominal contractions, straining, appearance of water breaking. |
| Stage Three | After each puppy | Passing the placenta. |
When to Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately
While most births go smoothly, complications can happen. Knowing when to intervene is crucial for the safety of the mother and puppies. Never hesitate to call your vet if you notice these red flags.
Problems in Stage One
If your dog seems distressed or sick for more than 24 hours without showing signs of active labor, call the vet. Lethargy that lasts too long is worrisome.
Issues During Active Labor (Stage Two)
These are the most critical times to seek veterinary advice:
- No Puppy After Strong Pushing: If your dog pushes hard for 30 to 60 minutes and no puppy appears.
- Long Gaps Between Puppies: If more than 2 to 4 hours pass between the birth of puppies, especially if you know there are more inside.
- Green or Dark Discharge Before Birth: If you see thick green or black discharge and no puppy has been born within 30 minutes. This suggests the placenta has separated too early.
- Prolonged Labor: If the entire process seems to take longer than 24 hours total from the start of real restlessness.
- Mother Appears Exhausted: If the mother stops pushing even though you know there are more puppies remaining.
- Fever: If the mother develops a fever (over 103°F) during or after labor.
Fathoming Post-Delivery Care Needs
Once the last puppy is born, the work isn’t quite over. You must ensure the mother settles down well.
Monitoring Placenta Count
It is vital to ensure the mother passes a placenta for every puppy born. If a placenta is retained inside the uterus, it can cause severe infection later on. Count them carefully as they come out.
Post-Whelping Restlessness
Sometimes, after the last puppy is delivered, the mother might have one or two final, small contractions. She might appear restless for a few hours as her body settles. However, severe pacing or distress hours after the last birth needs checking by a vet.
Nursing Readiness
A good mother dog will immediately start licking and cleaning her newborns. She should show strong maternal instincts. Dog delivery symptoms are followed by immediate bonding behavior. If she seems uninterested in the puppies, seek advice.
Guiding Your Dog Through Whelping
Your role during labor is to be a calm supporter. Do not interfere unless necessary or advised by your vet.
Setting Up the Whelping Area
A quiet, warm, draft-free area is best. The whelping box should have low sides so the mother can easily step in and out, but high enough to keep the tiny puppies contained. Use clean, disposable bedding like old towels or puppy pads.
Providing Comfort
During stage one, speak softly to your dog. Offer gentle reassurance. Do not crowd her, but stay nearby if she seeks comfort. Offering small amounts of water is fine, but avoid large meals during active labor.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Keep the whelping area as clean as possible. You can gently wipe the mother’s genital area with warm water if needed, but generally, let her manage the cleaning process. Sterilize any tools (like scissors for cutting umbilical cords, only if necessary and advised) beforehand.
Interpreting Unusual Behavior Pre-Birth
Sometimes a dog’s behavior might not fit the standard timeline. It is important to know what could be causing it.
False Pregnancies
Dogs can sometimes exhibit nesting and restlessness due to a false pregnancy (pseudopregnancy). This happens when hormonal changes mimic a real pregnancy even though there are no puppies. If you are certain of the breeding dates, this is less likely, but behavior like nesting can occur.
Stress-Induced Labor Changes
A high-stress environment can sometimes delay labor or make it more erratic. If you have loud noises, many visitors, or a chaotic home, try to reduce the stimulation during the expected due dates.
Breed Variations
Large breeds often have longer stage one labor than small breeds. For instance, giant breeds might show restlessness for longer periods than a small terrier might. Always check with your vet regarding breed-specific expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Labor
How long can a dog be in labor before needing a vet?
Generally, if a dog is in stage two (active pushing) for more than one hour without delivering a puppy, or if there is more than four hours between puppies, you must contact your veterinarian.
What should I feed a dog right before labor starts?
It is best to withhold food 6 to 12 hours before you suspect labor might begin. A full stomach can make pushing harder and increase the risk of vomiting during contractions. Offer small amounts of water instead.
Is it normal for a dog to tremble or shake during labor?
Yes, mild trembling or shivering is a very common dog restlessness before birth sign and often continues into stage one labor. It is usually due to the physical exertion and hormonal shifts. However, severe shaking accompanied by distress warrants a vet call.
How do I know if the mother is bonding with the puppies?
A good mother dog will immediately attend to her newborns. She will lick them to clean them, stimulate them to breathe, and encourage them to nurse. If she ignores them or seems aggressive toward them, immediate veterinary consultation is needed.
Can dogs have diarrhea during labor?
Yes, sometimes a dog will have loose stools or diarrhea right before stage two labor begins. This is linked to hormonal changes and the muscles in the intestinal tract relaxing in preparation for birth.