Signs of a Puppy's Birth

There are telltale signs when a pregnant dog is about to go into labor. They way she acts, and the things she does, tell the owner that puppies are on the way. Pregnancy lasts between 58 and 68 days. During that time, watch for the signs of labor. Knowing the dog well will help the owner be prepared for the litter.

  1. Ignoring Food

    • One of the first signs of labor is when the dog refuses to eat or ignores food completely. Do not worry if she doesn't eat. Don't try to force her to take food. As long as you fed her a high-protein diet throughout the pregnancy, she will be fine without food.

    Low Temperature

    • By day 58, begin taking the dog's temperature. Use a rectal thermometer. Lubricate the thermometer, insert it 1 inch and wait 3 minutes. Normal temperature for a dog is between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, babies will be arriving within 24 hours. Take the temperature once a day. This way, labor won't be a surprise.

    Hiding

    • Dogs in labor want a place to hide. She will look for a dark place where she can have her babies and feel safe. This is usually under a bed or in the closet. When she starts to look for a hiding place, it is best to make sure she chooses a spot that is safe, warm and comfortable. Try placing a box, if the dog is small enough, in the spot she chooses. Make sure the walls are tall enough that the babies can't get out, but the mother can. For larger dogs, try to block her off from other animals or places the puppies might get stuck or lost. Give her a comfortable bed, but don't buy something new because labor is messy.

    Acting Sick

    • When labor begins, the dog will act ill. It is normal for her to shiver, so do not worry about her being cold. Vomiting is also normal. If she vomits in her bed or box, clean it up before the puppies arrive. She might whimper a lot, or not at all. Every dog is different. This part of labor can last up to 16 hours. The best thing to do is provide her with fresh water and plenty of comfort. She will want the comfort, and it will help keep her calm.