Signs a Dog Has Given Birth

Determining whether or not a dog has recently given birth is an important skill for anyone who takes in stray dogs. A female dog should not be separated from puppies that are less than eight weeks old. It may be difficult to tell whether or not a dog has ever given birth in the past, but careful observation should reveal if a dog is currently nursing a litter. Signs that a dog has given birth may include enlarged nipples, lactation, discharge from the vulva, behavioral changes and coat changes.

  1. Enlarged Nipples and Lactation

    • Female dogs that have given birth may have significantly enlarged, prominent nipples, even months or years after weaning the litter. Dogs that have never given birth typically have small nipples that are invisible when observing the dog from her side. If a dog is in heat, her nipples may be swollen and more pronounced than usual. If a dog has enlarged nipples and is not in heat, it is likely that she has had puppies in the past. If she is actively lactating, it is probably that she is pregnant, nursing a litter or experiencing a false pregnancy.

    Discharge

    • Dogs that have recently given birth will produce a steady, odorless, reddish-brown discharge from the vulva for at least one to two weeks following delivery. A slight discharge may be observed for four to six weeks after a litter is born. Discharge from the vulva is also seen in pregnant dogs and dogs in heat. Blood or pus discharged from the vulva may indicate a serious health problem requiring a veterinarian's immediate attention.

    Behavior Changes

    • Dogs that have recently given birth may seem anxious and fearful when separated from their puppies. A dog who is nursing a litter may even snap or growl at strangers that approach her pups. A voracious appetite may also be a sign that a female dog is nursing a litter. Strong maternal instincts directed at other animals, including animals of other species, are common in female dogs that are not spayed and do not necessarily indicate that the dog has given birth.

    Heavy Shedding

    • When nursing puppies, most dogs will experience sudden, heavy shedding, known as "blowing coat." Bald spots should not appear, but hair will be shed in clumps. This is especially noticeable in long-haired dogs. Heavy shedding is also normal for dogs in heat and dogs shedding a winter coat or summer coat when the seasons change. However, if other signs of nursing are observed in addition to shedding, the dog may be blowing coat because she has recently given birth.