The Signs of a Puppy Giving Birth

A pregnant dog might mean anxious watching in your home to guess when she's going to deliver. Most dog pregnancies run a similar course, so you can watch for signs and symptoms to know when labor might begin. Remember that dogs might vary somewhat in the process and ask a vet when you've got questions or concerns.

  1. Early Pregnancy Signs

    • Before your dog gives birth, she is pregnant for on average 60 to 64 days. Some signs of pregnancy include a decreased appetite, decrease in activity and nipple growth. These changes happen because of hormonal changes. She might want to be left alone or could be more affectionate than normal. Her nipples grow because they get ready to produce milk for the puppies.

    Preparation Stages

    • Because a dog pregnancy is short, begin to prepare when her symptoms start to change in mid-pregnancy. She'll regain her appetite and have more energy. You might notice that her stomach is larger or feel the growing puppies kick. When this happens, prepare a box for her to labor and deliver the puppies. Put in old sheets and towels to make a nest.

    Early Labor

    • Dogs go through three stages of labor. Even before labor begins, you can tell it's happening soon. Check the dog's temperature often. When it drops to between 97 and 99 degrees, expect labor to start within 24 hours. In the first stage of labor, your dog will appear anxious. She will lose interest in eating any food and might want to be left alone. She will also find the box you've prepared for her nest or place her in the box. She may even vomit.

    Active Labor and Delivery

    • In stage two, your dog begins to actively labor and has contractions. You'll notice a green fluid sack from her vulva. The discharge might start clear and then turn dark green. You'll see the puppies begin to come out, sometimes head first and sometimes the rear end arrives first. After the puppies are born, she'll rest, indicating the third stage where the fluid sack is delivered and mild contractions end. Call your vet if the puppies are delivered within hours of each other or her labor lasts longer than a couple of hours before delivering the first puppy.