Do you have a pregnant dog? It is important to know the signs a dog is going into labor soon. Breeding a dog is a huge responsibility with much to learn about the whelping day and caring for puppies.
Breeding a dog can be stressful for you and the dog, it is always best to gather as much knowledge as possible and especially know the signs a dog is going into labor soon.
In this article, you will learn general information about caring for a pregnant canine, preparing for puppies, a whelping checklist, the signs a dog is going into labor soon, and when to call an emergency vet.
Caring for a Pregnant Canine
Breeders work directly with a professional veterinarian for pre-pregnancy tests and exams. Once your dog is bred, you will want to schedule regular follow up appointments with your vet as well.
Signs that your dog is expecting puppies could include increased appetite, weight gain, swollen belly, increased napping times, non-characteristic irritability, increased nipple size, and more affectionate.
It is not uncommon for the date of breeding to not match up with the date of conception. Dogs can be pregnant anywhere from 62-64 days. As the puppies develop in your dog, expect to see an increase in her appetite. Expecting dogs consume approximately 35-50% more food, especially later in the pregnancy.
Mild exercise is healthy for a pregnant canine. She may tire easily so keep her exercise to walking and nothing strenuous. Next, you will want to prepare the whelping box and be ready for puppies.
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Preparing for Puppies
Plan on buying all the supplies needed for a successful whelping day. Your local veterinarian will be your greatest resource when it comes to properly caring for your pregnant dog.
Before the big day for you and your dog, gather all the needed materials. If this is your dog’s first-time delivering puppies, plan on being available in case she needs assistance with the puppies.
Designate a quiet area in your home where your dog is comfortable. Prepare your whelping area and purchase necessary supplies. A whelping box is a safe, warm, and draft-free area for the female dog and her puppies.
Before you see signs a dog is going into labor soon, get the expectant dog familiar with the whelping area. She needs to feel comfortable getting in and out of the area. It should be in a location that is easy to clean.
Whelping Checklist
- Whelping box prepared
- Blankets
- Sheets or newspaper for the whelping day
- Dry clean towels
- Paper towels
- Thermometer (for checking temperature before whelping)
- Unwaxed dental floss
- Clean sterile scissors
- Iodine for cleaning puppies cut umbilical cords
- Heat Lamp with clamps
- Bulb syringe
- Baby scale
- Honey and water
- Canine milk replacement (emergency use)
- Canine bottle feeder (emergency use)
- Veterinarian’s phone number nearby
- Emergency After hours Veterinarian’s phone number
Signs a Dog is Going Into Labor Soon
As the day approaches for your pregnant dog, watch carefully for the signs a dog is going into labor soon. You might begin to see the puppies kick and move inside the expectant female. As labor approaches your dog’s belly might sway side to side when they move about.
Nesting. Your pregnant dog will begin looking for a safe place to whelp. This instinctive behavior is called nesting. Your dog may scratch at the area to “clean” the surface. Some breeders provide blankets, towels or sheets that can easily be changed later on.
Enlargement of the Mammary Glands. A couple days before whelping, the mammary glands will enlarge. You might notice a bit of milky fluid as the milk glands begin to develop. The engorgement is how the pregnant dog will give the puppies their first food.
Increase in Body Temperature. The average dog’s body temperature is 101.3 You’re your dog’s temperature, approximately eight to twenty-four hours before whelping the rectal temperature of the pregnant dog drops below 100°.
Incessant Licking. Your pregnant dog may begin licking their genital area. A fluid comes out when they give birth. By licking the area your dog is trying to stay clean.
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Panting. Your dog might begin to pant heavily and want you to be within their sight. They want someone they can trust beside them for support.
Move Away. Some pregnant dogs prefer to be alone during the nesting and whelping stages.
Shivering or Trembling. When a dog is in pain or distress, they might shiver or tremble. Calm and comfort your dog by gently touching and being close by.
Vomiting. Right before they go into labor, they might experience nausea which leads to vomiting. Always clean up the vomit area right away. Keep water accessible to ensure the dog stays hydrated.
Hardened Abdomen. Expect contractions to start within 48-72 hours before the puppies arrive. Unborn puppies may whine or yelp during the labor process. When your dog’s stomach feels very firm, they are about to have puppies. Abdominal contractions will start slow and gain in strength.
Refusal to Eat. Many females about to whelp will eat very little food or refuse food. Again, always provide access to water as staying hydrated is important.
It is important to know the signs of when a dog is going to labor soon. If your dog exhibits the above signs and labor does not begin, you may need to contact your local vet.
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When to Call an Emergency Vet
Even experienced breeders and female dogs need the advice of a professional. Call your veterinarian if your dog’s temperature drops below 100 and she hasn’t started labor within the 24 hour period.
You could be looking at a serious emergency if more than two hours pass between the birth of puppies or your dog labors hard for over an hour without any more puppies being birthed.
If your dog is shivering, trembling, or collapsing after labor has begun, that is a sign that she is in distress. Call your vet immediately to avoid putting the female dog and puppies at further risk.
When your dog does not deliver all the placentas, you will need to see a veterinarian for assistance. It is wise to call your veterinarian if your dog appears to be exhausted before delivering all her puppies and is in distress.
Puppies will begin nursing several times during those first two hours after birth. If the puppies do not latch on and nurse, call your local vet for further advice.
What are the Signs a Dog is Going into Labor Soon?
Experiencing a birth with your dog is a momentous occasion. After carefully testing the dogs and preparing for the whelping day, you want to keep a close eye on your dog for the first signs of labor.
Your dog will begin a nesting behavior, may refuse to eat, begin panting, decreased body temperature and have a hardened abdomen. Stay calm and be present for your dog during the birthing. Just in case an emergency should arise, be ready with your veterinarian’s phone number.
It is a huge responsibility to care for a pregnant dog, preparing the whelping area, and knowing the signs a dog is going into labor soon.
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