How Do I Know If More Pups Are Inside When My Dog Gave Birth?

A female dog's gestation lasts about two months. Since a female dog may deliver one to 10 puppies in a normal litter, depending on the breed and breeding management techniques used, it can be difficult to know when a mother has finished delivering. You can use a combination of observations and signs to help know if your dog's labor is progressing well.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

    • 1

      Feel the outside of your dog's abdominal cavity with your hands. With gentle pressure, you may be able to feel the shape of any puppies still in the womb.

    • 2

      Check around the puppies and mother for the placentas. After delivering each pup, the mother should also deliver a placenta for each puppy, reports Dr. Bari Spielman of PetPlace.com. If you do not see a placenta for each puppy shortly after delivery, this could indicate your dog is having a difficult labor and may not be able to deliver all her pups.

    • 3

      Time how long your dog strains and pushes without producing a puppy. Pushing and straining for more than an hour without delivering a puppy is a sign that a puppy may be stuck in the birth canal. Veterinarian Ron Hines recommends getting veterinarian assistance should this occur.