Dog Pregnancy and Signs of Labour in Dogs

There is nothing more thrilling than learning that your dog is expecting!  Given that a dog's pregnancy only lasts for around two months, you may anticipate having furry babies in your house pretty soon!

You might be thinking, "How do dogs give birth?" while your dog is expecting.  Dog labours are often far less dramatic than ours, so you don't need to freak out when the due date draws near. Your pet should be able to give birth to the pups without any problems.  Mom should be more quite capable, but if your dog has any problems during delivery, keep her company.

If you are worried about your dog being pregnant or giving birth, see your veterinarian.  You should feel more at ease after reading their counsel.  To assist you be as ready as possible for your pet becoming a new mother, our PetCare Team has put together a list of useful advice.

 

Preparing your dog for the birth

Build a nest

Build a "nest" during the final two weeks of your dog's pregnancy since your mother will want a quiet, private space in your house where she may rest and give birth to the pups.

 A big cardboard box packed with clean blankets, sheets, or towels and coated with puppy pads (in case of mishaps) is the perfect nest for dogs giving birth.  Make sure the box is large enough to accommodate both the mother and the litter, and if your dog desires a private area, give the mother space.  Additionally, you must ensure that the box is tall enough to prevent any daring pups from getting out!

Set up the nest at room temperature in a peaceful area where they won't be bothered and can remain warm.  As long as they are clean, placing your dog's own toys or bedding in the nest might encourage your pet to use it and help the soon-to-be mother feel at home before the baby is born.

Have help on hand

Although your dog's labour should go well, it's helpful to have assistance available to keep them relaxed and in case they have any difficulties.

 Since deliveries frequently occur at night, get your veterinarian's after-hours phone number before your dog gives birth.  If your veterinarian isn't aware of it already, let them know when your dog is due so they know when to be on standby.  You might need to take the puppies to the veterinarian if the mother has trouble giving birth, so be sure you have a way to get there.

During the delivery, keep a few clean, dry towels and nail scissors close by in case mom needs assistance.  To make sure you have enough space for the newborn puppies, you might also need an additional basket if the litter is huge!

 You will need to keep the puppies warm if you decide to transfer them away from their mother.  Since their sharp teeth and claws might puncture, we advise using a microwaveable beanie bag rather than a hot water bottle.

 

Know what signs to look out for

A dip in mother's body temperature from 38.5°C to 37°C is one of the earliest indications that labour is about to start; labour typically starts 12 to 24 hours later.

 During the last week of pregnancy, take your dog's temperature twice a day using a rectal thermometer to determine when this occurs.  Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate if you're not sure how.  Stop taking your dog's temperature if you discover that it is stressing her out.  At this point, you must assist your dog in maintaining as much composure as possible.

In the last week of a dog's pregnancy, expectant mothers may become a bit agitated and withdraw to a peaceful place.  Scrambling in her bed and a loss of appetite are typical in the 12 to 24 hours before to birth.

 On rare occasions, your dog could relocate the nest you built for them to a different part of the home.  If this occurs, if at all possible, keep it in the desired spot.

"Hopefully your dog’s birth will go smoothly, but it’s always best to be prepared in case the unexpected happens."

 

The stages of labour and delivery

Dog births are often simple and don't commonly entail any difficulties.  Being present during your dog's delivery is crucial so that you can assist her and intervene if necessary, even if you should try to avoid interfering too much.  Labour typically occurs in three phases and lasts three to twelve hours.

Stage One

• Smaller contractions that might not be apparent to you are how the uterus and cervix get ready for birth.
• The vulva of your dog will start to enlarge in anticipation of birth.
• Don't panic; it's very usual for moms to pant and shiver at this stage of labour, and dogs may be extremely agitated and uneasy.

Stage Two:- Puppies go through the second stage, which typically takes three to twelve hours, although it can take up to twenty-four.

• As Mum prepares to give birth to her puppies, her rectal temperature will stabilise.
  
• Strong contractions will be seen by you, and in the next 20 to 30 minutes, your dog should release a clear fluid from its vulva.
• Although it's common for moms to relax during birth and may not exert herself for as long as two hours between pups, puppies are often born within twenty minutes of one another. If your dog rests for more than two hours during labour, keep a tight eye on her and call your veterinarian.
• Don't be concerned if some of the litter is born tail-first; this is common. It might be necessary to gently urge the mother to give birth to puppies that arrive tail-first, but take great care not to pull.
• Before cleaning the puppy's sacs and umbilical cords herself, the mother should bite through them. Stop her and do it yourself if you see that she is attempting to gnaw the cables too near the puppy. For further details, see our section on assisting during delivery.
  
• Mothers may need to use the loo in between delivery if labour is prolonged. If she begins giving birth to the next pup at the same time, keep a tight watch on her.
• A placenta separation may be indicated by a greenish-brown discharge.  A puppy should be born in the following two to four hours if you witness this.  If not, get in touch with your veterinarian because there could be a problem with your dog's delivery.

Stage Three

• Following the birth of each puppy, the placentas should pass.
• In order to determine whether any placentas are still inside of your mother, try to find out how many have been passed (noting if she consumes any). Your veterinarian may need to step in if you believe this has occurred.
  
• Don't worry, it's very usual for moms to shiver and pant at this stage of labour, and dogs to be extremely restless and uneasy.
  

 

Helping your dog during delivery

Ideally, you won't have to step in when your dog is giving birth, but sometimes mom might need a little assistance. You may need to intervene in a few different situations.

• While the mother is giving birth to another puppy, one of the pups may require assistance. In this instance, remove the puppy from the sac and use a fresh cloth to immediately pat dry against the fur's grain. The youngster will be encouraged to take their first breath by this rubbing action as well.
  
• A puppy may have fluid in their airways if its mother hasn't cleared them.  To remove anything from their lips, insert your clean little finger, then wipe their nose.  To help them weep and get rid of any fluid they may have ingested, rub them with a cloth.
• You might have to assist mom in cutting the umbilical cord of an earlier-born puppy if she is busy giving birth to another one.  This is accomplished by tying a knot with thick thread about an inch from the pup's body where the rope is attached.  Cut the string between the two knots using clean scissors after tying another knot a bit more away from the first.  Leaving it too long might cause the mother to chew or swallow it, and cutting too near to the pup's body could endanger its health.

See our page on Things to look out for during labour for more information on the stages of labour and possible complications.

 

After the birth

Get mother some food and liquids after you are certain that labour is over and that everyone is well.  Your dog will need something that is easy on their stomach, so feed them the same puppy food they have been eating during pregnancy.

Although it may be difficult at first, try to assist your dog in going outdoors for some fresh air and to use the restroom.  After removing and replacing any items that were soiled during delivery, spend some peaceful time with the new family.

For more helpful advice, make sure to also read our easy guide Dog birth and labour problems to look out for.