How to Tell If Your Canine Is Going into Labor

Recognizing when your canine is going into labor requires careful observation on your part as its due date approaches. Sometimes labor signs are easy to recognize, but not always. A more reserved or experienced dog may try to deliver her puppies alone in a closet. Stay with your dog continually as it nears the end of its pregnancy. Allow your dog to labor and deliver her puppies in a warm, quiet environment within your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Rectal thermometer
  • Petroleum jelly
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch your dog for changes in behavior. Dogs may pant or cry out as they feel labor pains. This is an obvious sign that your dog is in labor, but not all dogs make noise as they go through labor. Watch her closely and make sure that she is comfortable. Write down when you first noticed her changes in behavior.

    • 2

      Offer your dog food and water. Many dogs lose their appetite prior to and during labor. This is not the case for all dogs, so look for other signs that she is in labor.

    • 3

      Check your dogs vulva for signs of discharge. As labor begins, this area can become red and swollen. White or greenish discharge begins to expel a few hours before the first puppy is delivered. Write down when this occurs so that you can monitor your dog's progress as labor sets in. This extra step allows you to spot any potential problems. Call your veterinarian if your dog is having extreme difficulty or if the labor is going longer than 24 hours.

    • 4

      Watch your dog for signs of fatigue. Prior to and during labor your dog can lose energy and begin nesting in its bed.

    • 5

      Check your dog's temperature. A female dog's temperature begins to go down to 98 degrees as labor progresses. According to the American Kennel Club, a normal temperature for a dog is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Your dog is not in labor if you get a normal reading. Ask someone to hold your dog while you check her temperature. Place 1 tsp. of petroleum jelly on a rectal dog thermometer and insert the front bulb about 1 inch into your dog's anus. Hold the thermometer in place for about three minutes and remove slowly.