Signs That My Dog Is Ready to Give Birth

Preparing for a dog to give birth to, or whelp, her puppies can be exciting for pet owners. They want to ensure that their dog has everything she needs for a successful birth and that they will be present to help the mother if she suffers from any complications. While most pets want and need little intervention during the birth process, it can be helpful to know when your dog̵7;s labor might begin.

  1. Increase in Nesting Behaviors

    • A week or two prior to labor, a dog might begin to shred newspapers, towels, cushions, blankets and other items in order to build a nest for her puppies. She will tend to move these items to a secluded area. To avoid damage to your furnishings, place a small box (with 6-to-8-inch-tall sides) in an isolated area of your house to serve as her whelping box.

    Drop in Body Temperature

    • A dog̵7;s normal temperature is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit and will usually drop two degrees about 24 hours before the start of labor. If you start taking her temperature daily when she is at around 58 days' gestation, you can often use the temperature readings to determine when labor is imminent.

    Production of Milk

    • While dogs occasionally begin to produce milk as early as nine days before delivery, milk production usually begins around 24 hours before the onset of labor. You might be able to gently express milk from your dog̵7;s mammary glands, or you might see it leaking or dripping when it "comes in."

    Refusal to Eat

    • A dog might stop eating during the last 24 hours of pregnancy, even if offered her favorite foods or special treats.

    Vomiting

    • Dogs often become ill and suffer from vomiting a couple of days before labor. This is a natural way for your dog to empty her stomach prior to labor. Make sure you offer her plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration.

    Mucous Vaginal Discharge

    • The dog̵7;s external genitalia will become soft and swollen and you might notice a thick, mucous discharge. You can expect this discharge to turn thin and greenish a few hours before the birth.

    Restlessness and Irritability

    • Since dogs often become irritable in their last one or two weeks of pregnancy, keep small children and other pets away from them to avoid conflict. Prior to the onset of labor a dog will often pace around the house and seem unable to rest or stay still. Your dog might also appear nervous and want to stay close to you.