Dog Labor Symptoms

A female dog, rightly referred to as a bitch, can only become pregnant if she is bred during her heat cycle. The pregnancy generally lasts about two months or 56 to 69 days from the date of the first breeding, although this period may be slightly shorter or longer. Smaller breeds may deliver a week earlier while large breeds often deliver later. Over 98% of all dogs deliver their puppies without assistance or complications.

For the first three weeks of pregnancy, you may not notice any changes in the bitch. Some females will become more demanding for attention, their nipples may enlarge slightly, and some may become hungrier.
Bitches can display the same signs during 'false pregnancy; a hormonal abnormality, which may occur after a bitch has been in heat.

Decreased appetite is usually one of the earliest signs that your bitch might be pregnant. Not all female dogs go through this doggie type of "morning sickness", but a small percentage will eat less during the first few weeks of gestation, usually making up for it later in their pregnancy.

Some will develop behavioral changes such as increase in affectionate behavior or an expressed desire to be left alone.

No vaccinations should take place during pregnancy, they may harm the fetus. Vaccinations are done prior to breeding. Remember always visit to the vet to consult for her condition.

During her fourth week of pregnancy, there is noticeable increase in appetite and gain of weight, the abdomen will thicken, and gentle examination of the belly will reveal a firm, rather than fat feeling to the area. The bitch should continue to have regular, but not strenuous, exercise to help her maintain her muscle tone and not become overweight. Exercise involves a daily run to make sure all her muscles, including her uterine muscles, are in top condition.

The bitch really needs enough sleep on her dog crate, at week 7, it’s advised to increase her meal about 25% and another 25 % on 8th week

As the delivery date approaches, your dog will probably start to express her nesting instincts, scratching at the floor or in her bed, and displaying signs of increasing restlessness.

When it is time to deliver, your dog's body temperature will drop slightly. You can monitor this with a rectal thermometer. Normal dog temperature is between 100-102 degrees. But when it drops below 100 degrees, you can usually expect labor in 24 hours.

During the first stage of labor the cervix begins to dilate and uterine contractions begin. These contractions are rather painful and worrying to the dog.

When your dog starts to go into labor, she will become restless and may pant, shiver, or vomit. This is normal. Make sure to provide fresh water to her at all times. This stage of labor may last up to 12 hours.

When she begins to deliver the pups, the placental water sacks break and a straw-colored fluid is passed. Placentas are expelled after each puppy or sporadically during labor. The puppies will be covered with a thin membrane which must be cleared away. The mother should do this herself, but should she neglect to do this, you will need to clear it away or the pups will suffocate. You will need to tie the umbilical cords in a knot and cut them above the knot. Pups will come about one per hour with up to half an hour of straining in between deliveries.

You will need to call your vet if:
Your dog does not deliver within one day of her temperature drop;
She is straining to deliver for more than an hour,
Takes more than a four hour break between pups,
Seems to be in great pain,
Has been pregnant for more than 70 days.
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