Signs a dog is in labor now include nesting behavior, panting, refusal to eat, restlessness, changes in body temperature, and visible contractions. Knowing these signs helps you prepare for the arrival of the puppies.
Grasping the signs that your dog is ready to give birth is vital for every dog owner. Knowing when is my dog due to have puppies helps set the stage, but seeing the actual labor signs means the big event is truly near. Preparing for whelping, the term for a dog giving birth, requires close observation of your expectant mother. This long guide will walk you through every stage of impending birth, from early clues to active labor.
Early Warnings: Recognizing Dog Pre-Labor Signs
A dog’s gestation period—the time from breeding to birth—usually lasts about 63 days. However, this can vary by a few days. Before the actual birth process starts, your dog will show several subtle dog pre-labor signs. These clues suggest that the final days of pregnancy are here.
Temperature Drop: A Key Indicator
One of the most reliable early signs is a drop in the dog’s rectal temperature. A normal resting temperature for a dog is between 100°F and 102.5°F (37.8°C and 39.2°C).
About 12 to 24 hours before active labor begins, the dog’s temperature often drops to below 99°F (37.2°C). This sudden dip signals that hormones are shifting in preparation for birth. It is smart to start checking the temperature twice a day starting around day 58 of the pregnancy.
Behavioral Changes Before Birth
Dogs undergoing hormonal shifts often act differently. Look closely for these shifts:
- Loss of Appetite: Many pregnant dogs will refuse to eat their regular meals in the 24 hours leading up to labor. This is normal.
- Increased Affection or Hiding: Some mother dogs become very clingy, wanting to be near their owners. Others seek isolation and hide away.
- Vocalization: You might notice more whining, whimpering, or light growling.
Dog Milk Coming In
Another important sign is when the dog milk coming in. While milk production starts before labor, a noticeable filling or leaking of the mammary glands is a strong indicator that birth is close. The nipples will look larger and may look darker.
The Nesting Urge: Preparing the Whelping Area
One of the most observable canine whelping signs is the onset of intense dog nesting behavior. This instinct drives the mother to prepare a safe, comfortable spot for her puppies.
What Dog Nesting Behavior Looks Like
The nesting instinct is powerful. Your dog will suddenly focus all her energy on creating the perfect den. This often happens 12 to 48 hours before delivery.
Expect to see your dog:
- Digging frantically in blankets, towels, or bedding.
- Pawing at the whelping box or designated area.
- Shredding newspaper or soft materials.
- Moving bedding around constantly to get the exact arrangement she wants.
This behavior is driven by nature. She is trying to make a warm, secure place away from drafts. Make sure the whelping area you set up is clean and ready before this behavior starts. If you don’t provide a box, she will pick her own spot—often in a closet or under furniture.
Restlessness and Pacing
As labor nears, dog restless before birth becomes very common. This is tied to the increasing intensity of the early labor process. She might pace the room repeatedly. She may lie down, only to get up again moments later. This is often due to mild, early contractions she is feeling but cannot yet expel.
Stage One Labor: The Subtle Build-Up
Labor in dogs happens in three main stages. Stage One is the longest phase. It focuses on preparing the cervix and the uterus for delivery. Knowing these dog labor stages is key to knowing when to intervene (or when not to).
Increased Panting and Whining
A very common and noticeable sign is heavy dog panting before labor begins. This is not due to heat or exercise. It is often related to stress and the hormonal changes causing uterine contractions.
The panting can become rapid and shallow. Often, owners see this alongside pacing and restlessness. The dog may look worried or anxious. She might lick her private area often.
Stage One Duration
Stage One labor can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. For first-time mothers or very large litters, it can sometimes extend to 24 hours. If Stage One lasts beyond 24 hours and the mother seems distressed or has not started active pushing, call your veterinarian immediately.
During this stage, the uterus muscles start contracting. These contractions are generally mild at first. They slowly work to open the cervix. You may not see outward signs of these early efforts, but the mother’s behavior will signal the shift.
Stage Two Labor: The Arrival of Puppies
Stage Two is when the puppies actually start to be delivered. This phase is much more dramatic than Stage One. It begins when strong, visible abdominal contractions start.
Identifying Dog Contractions Signs
Strong dog contractions signs are the definite markers that Stage Two has begun.
- Straining: The dog will actively bear down. You will see her abdominal muscles visibly tighten and move with each push.
- Vocalization During Pushing: Unlike the mild whining in Stage One, dogs in Stage Two often grunt, groan, or whine loudly while actively pushing.
- Restlessness Ends: The frantic pacing usually stops. The dog will focus intently on pushing, often adopting a squatting position (for standing births) or lying on her side (for lateral births).
Table 1: Differentiating Contraction Types
| Contraction Type | Stage | Appearance | Dog Behavior | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild/Early | Stage One | Subtle tightening, not visible externally. | Restless, panting, nesting. | Monitor closely. |
| Strong/Active | Stage Two | Abdominal muscles visibly bunch and strain. | Focused pushing, loud vocalization. | Puppy delivery imminent. |
Water Breaking
Often, but not always, the water sac (amniotic fluid) will break right before or as Stage Two begins. This fluid might be clear, greenish, or bloody. A small gush of fluid indicates that the first puppy is moving into the birth canal.
If you see green-black fluid and no puppy appears within 30 to 60 minutes, this is an emergency. This fluid signals that the placenta has detached, and the puppy needs to be born quickly.
Delivery Timeline
Once active straining begins, the first puppy should arrive within 30 minutes to an hour. Puppies usually follow in intervals of 30 to 60 minutes. However, it is normal for the mother to take a break between puppies, sometimes resting for two or even three hours between the second and third puppy, for example.
Stage Three Labor: Passing the Placenta
Stage Three involves the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth) following each puppy. The mother dog will usually chew on the umbilical cord and clean the puppy.
The Placenta Count
It is crucial to count the placentas. The mother should pass one placenta for every puppy delivered. If a placenta is retained inside the uterus, it can cause serious infection later. If your dog has had five puppies and you have only seen four placentas, call your vet.
Mothers often eat the placentas. While some owners worry about this, consuming a few is biologically normal for dogs. However, if she eats too many (more than two or three), it can sometimes cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
When To Worry: Emergency Signs During Whelping
While whelping is often a natural process, complications can arise quickly. Recognizing when to call the vet is perhaps the most critical skill for an expectant dog owner.
Prolonged Active Labor
If the mother is straining with hard, strong contractions for more than 30 minutes and no puppy has appeared, this is an emergency. This suggests the puppy may be stuck or positioned incorrectly.
Long Breaks Between Puppies
If the mother has delivered a puppy, seems comfortable resting, but then goes more than 2 to 4 hours without starting the next set of contractions, she needs professional assessment. This pause can sometimes mean there is a blockage or that the next puppy is positioned incorrectly.
Signs of Maternal Distress
Look for signs that the mother is in severe pain or danger:
- Uncontrolled, violent shaking or shivering.
- Rectal temperature rising above 103°F (39.4°C).
- Bleeding that is bright red and heavy (not the typical lochia or afterbirth fluid).
- Failure to start licking or stimulating the newborn puppy.
If you suspect dystocia (difficult birth), do not try to pull the puppy yourself unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
Final Checks: Post-Whelping Observations
Once the last puppy is delivered and the last placenta passed, the immediate danger lessens, but monitoring must continue.
Uterine Involution
The uterus needs time to shrink back down. The mother will continue to have some bloody/dark discharge (lochia) for several weeks. This discharge should gradually become lighter and less frequent. If the discharge becomes foul-smelling, bright red, or very heavy after the first 24 hours, seek veterinary advice.
Puppy Vitality
Check that all puppies are breathing well, nursing vigorously, and warm. Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature well. Ensure they are positioned close to the mother and the whelping area is kept warm, ideally between 85°F and 90°F (29°C to 32°C) for the first week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Labor
How long before birth will my dog stop eating?
Most dogs stop eating solid food about 12 to 24 hours before active labor starts. This is part of the dog pre-labor signs you should watch for. They may refuse their final meal the night before delivery.
How can I confirm the exact due date if I don’t know when she mated?
If you do not know the exact mating date, your vet can estimate the due date using ultrasound starting around day 25 or by checking fetal heart rates around day 60. However, knowing the date helps set expectations for when signs dog about to give birth will appear.
Is it normal for my dog to be digging in the furniture?
Yes, if she is nesting, she is exhibiting dog nesting behavior. If you have a whelping box prepared, gently guide her there and place soft, clean bedding inside. Praise her when she uses the box.
Why is my dog shaking and panting so much, but no puppy is coming?
Intense dog panting before labor and shaking often signal Stage One is progressing, or that the mother is anxious about the onset of strong dog contractions signs. If this happens for hours and she is not actively pushing, it is time to call the vet to check if labor has stalled.
What if my dog’s milk is coming in, but she is not due for another week?
If dog milk coming in happens more than a week early, it warrants a check-up. While sometimes normal, early milk production can occasionally signal a problem like hormonal imbalance or infection. Monitor her temperature closely.