Stages of Whelping

After generally 63 days of pregnancy, a female dog--or bitch--will go through the three-stage process known as whelping. The term whelping refers to the birth event of any carnivorous mammal, although the term is most often applied to dog birth. Dogs exhibit some very odd behavior during the painful process of whelping. Owners can do a lot to make the process easier for their dogs.

  1. Terminology

    • There are a few terms that are unique to the whelping process. First, a whelp is the name given to a puppy as it is born. Another name for a bitch is a dam. While going through the whelping process, she is referred to as the dam. A whelping box is where the dam will go to deliver her puppies. This should be created by the owner and ready to go when the dam begins whelping. Normal presentation refers to a normal, head-first birth. If the puppies are delivered feet first it is called breach birth and may result in complications.

    Stage One

    • This stage begins anywhere from 12 to 24 hours prior to birth. The first sign is the dam's refusal to eat. She will then exhibit nesting behavior, where she scratches at walls and turns in circles. She will pant excessively and may have signs of mucus discharge at the cervix. The whelping box should be ready to go at this stage because the dam will want to get comfortable there in preparation for Stage Two.

    Stage Two

    • The dam will begin shivering and experience some mild contractions as the puppies move down from the cervix to the birth canal. The first puppy typically appears about four hours after her water breaks, and in no event should this period be allowed to continue beyond six hours. If the process takes any longer than six hours, the dam and puppies are in danger and a vet must be contacted immediately. As contractions get closer and closer together, the dam is ready to move on to the next stage.

    Stage Three

    • The dam's water will break and she will begin to deliver the whelps. She will experience very strong uterine contractions. You will be able to see the amniotic sac as the puppy is pushed through the birth canal. A greenish liquid may accompany the appearance of an amniotic sac. As the dam pushes the puppy out, the head will become visible through the sac. When the puppy is delivered, the dam will begin tearing the sac and licking the whelp furiously. This is done in order to stimulate breathing and also works to build a bond between mother and puppy.