Visual Signs of Dog Labor: How to Know Your Dog is in Labor

As mentioned, canine pregnancy typically lasts for around two months. The actual process of giving birth to their litter generally takes between three to 12 hours, in which time the female dog can pop out upwards of 12 puppies, although between four and six is the norm across most breeds.

Overall, the fetuses are typically delivered within a couple of hours of each other and the process should never take more than 24 hours. Thus, if it is heading towards this time frame, you should see a vet immediately as the chances of complications start to become very high.

When they are about to go into labor, female dogs tend to find a safe space to do so on account of their survival instincts. This is known as nesting.

During this time, dogs might transport their beds around with them, and they may even try and scratch its surface in an attempt to clean them.

It is important not to pick the place where you want your dog to drop her litter because this kind of intervention will only stress her out. Instead, let her pick what feels like the right spot, as this will provide her with a sense of security and control.

Another of the tell-tale visual signs of dog labor is that they might not want you to leave them. This, again, relates to their survival instincts, as they want someone they can trust, who can protect them during the entire process.

For this reason, when your dog goes into labor, it is important to be present and available for them at that time.

It is also possible that your dog might not want you to be anywhere near her when she goes into labor.

This is a personal choice and is entirely dependent on her preference. When giving birth, some dogs tend to feel much safer being alone.

Dogs have an average body temperature of 101.3 degrees. However, as a general rule of thumb, if your pooch’s drops below 100 degrees or is a full 1 degree lower than normal, it is usually one of the more reliable visual signs of dog labor happening within the next 12-24 hours. (To help you monitor this, it is a good idea to know what your dog’s normal temperature is).

Most dogs tend to give birth once their body temperature falls below 100, within a period of twenty-four hours.

Dogs can often experience nausea when they go into labor and even vomit.

Therefore, if you notice your dog doing this, be cautious about giving her a cuddle. While it’s important to offer comfort if she wants attention, you should avoid encouraging behavior that could lead to getting bitten, especially since she might not be behaving as she usually would. Afterward, clean up the mess and bring her some water to prevent her from becoming dehydrated.

If the vomit takes the form of a white foam, it is generally not considered a significant sign of concern. However, if your dog is vomiting repeatedly or there is any blood in the vomit, you should contact your vet immediately.

When your dog is about to give birth, fluid comes out, so if you see your dog licking their genitals, it is their way of trying to remain clean.

When they go into labor, many female dogs do not like to eat. So, if you notice that your four-legged friend is suddenly off her food, this could be a sign that the puppies will be born soon.

Even if she is not eating, it is important to keep her well-hydrated at this time.

Unfortunately, as much as we would like them to, not all dog births go to plan.

Sadly, there is always the possibility that something might go wrong during labor or birth, so if anything does not seem quite right, it is important to call an emergency vet immediately (which is why it is vital to have the number on hand).

Here are some situations that, while hopefully, your dog won’t ever experience when it is in labor, if it does, you should phone your vet immediately.

• Abnormal vaginal/vulval discharge

• No onset of stage 2 labor - so she has been having mild contractions, or her temperature has dropped, but does not seem to have properly started labor.

• In stage 2 labor for more than 3-4 hours with no fetal delivery

• More than 2 hours between fetal deliveries

• 30 minutes of active straining without delivery

• More than an hour of weak intermittent straining without delivery

• Mum is distressed, weak, tired, or dehydrated

While the birth of puppies is always something to celebrate, it is important to do all you can to ensure your dog gives birth to a healthy litter.

By recognizing the visual signs of labor, you will go a long way towards ensuring she can do this because you’ll be able to provide her with the space or support she needs and, most importantly, be there to help if she should need it.

Especially if it involves phoning a vet to help deal with an emergency situation.