What Is the Process for Dogs Giving Birth to Puppies?

If you know or suspect your dog is pregnant, find out what you can expect when the time comes for the birth. The labor process for canines is similar to what humans go through, and fortunately little intervention is necessary on your part. There are, however, supportive measures you can take, to keep the mother hydrated and comfortable. You also need to know when there is a problem that needs veterinary help.

  1. Before Labor

    • Prior to the onset of labor, pregnant dogs will often lose their appetite and engage in nesting activities, such as fussing with blankets and arranging them in a spot for the birth. A dog's temperature will drop a degree or two, before the big day; so monitoring her temperature daily will give you a valuable clue to labor onset. Help your dog by providing a box for her to deliver her pups in. This will help her feel safe and it will also minimize damage from the birth itself.

    First Stage

    • The first stage of labor is the longest. Contractions begin during this stage -- this is when her cervix dilates for the puppies to pass through -- and it's a painful process. Your dog will likely pant and pace and appear uncomfortable. Mother dogs may also urinate frequently, have darker stools or lick themselves. This stage of labor can take 24 hours; but it can also pass more quickly than that. You can help the pregnant dog by keeping her surroundings quiet. Provide water and food, but she may not partake.

    Second Stage

    • The pups are born during the second stage of labor. Your dog will begin straining as they begin their decent through her birth canal. The puppies are born in their amniotic sac -- the bag of fluid each is enclosed in during pregnancy -- and you will see a dome or bubble-like structure emerge from the vagina. Allow the puppy to be born and the mother to tear away the sac. She will lick each puppy and nip the umbilical cord. Each puppy can take 30 to 60 minutes to emerge, although you may consider calling your veterinarian if 45 minutes of pushing passes with no puppy.

    Third Stage

    • A placenta is delivered following each pup's birth, and the mother dog will likely rest during this phase. Sometimes two puppies are born in a short period of time, but sometimes puppies can take longer to arrive. For each puppy, the second and third stage is repeated. If the mother doesn't open the membranes and lick her newborns within 15 minutes or so of birth, go ahead and pop them out and rub them briskly with a clean towel.