Signs Your Dog is Ready to Give Birth and How You Can Help

As a pet owner, preparing for your dog to give birth can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. Knowing the signs your dog is ready to give birth and understanding how to assist can ensure a smoother process for both the mother and her puppies. This blog will cover everything you need to look for and how to help during this critical time.

Recognizing the Signs Your Dog is Ready to Give Birth

A dog’s pregnancy typically lasts about 58 to 68 days, with an average of 63 days from conception. As the due date approaches, you’ll notice physical and behavioural changes that signal your dog is nearing labour. Being aware of these signs will help you prepare for the arrival of the puppies.

Nesting

One of the first signs your dog is ready to give birth is nesting behaviour. About 24 to 48 hours before labour begins, many dogs will start to create a safe, comfortable space where they can deliver their puppies. This might involve rearranging bedding, scratching at floors, or retreating to a quiet corner. Providing a whelping box or soft, clean bedding in a quiet area can help satisfy this instinct.

Temperature

Another sign your dog is ready to give birth is a drop in body temperature. A dog’s normal temperature ranges between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Approximately 12 to 24 hours before labour begins, her temperature will drop to around 98 to 99 degrees. Monitoring her temperature twice daily with a rectal thermometer can help you predict when labour will start.

Physical Changes

Physical changes also indicate your dog is ready to give birth. You may notice her abdomen enlarging as the puppies position themselves for birth. Her nipples may become enlarged and start leaking milk as her body prepares to feed her newborns. Swelling and softening around the vulva are additional signs that delivery is imminent.

Behavioural Changes

Behavioural changes are another strong indicator. Your dog may become restless, pacing or circling frequently, or she may appear lethargic and uninterested in food. Some dogs may vomit or experience diarrhoea as their bodies prepare for labour. Panting and whining can also indicate that contractions are starting.

As the labour process begins, you might see her licking her genital area more often. This is a natural way for her to keep the area clean in preparation for delivery. The presence of a greenish or clear vaginal discharge is also normal and indicates that the amniotic sac has ruptured or is about to.

How to Help Your Dog When She’s Ready to Give Birth

When you notice the signs your dog is ready to give birth, your primary role is to ensure she has a safe, quiet, and comfortable space to deliver her puppies. A whelping box is ideal for this purpose. The box should be large enough for your dog to move around comfortably but with sides high enough to prevent the puppies from wandering out.

Line the box with soft, clean bedding, such as towels or blankets, and make sure it’s located in a calm area away from loud noises and household traffic. If you have other pets or young children, keep them away from the birthing area to minimize stress for the mother.

It’s essential to remain calm and supportive throughout the process. Your dog may seek your presence for reassurance, or she may prefer to be left alone. Pay attention to her cues and respect her preferences. If she seems anxious, speaking to her in a soothing tone can help ease her nerves.

As the delivery progresses, you might notice her contractions becoming stronger and more frequent. These contractions will eventually lead to the birth of the first puppy. After the puppy is delivered, the mother will usually lick it to stimulate breathing and remove the amniotic sac. If she doesn’t do this within a few minutes, you can gently intervene by using a clean, soft towel to clear the sac and stimulate the puppy’s breathing by rubbing it lightly.

Each puppy will be born in its own amniotic sac, and the placenta will follow shortly after. The mother will often eat the placenta, which is a natural behaviour that provides her with nutrients. However, ensure she doesn’t eat too many, as this can cause an upset stomach. If she seems uninterested in the placentas, you can remove them to keep the whelping area clean.

Keep a close eye on the timing between deliveries. Puppies are usually born 15 to 60 minutes apart, and the mother may take a break between births. However, if more than two hours pass without the next puppy being delivered, or if your dog is straining without producing a puppy, it’s time to contact a veterinarian. Delayed labor can indicate complications that require medical assistance.

Throughout the process, monitor the mother and puppies for signs of distress. The puppies should begin nursing within a few hours of birth. If a puppy is not breathing, appears weak, or struggles to latch, you may need to step in. Warming the puppy gently and using a bottle or syringe to feed it may help, but consult your vet if problems persist.

Post-Birth Care for Your Dog and Her Puppies

After the birthing process is complete, your dog will begin caring for her puppies. She’ll clean and nurse them frequently, so ensure she has access to plenty of fresh water and a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet to support lactation.

Keep the whelping area clean by regularly changing the bedding and ensuring the space remains warm. Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature for the first few weeks of life, so maintaining a consistent temperature of around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the whelping area is crucial.

Monitor the puppies for signs of healthy growth, such as consistent nursing, weight gain, and active behaviour. If any puppy appears weak or fails to thrive, consult your vet promptly.

Your dog may experience vaginal discharge for a few weeks post-birth, which is normal. However, if the discharge is foul-smelling, bright red, or accompanied by signs of illness like fever or lethargy, seek veterinary attention immediately.

When to Call a Veterinarian

While most dogs give birth without complications, there are situations where veterinary assistance is necessary. Contact your vet if you notice prolonged straining without delivering a puppy, excessive bleeding, or signs of severe pain in the mother. Similarly, if the puppies appear weak, are not nursing, or exhibit difficulty breathing, a vet visit is crucial.

Preparing for your dog to give birth requires careful observation, preparation, and support. By recognizing the signs your dog is ready to give birth and knowing how to help, you can ensure a smoother and safer experience for your pet and her new puppies. Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure or concerned about any aspect of the process.

This beautiful and transformative time is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion while welcoming new life into the world.