Signs of Parturition in Dogs

Parturition in dogs is the process they go through giving birth. Also called whelping, parturition is a natural process that generally needs no help by others. Certain breeds require veterinary assistance and even C-section deliveries; however, in most breeds if a female is healthy, she can go through the delivery on her own. Dogs have three main stages of parturition, which can last for a couple of days.

  1. First Stage

    • At the beginning of parturition when the pregnant dog is in the early stages of labor, her cervix will start dilating and she will begin to feel contractions. You will notice her becoming more restless and uncomfortable. She will lose her appetite and may become nauseated and vomit. As anxiety sets in, she may pant, whine incessantly or busy herself with nesting. The dog should be in a relaxed environment, preferably in a prearranged area for her to give birth in. This stage can last from six hours to a full day.

    Second Stage

    • During the middle stage of parturition, the mother gives birth to the pups. Her abdomen will contract as she pushes out the puppies. They are born anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours apart and the placentas will be expelled after each puppy. As each puppy is born, the mother will lick the puppy clean and sever the umbilical cord which will help the pups begin breathing. The cleansing routine also helps the mother bond with her puppies. This birthing stage can take anywhere from six to 24 hours. Between puppies, the mother might wander around, have a small snack and a drink of water or use the bathroom.

    Third Stage

    • The third stage of parturition occurs once all of the puppies are born. At this point, the mother's uterus will fully contract and expel any leftover placenta. Blood and other fluids may also be discharged. It is essential during the labor process that the mother dog be left on her own to handle the birth. The majority of problems that arise are a result of human disturbances that cause the dog anxiety. Unless you see signs of a troubled birth, only peek in on the mother occasionally.

    Troubled Birth

    • While 98 percent of deliveries by dogs go off without a hitch, every so often dogs have a complicated birth. A common reason is a breach puppy that the mother is unable to expel on her own. In this scenario, try to gently extract the puppy yourself. If that doesn't work, call a veterinarian. If the mother is having violent tremors, vomiting, panting excessively or has been trying aggressively to give birth for an hour without success, contact a veterinarian.