Dogs in Labor: Questions & Answers

When your veterinarian tells you that your dog's enlarging abdomen means pregnancy, you may feel both delighted and concerned. While you might welcome a new litter of puppies into your home, you might worry about that moment when your pet finally goes into labor and delivers those puppies.

You'll feel more at ease in the weeks to come once you understand what normal pregnancy and labor look like in dogs, how to help your pooch experience the safest and most comfortable labor possible, and what to do in case trouble strikes. The following questions and answers should help you prepare.

How Long Does a Normal Canine Pregnancy Last?

A canine pregnancy takes only a fraction of the gestation time humans require. Once breeding takes place, it can take at least 15 days for the fertilized eggs to embed themselves in the dog's uterus. From that point, the eggs usually take about two months to develop from the embryonic and fetal stages to puppies ready for delivery.

In addition to the characteristic enlarged abdomen, other pregnancy symptoms in dogs can include a boost in appetite, enlarged nipples, reduced physical stamina, and mood changes such as unexplained irritability. A visit to your veterinarian can confirm the pregnancy and give you a fairly accurate idea of when to expect labor.

What Signs Indicate the Onset of Labor?

During the first stage of labor, your dog's body temperature will plunge dramatically, which usually triggers bouts of shaking or shivering. Some dogs may even vomit. Your dog will probably display nesting behaviors by settling into a comfortable pile of clothes or the back of a closet.

Within several hours of this first stage, a dog's cervix will dilate in readiness for birth. You may see your dog's abdomen making rippling motions, a sign that contractions have begun. You may see a fluid discharge after the first puppy emerges. The new mother will instinctively remove the puppies' outer membranes and umbilical cords.

How Can You Help Your Dog Through Labor?

Even before labor begins, you can help to create a comfortable, reassuring environment for your dog by providing her with a whelping box in which she can nest. Although you can purchase a dedicated whelping box, you can also make one yourself out of a plastic child's swimming pool or any other shallow-sided box.

Some dogs feel the need for human companionship during labor, while others prefer solitude. Either way, try to keep a close eye on your dog as the puppies emerge. You might need to assist your dog by cleaning the newborn pups, tying off an umbilical cord, or providing extra warmth by setting up a heat lamp.

When Should You Get Your Veterinarian Involved?

Some dogs may experience dystocia, or difficult labor. Dystocia may involve problems such as breech birth, stillborn pups, or a twisted or ruptured uterus. In certain breeds such as Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs, a narrow pelvis may make a healthy natural delivery all but impossible.

Watch for possible signs of dystocia when your dog goes into labor. If hours go by between each pup's appearance despite ongoing contractions, or if you notice bleeding, pain, and other signs of serious distress, bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

Some dogs require a C-section to deliver healthy pups safely. In this procedure, the veterinarian makes an incision and removes the pups from the uterus by hand. While a case of dystocia may prompt an emergency C-section, your veterinarian might recommend the procedure early in pregnancy for a dog with a high dystocia risk.

Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach can help both your dog and your dog's new babies enjoy a happy, healthy life, starting with your dog's pregnancy and labor. Contact our veterinary clinic to schedule prenatal exams, get more answers to your questions, or seek emergency care for a pet experiencing difficult labor.