What Are the Final Stages of Canine Labor?

The first stage of canine labor (or whelping) is extreme restlessness. The second stage is when contractions start. The final two stages are when a puppy is delivered, soon followed by its placenta (afterbirth).

  1. Body Position

    • According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," pregnant dogs may lie on their sides or take up a squatting position during the final stages of labor. The sides of the dog will ripple as contractions hit.

    Final Stage

    • The final stage of dog whelping is when the placenta is delivered. Normally, the placenta immediately follows the puppy, but Hilltop Animal Hospital notes it can take up to 15 minutes for the placenta to come out.

    Time Frame

    • Hilltop Animal Hospital notes that whelping an entire litter of puppies can take up 24 hours, with a rest of 30 minutes between deliveries of each puppy, but the average time of whelping is just three to six hours.

    Warning

    • "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" says that a vet should be called if any dog is in the final stages of labor for over an hour and not one puppy has appeared. Also call if the dog is still in labor four hours after puppies have arrived.

    Misconception

    • It is normal for dark green liquid to come out of the mother dog for days after the whelping. But if the fluid comes out before a puppy, then call a vet.