Signs Your Dog is Approaching Labor and Delivery

Recognizing the Signs of Impending Dog Labor

Knowing when your pregnant dog is approaching her delivery date is important for her health and the puppies' survival. Watch for these common signs that indicate labor will start soon.

Physical Changes

Your dog's body will go through some distinct physical changes in the final week before labor begins:

• Her pregnant belly will drop lower
• Vulva swelling and discharge will increase
• Body temperature may drop below 100F
• Mammary glands will enlarge and produce milk

Nesting Behaviors

Late pregnancy hormones will make your dog instinctually start seeking out a quiet, private nesting spot. She may:

• Pace around sniffing for the right location
• Dig up bedding materials
• Shred paper, towels or blankets to line a nest
• Stockpile toys or other objects near the nest

Personality Changes

As hormones surge in preparation for labor, you may notice some personality shifts in your dog, including:

• Increased affection and clinginess
• Restlessness, agitation, or changes in activity level
• Loss of appetite and digestive issues
• Withdrawing to seek solitude and quiet

How to Know When Dog Labor is Imminent

Pay close attention in the 24-48 hours before labor starts. Telltale signs include:

Drop in Body Temperature

Right before going into labor, your dogs temperature will drop to below 100F, usually around 98-99F. Take her temperature twice daily as her due date approaches.

Nesting Behaviors Intensify

Your dog may become very focused on arranging bedding just right in her selected nesting spot in the hours leading up to labor. She may also turn circles and dig at bedding during contractions.

Clear Vaginal Discharge

A sudden gush of vaginal discharge signals labor is close. The discharge will be clear and watery rather than thick and opaque.

Restlessness and Pacing

Your dog may seem anxious, repeatedly getting up and changing positions. She may pace around with a glazed stare between contractions.

Lack of Appetite

Many dogs lose interest in food and have digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea as labor approaches. Don't force food; offer water and small treats instead.

Indications Labor Has Started

Once your dog goes into active labor, you will observe some clear signs:

Visible Contractions

Contractions of the uterus will visibly ripple along your dog's pregnant belly in waves during labor. She may pant, dig, or change positions frequently.

Restlessness Turns to Intent Focus

While restless during early labor, your dog will move little once active pushing starts. She may vocalize or bite bedding during strong contractions.

Clear Discharge Turns to Green

A greenish vaginal discharge that darkens over time replaces the earlier clear discharge as labor progresses and pups move into the birth canal.

Appearance of Fluid-Filled Sacs

The first pup will be delivered in a fluid-filled membrane you may see protruding for some time before the pup is pushed out.

Onset of Forceful Pushing

Active straining, bearing down, crying out, and arching her back all signal your dog is entering the pushing stage when pups will arrive soon.

Understanding the Three Dog Labor Stages

Canine labor occurs in 3 distinct stages. Knowing the phases helps identify where a dog is in the birthing process.

Early Labor

Early labor may last 6-24 hours as the cervix relaxes and dilates. Your dog will show nesting behavior and restlessness during mild, irregular contractions.

Active Labor

During active labor lasting 6-12 hours, regular contractions begin moving pups into birthing position. Discharge occurs and the mother focuses inward to conserve energy.

Hard Labor

The hard labor stage lasts 3-5 hours as intense contractions push out pups every 30-60 minutes. Forceful straining delivers pups wrapped in membranes which the mother tears open.

Caring for Your Dog During Labor

Your pregnant pooch will need special care and attention during the birthing process. Here's how to support her:

Let Her Choose Her Birthing Spot

Bring bedding options into a quiet room, but let your dog pick where she is most comfortable laboring and delivering.

Limit Stress

Keep the birthing area peaceful and soothing. Have only essential people present and minimize loud noises.

Offer Nutritional Support

Feed small, frequent meals of high-calorie food leading up to and after the birth to keep up her strength.

Prevent Dehydration

Try ice cubes, broth, or diluted puppy formula to keep mom hydrated, providing frequent bathroom breaks.

Monitor for Difficulty

Watch for signs of prolonged labor or distress requiring veterinary assistance like emergency C-sections.

When to Call the Vet for Dog Labor Concerns

Notify your veterinarian immediately if:

• Active labor lasts over 12 hours
• More than 4 hours pass between pups
• A pup is stuck in the birth canal over 15 minutes of pushing
• A pup emerges back legs first (breech position)
• Mother bleeds heavily or seems extremely weak

Also seek medical help if mom shows signs of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, severe pain, or abnormal vaginal discharge before, during, or after whelping.

Caring for Newborn Puppies Post-Whelping

Once your dog delivers her litter, she will need special attention as she cares for her puppies. Be sure to:

• Allow uninterrupted nursing and bonding time
• Provide high-calorie nutritional support for lactation
• Gently clean soiled bedding in the whelping area
• Help keep puppies warm if mom leaves the nest
• Weigh pups daily to ensure adequate nursing

Your vet can provide post-whelping guidance on puppy and mom care to ensure health and well-being.

Have a Dog Labor Plan Prepared in Advance

Knowing what to expect during canine labor will help you support your pregnant dog during delivery. Have an emergency vet number handy, and get ready to welcome a adorable puppy litter!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.