Remember when my labrador Daisy started digging at blankets like her life depended on it? I thought she'd lost her marbles until the vet said, "Those are classic signs of giving birth in dogs." After helping deliver over 30 litters at our shelter, I've learned most owners miss early clues.
Pro tip: Dogs rarely give birth between 9-5 on weekdays. My first foster delivery happened at 2:47 AM. Set phone alerts when you see early signs.
Timetable: What Happens When Dogs Are About to Give Birth
Think of dog labor in phases. Missing the signs of impending birth in dogs means you might walk in on puppies mid-delivery (ask me about the time I found Sarah with three pups already out while I was getting coffee).
| Time Before Delivery | Physical Changes | Behavioral Signs | What Owners Should Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Weeks Out | • Nipple enlargement • Milk droplets (not all dogs) | • Nesting starts • Appetite changes | Set up whelping box, stock supplies |
| 24-48 Hours | • Temperature drop below 99°F • Clear vaginal discharge | • Restlessness peaks • Panting/shivering | Cancel plans, start puppy log |
| 6-24 Hours | • Water breaks (greenish fluid) • Strong abdominal contractions | • Intense nesting • Licking genital area | Call vet if no puppy within 2 hours of contractions |
That Crucial Temperature Drop
This is the gold standard sign your dog will deliver soon. Normal dog temp is 100-102.5°F. When it drops below 99°F consistently? Puppies usually arrive within 24 hours. I check every 6 hours once they hit day 58.
Warning: If temp drops but rises again, call your vet immediately. This happened to a neighbor's poodle and meant infection.
Behavioral Signs You Can't Ignore
Dogs aren't subtle when labor approaches. Last week, a client called me frantic because her usually lazy bulldog was shredding towels. Classic.
The Nesting Instinct
This isn't just cute - it's biological programming. You'll see:
- Obsessive digging/scratching at bedding
- Gathering toys/clothes into piles
- Hiding in dark spaces (closets, under beds)
Funny story: Our rescue husky once dragged six shoes, a phone charger, and a bag of rice into her box. No clue why.
Appetite and Attachment Shifts
Watch for these changes:
- Eating less or skipping meals (stomach space shrinks)
- Suddenly clingy or unusually distant
- Whining/vocalizing more than usual
My rule? If they refuse chicken, labor is close. Works 90% of the time.
Physical Signs Labor Has Started
When real contractions begin, signs of giving birth in dogs become unmistakable. During Daisy's last litter, I timed these phases:
| Symptom | What It Looks Like | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 Contractions | • Restless pacing • Repeated lying down/getting up • "Side-eye" look at belly | 6-18 hours |
| Active Labor | • Visible abdominal squeezing • Straining positions (squatting) • Water breaking (green/brown fluid) | Puppy every 30-90 mins |
| Placenta Delivery | • Dark red tissue after each pup • Mother eats placenta (normal) | Within 15 mins per puppy |
That Green Discharge Explained
Seeing green goo freaks out new owners. It's uterine fluid mixed with puppy meconium. Good news? It means labor is progressing. Bad news? If you see green but no puppy within 2 hours, rush to the ER. I learned this hard way with a foster dog.
Emergency Signs Most Owners Miss
Not all signs of giving birth in dogs mean smooth sailing. These require immediate vet attention:
- Bright red bleeding before puppies (not spotting)
- Continuous straining >45 mins with no puppy
- Weakness/collapse between puppies
- Foul-smelling discharge
Vet Dr. Evans told me: "If mom seems distressed instead of focused, something's wrong." Wish I'd known this when my childhood dog had a stuck puppy.
Keep emergency contacts visible: Your vet, nearest 24-hour clinic, and a breeder friend. Saved us twice.
Must-Have Supplies Checklist
Scrambling for towels during contractions sucks. Prepare:
- Whelping box: Low edges, puppy rails (I use kiddie pools)
- Heating pad: Set to LOW under half the box
- OB kit: Dental floss (tie cords), bulb syringe, clean scissors
- Clean-up stash: Puppy pee pads, old towels, hydrogen peroxide
Your Dog Labor Questions Answered
How long between puppies is normal?
Usually 30-60 minutes. But pauses up to 4 hours happen. If mom seems relaxed and nurses, it's probably okay. Had a boxer take a 3-hour pizza break once!
Should I help clean puppies?
Only if mom ignores them. Use warm washcloths and rub vigorously like mom would. Avoid pulling membranes - let her do it unless she's exhausted.
Do all dogs show obvious signs of giving birth?
Nope. Some stealth-deliver like ninjas. Had a terrier give birth in a laundry basket while "asleep." Watch for subtle clues like lip-licking or tail tremors.
After Delivery: What's Normal?
The real work starts post-birth. Monitor:
- Mom's temperature: Should stabilize within 24 hours
- Discharge: Red/brown for 1-3 weeks (green = vet!)
- Appetite: Should return within 12 hours (offer bland food)
Final thought? Trust your gut. You know your dog better than any guide. Those signs of giving birth in dogs become clearer with experience. My first delivery involved panic-calling a mentor at 3 AM. Now? I've helped dozens. You'll get there.
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