First Signs of Labor in Breeding Dogs

Canine gestation takes between 58 and 68 days; 65 is typical. For breeding dogs, labor is a time when instinct takes over. Nature has equipped the dog with a set of instincts that she will use to ensure her puppies are delivered in a safe, secure environment. It is the role of the dog's owner to ensure that nothing disrupts this natural process.

  1. Nesting

    • The nesting instinct kicks in during the late stages of pregnancy and typically continues until labor. In the wild, bitches will give birth in a quiet, secluded area away from predators. Your dog will have the same instinct and will typically retreat to a quiet part of the house. Establish a nesting area for the dog in her basket, line it with blankets and towels and ensure it is out of the way.

    Behavioral Change

    • A dog's behavior will change before labor. This normally occurs roughly between 6 and 24 hours before delivery commences. The dog may display signs of restlessness, agitation or mild discomfort. All these changes are normal. You may notice during the late stages of pregnancy that your dog is mothering her toys: collecting and placing them in her basket or sleeping area.

    Body Temperature

    • The body temperature of your dog will drop shortly before labor begins. When her temperature dips below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect labor within 24 hours.

    Pacing

    • Shortly before labor starts, your dog may begin to pace nervously. She may also begin to claw at the floor. These are both perfectly normal signs of labor.

    Vomiting

    • Some dogs may vomit during the early stages of labor. This is not common, but it is not necessarily a cause for concern if the vomiting occurs once or twice. However, in cases of prolonged and frequent vomiting, you should call the vet.

    Shivering

    • It is completely normal for a dog to shiver before going in to labor. This is a natural response to the drop in body temperature.

    Panting

    • As your dog prepares to deliver the first puppy, she will begin to pant heavily. Panting is part of the normal sequence of events that prepare the dog's body to go into labor.

    Straining

    • Straining is the first stage of delivery. You will notice that your dog's abdomen is expanding and contracting. She will be having contractions by this point, and you will observe that she is beginning to push. She may whine or whimper at this stage; this is quite normal.