How to Tell If Your Pregnant Dog Is Having Problems Giving Birth?

Most dogs deliver puppies without any complications, and even if your dog is delivering her first litter, instinct will tell her what to do and how to care for her babies. However, if your dog is pregnant, you should know the warning signs that your dog needs help giving birth. Be prepared to make the delivery as easy as possible for your pet and be ready to seek veterinary assistance if anything goes wrong.

Things You'll Need

  • Calendar
  • Ink Pen
  • Thermometer
  • Clock
  • Clean towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Figure as close as possible the date your dog conceived. Normal gestation is 63 days. If your dog starts labor more than a week early or hasn't started within 69 days of conception, there may be a problem. Record the date of conception on a calendar.

    • 2

      Monitor your dog's temperature as she gets close to the end of her pregnancy. Record the twice-daily temperature readings, which should be taken rectally, on the calendar. Within 24 hours of labor starting, her temperature will drop below 100 degrees. If your dog hasn't started labor and her temperature dropped more than 24 hours ago, you should take her to a veterinarian immediately. If your dog's temperature climbs higher than 102.8 degrees Fahrenheit in the days before or after delivery, you should take her to a veterinarian.

    • 3

      Record the time that your dog's labor begins. She will be restless and anxious. She may pant, pace and will most likely refuse food. She will begin to nest, dragging clothing and fabric to form a bed. If more than 24 hours have passed since the onset of labor and she has not started delivering puppies, you should contact a veterinarian.

    • 4

      Record the time your dog begins Stage II labor. At this point she will have hard contractions and she will strain to push the puppies out in a manner that will resemble a bowel movement. If the first puppy hasn't been delivered within two hours of the onset of Stage II labor, you should contact a veterinarian.

    • 5

      Be prepared to help the mother dog clean her puppies, but don't intervene unless she doesn't do the work herself. As soon as the puppy is delivered, the mother dog should clean the puppy by licking it. If she doesn't, there is a problem and you must intervene quickly. Remove the amniotic membrane from the puppy's face and wipe fluids from the nose and mouth. Vigorously rub the puppy with clean, warm towels.

    • 6

      Record the time when each puppy is delivered. If more than four hours pass after the last puppy is born and you think there may be more puppies, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. If the mother dog strains for more than an hour without delivering a puppy, you should also contact a veterinarian.

    • 7

      Record the number of placentas the mother dog delivers. If there are fewer placentas delivered than there are puppies, you should contact a veterinarian. If a placenta remains in the uterus, the dog will eventually become very sick.