Seeing your dog go through labour can be nerve-wracking. I remember when my Border Collie, Luna, had her first litter. I was pacing more than she was! Knowing the signs a dog is in labour isn't just textbook stuff - it's about catching those little clues that tell you "it's time." Let's cut through the fluff and talk real signals you'll see.
The Countdown Begins: Pre-Labour Signals
About 24-48 hours before things kick off, dogs start showing changes. You won't see dramatic contractions yet, but subtle shifts that scream "get ready!"
Temperature Drop: Nature's Alarm Clock
Here's a pro tip I learned from my vet: take your dog's rectal temperature twice daily starting day 58 of pregnancy. Normal is 101-102.5°F (38.3-39.2°C). When it drops below 100°F (37.8°C)? Labour typically starts within 24 hours. With Luna, hers plummeted to 99.1°F at 9 AM, and contractions started by midnight.
Nesting Overdrive
Dogs become interior designers overnight. They'll scratch floors, rearrange blankets, and pace between spots. My neighbor's Lab dragged every towel from the laundry basket into her closet. Classic nesting! But don't assume all dogs nest - some strays we fostered just collapsed wherever.
Appetite Changes and Restlessness
Most dogs lose interest in food 12-24 hours pre-labour. Luna turned her nose up at chicken - that's when I knew. Restlessness kicks in too - panting, inability to settle, constant position changes. They might even vomit (usually clear fluid).
| Pre-Labour Sign | What It Looks Like | Timeline Before Labour |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Drop | Rectal temp below 100°F (37.8°C) | 8-24 hours |
| Nesting Behavior | Scratching floors, rearranging bedding | 12-48 hours |
| Appetite Loss | Refusing favorite foods | 12-24 hours |
| Restlessness | Pacing, panting, inability to settle | 6-24 hours |
| Vomiting | Clear fluid or bile | 12-24 hours |
Funny story - I once panicked when Luna started digging in her whelping box like she was tunneling to China. Called the emergency vet at 2 AM. Turns out? Totally normal pre-labour behavior. Wasted $200 on that visit!
Stage 1 Labour: The Real Deal Starts
This is when subtle signs become unmistakable signs a dog is in labour. Contractions begin internally, lasting 6-18 hours (longer for first-time moms).
Visible Contractions and Panting
You'll see abdominal tightening every 15-30 minutes. Heavy panting happens even in cool rooms - it's pain response, not overheating. Luna sounded like a steam engine!
Discharge Check
A clear, odorless mucus plug appears as the cervix dilates. Later, greenish discharge signals placental separation. If you see dark green before puppies? Call your vet immediately - could mean distress.
Behavioral Shifts
Affectionate dogs might hide, while aloof ones become clingy. Luna alternated between burrowing into my lap and growling at me. Totally normal hormonal chaos.
Pro Tip: Time contractions from the start of one to the start of the next. When they're 10-15 minutes apart with strong intensity, stage 2 is imminent. Write times down - sleep deprivation makes you forget everything!
Stage 2 Labour: Puppies Arriving
Active pushing begins! This phase delivers puppies, usually lasting 3-12 hours. Key signs a dog is in labour now are unmistakable.
Strong Abdominal Straining
Visible, rhythmic contractions every 2-3 minutes. Your dog may adopt a "squatting" position or lie on her side. Intense pushing lasts 10-30 minutes per puppy.
Water Breaking
A gush of fluid precedes each puppy - it's the amniotic sac rupturing. Not like human movies! With Luna, it was more like a small water balloon popping.
Puppy Delivery
First puppies usually arrive within 1-2 hours of strong contractions. Normal presentation is nose-first or feet-first (breech isn't necessarily problematic). Moms typically:
- Lick amniotic sac away
- Sever umbilical cord
- Eat the placenta (gross but normal)
| Delivery Milestone | Normal Timing | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| First puppy after active pushing | Within 2 hours | Over 2 hours with straining |
| Time between puppies | 15-60 minutes | Over 2 hours without signs |
| Placenta delivery | After each puppy | Retained placenta >4 hours |
| Total labour duration | 3-12 hours | Over 24 hours without completion |
Red Flag: If your dog strains intensely for 45+ minutes without producing a puppy, or if you see a stuck puppy partially visible for >15 minutes - emergency vet time. I learned this hard way when a foster dog needed an emergency C-section.
Stage 3 Labour: Afterbirth Details
Often overlaps with stage 2. Placentas usually pass within 15 minutes of each puppy. Count them! Missing placentas cause infection.
Green Discharge
Normal postpartum discharge (lochia) is dark green/brown initially, turning reddish over weeks. Foul odor? Trouble.
Mom's Post-Birth Behavior
She'll clean puppies vigorously and may ignore food initially. Luna refused steak for 12 hours post-birth - then devoured two pounds in minutes!
Emergency Signs: When to Call the Vet
Not every labour is textbook. These signs demand immediate action:
- Prolonged straining >45 minutes without puppy
- Fetal membrane visibility without puppy emerging
- Fresh blood (not dark green/brown discharge)
- Weakness/collapse during labour
- Fever >103°F (39.4°C)
I messed up once - missed a retained placenta for 8 hours. Dog developed metritis (uterine infection). $1,200 later, she recovered. Don't be me! Count placentas.
Your Labour Supply Checklist
Gather these BEFORE labour starts. Midnight Walmart runs aren't fun.
- Whelping box: Kid's pool works great (minimum 4'x4')
- Absorbent pads: Washable incontinence pads beat newspapers
- Supplies:
- Unwaxed dental floss (for tying cords)
- Sterile scissors
- Bulb syringe
- Heat lamp + digital thermometer (keep area 85°F/29.5°C for newborns)
- Goat's milk replacer (just in case)
- Contacts: Vet ER number on speed dial
Common Questions About Labour Signs in Dogs
How long does dog labour last from first signs?
From first noticeable contractions? Usually 6-18 hours for stage 1, then 3-12 hours for active delivery. But my Boxer took 36 hours start to finish - every dog differs.
Do dogs scream during labour?
Some whine or yelp during intense contractions, but non-stop screaming isn't normal. Could indicate obstruction or rupture. Better safe than sorry - call your vet.
Can labour stop and start?
Yep, especially with first litters. Luna took "breaks" up to 2 hours between puppies. But if active straining stops >4 hours with unborn pups? Vet time.
Should I let my dog eat the placentas?
One or two won't hurt (they're nutrient-rich), but too many cause vomiting/diarrhea. I allowed one per litter - froze extras for later nutrient boost.
What if my dog ignores her puppies?
First-time moms sometimes panic. Place pups near teats. Rub a tiny bit of Karo syrup on their lips. If she's aggressive? Separate and call vet ASAP.
What NOT to Do When Your Dog is in Labour
Over the years, I've seen well-meaning owners cause problems:
- Don't pull puppies unless absolutely necessary (and you've been shown how)
- Don't cut cords too early - wait until mom does it or cord stops pulsing
- Don't panic if she eats/drinks less for 24 hours post-birth
- Don't invite spectators - stress prolongs labour
Post-Labour Care Essentials
The real work begins after delivery! Watch for:
- Maternal fever: Temp >103°F (39.4°C) within 48 hours = vet
- Puppy weight gain: Weigh daily - should gain 5-10% birth weight daily
- Milk supply: Gently compress teats - should produce milk easily
Honestly? Nothing beats experience. My first time, I probably overreacted to every twitch. Now I know when to chill and when to act. Watch your dog closer than any guidebook - she'll show you when it's time. Recognizing those labour signs in your dog means less panic and more focused help when she needs you.
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