Labor Signs in Canine Pregnancy

While waiting for your dog to give birth is often an exciting time, it can also become stressful as she comes closer to delivery. However, according to Dr.Ron Hines DVM, it is best not to worry, as 98 percent of canine births are completed with no complications.

  1. Stage One of Labor:

    • Labor in a dog is like that of a human. The cervix begins to dilate causing the uterus to contract. This stage lasts between six to 18 hours and is the longest stage of labor. Look for odd behavioral manifestations such as pacing, shivering, and restlessness to identify stage one labor. Vomiting and loss of appetite are other signs that signify that delivery is imminent. Treat your dog with caution at this time. Some dogs will want to be comforted, while others may react out of fear. Painful contractions may result in fear biting, so approach your dog slowly and speak quietly to her at this time.

    Stage Two Of Labor

    • Strong uterine contractions begin during the second stage of labor. The placental water sacks break and straw-colored fluid is passed as this stage progresses. Purchase a rectal thermometer to take your dogs temperature during this process. Lubricate it with KY jelly and insert it about an inch. Leave it in place for three minutes. You will probably need help to hold your dog while you are taking her temperature. It should be between 100.1 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. When the mother's temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, she should deliver the puppies in less than 24 hours.

    Delivery

    • When the puppies begin to appear, the mother will lick them clean, breaking the placental sac and stimulating them to breathe. She will then bite off the umbilical cord. Do not disturb this process, as this is how she bonds with her puppies and learns to recognize them as her own. Monitor this stage carefully to ensure that the mother has taken care of all of the pups. If the mother does not tear away the sac and lick the pups to stimulate respiration, you should intervene. Open the sac gently with your fingers, clear all fluid away from the pup's nose and mouth, and vigorously rub the puppy to stimulate breathing.