After a pregnancy length of about 63 days, your dog will begin to show signs of labor. She will exhibit several precursory signs prior to her actual labor, and then she will likely have a drop in body temperature, followed by physical labor. Labor and delivery can be categorized into three stages, with a total time variance between four hours and 24 hours, depending on the litter size.
Signs of Impending Labor
Step 1
Watch your dog for restless, nesting behavior. Give her a bed in a quiet area with enough bedding to make a nest. Towels, small blankets and newspaper can be good materials for her nesting bed. Your dog may scratch around energetically in her bedding one to seven days before labor actually begins.
Step 2
Pay attention to physical changes taking place in your dog's body. As labor time approaches, your dog's mammary glands will begin to enlarge; milk may be present two to nine days before she gives birth. The vulva may become swollen, and a clear to slightly cloudy discharge may occur.
Step 3
Take your dog's rectal temperature twice a day. If you have never taken your dog's temperature, consult your veterinarian for the proper procedure. Normally, a dog's temperature is between 100.5 degrees and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Approximately 24 hours before labor, your dog's temperature will drop below 100 degrees.
Step 4
Examine your dog's abdomen. As labor approaches, small contractions will cause the abdomen to harden periodically. The frequency and intensity of the contractions will increase as labor become imminent. Her abdomen will feel like a bag of rocks, and her appetite may dwindle.
Signs of True Labor
Step 1
Observe your dog for signs of agitation. She may pant heavily, have a glazed look in her eyes or stare at her abdomen. Additional signs of labor beginning include pacing or seeking seclusion. Take your dog outside to allow her to relieve herself prior to the next stage of labor.
Step 2
Monitor your dog for more subtle signs of labor. Shivering is common, but uncontrollable tremors are not. Most dogs will refuse to eat when labor begins, and may vomit. Do not force your dog to eat. If she hasn't eaten for 48 hours, and no further signs of labor are displayed, call your veterinary hospital.
Step 3
Give your dog clean bedding in her whelping box. Vaginal mucous discharge may increase as labor begins. She will continue her nesting activity during the first stage of labor, thus rearranging her bedding many times before a puppy is born. Labor between puppies can range from five minutes to two hours.
Warnings
Take your dog to the veterinarian if there is a greenish or bloody discharge.
If your dog shows true signs of labor and no puppies appear in three to four hours, take her to your veterinarian.
Tips
Be patient.
Give your dog a quiet environment for nesting and labor.
Items You Will Need
- Rectal thermometer
- Box or bed
- Blankets, towels or newspapers
References
Photo Credits
- mother dog with puppy image by Phaedra Wilkinson from Fotolia.com