What Are the Symptoms of a Dog About to Give Birth?

Dogs have a gestation period of about 63 days. However, there are times when an owner may not know exactly when the dog became pregnant. If this is the case, there are a few symptoms to watch for that may indicate your dog is about to go into labor.

  1. Body Temperature

    • A common sign that a dog is about to go into labor is a drop in body temperature. A dog's body temperature is normally about 100 to 102 degrees. The dog's body temperature usually drops a few degrees about two days before she delivers her puppies. If you know about when your dog is due to give birth, start checking her temperature two to three times a day to monitor it.

    Physical Illness

    • Your dog may be going into labor soon if she begins to suffer from physical symptoms that appear to occur for no reason. A loss of appetite is common. A healthy dog will usually have a good appetite, so this is a telltale sign. Other symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog shows these symptoms, she is emptying her stomach in preparation for the delivery. Be sure to have plenty of food and water ready for her after the birth.

    Nesting Behaviors

    • If your dog is about to go into labor, she may show signs of "nesting." She may seek out a comfortable place in your home to prepare for the arrival of her puppies. The dog may even hide under the bed or in an enclosed place, such as a closet, to prepare for whelping. Provide her with blankets and pillows. Your dog may also seek out extra attention from you while she goes through labor. Do your best to make her comfortable.

    Strange Behaviors

    • Your dog may simply exhibit strange behavior that is noticeably out of character for her. She may bark at strangers for no reason or react negatively to other animals being around her. She may be trying to prevent anyone or anything from interfering with her labor or causing any problems with her puppies. She may show aggression as a way to scare off outsiders as a way to protect her puppies.