Signs a Dog is Beginning Labor

The normal gestation period for a dog averages 63 days. Determining the exact time of conception can prove difficult. Most owners should become vigilant for signs of impending labor in their female dog from 58 to 70 days after the assumed conception date. A veterinarian may perform tests, such as examining the cells from the vagina, that can help pinpoint more accurately when labor will begin.

  1. First Indications

    • As labor approaches and she enters the first stage, the dog's eyes may become dilated. Many female dogs want seclusion and will try to avoid you when labor become imminent. The expectant mother dog may ask to go outside where she will attempt to have a bowel movement. Often she is unsuccessful at having a bowel movement and may simply strain. A mucus discharge may appear on her vulva. The region often appears inflamed. Milk production can begin three to seven days before she begins labor. She may exhibit nesting behavior at this time.

    First Time Mother Dogs

    • First time mother dogs may become confused. She might seek out a closet or hide under a bed to have her puppies. She might avoid the whelping box entirely or seek it out. She often will lay on her side and pant. The discharge from the vulva may become more excessive, and she might start to lick herself more frequently. She might start examining her hind end and appear confused. Some dogs begin to shiver and appear chilled.

    Monitoring

    • Diligently monitor the female dog's temperature twice per day when her due date begins to approach. The dog's temperature will fall from its normal range of 101 degrees Fahrenheit down to 98 or 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature drop occurs 24 hours before her labor symptoms begins. When the owner detects the temperature drop in the dog, the first stage of labor begins. She will begin to become more and more anxious. Pacing may commence. She usually will begin to pant, refuse food and may vomit.

    Whelping

    • If the mother dog does not want company, leave her alone. If she does not wish to lay in the whelping box, do not make her. When she begins to show visible contractions, the first puppy should arrive within one to two hours. If the puppy does not appear seek veterinarian help immediately. After the first puppy arrives, the next puppy may not appear for up to four hours. During the brief respite, the the female dog will clean and nurse the first puppy. She may even doze. If she does not have another puppy within four hours, but she still retains puppies, seek veterinarian advice.