Dog Labor Symptoms

It is important to know the symptoms of a dog going into labor so that you are ready to help your dog through the new arrival. This way you are prepared for emergencies and any problems that may occur.
Around 54-72 days of pregnancy, you should start looking for these common dog labor symptoms.
Early Warning
24-48 hours before the puppies are born, your dog will have some early warning labor symptoms that you can watch for.
First, your dog will start searching for a place to have her babies. This is called nesting. She will search her home for a quite place that is relatively secluded where she feels safe.
Then, she’ll start a search for items to make her nest comfy and warm. Don’t be surprised if you find her dragging blankets, papers, couch cushions, stuffed animals, and other comfy objects to the area to make herself a nest.
If her nest building is ruining objects in your home, you can build your dog a whelping box, yourself. You can do this by dragging a large cardboard box to the area your dog chose and filling it with rags, old pillows, towels, and blankets that you no longer need. This way your nice things stay nice and your dog will still get what she needs to be comfortable. Don’t be surprised if she pull things out she doesn’t like and rearranges the things she does. Don’t both putting the box back the way you had it, she’ll just rearrange it again.
Also, put together a basket of supplies you will need for the birth. You will need sharp scissors to cut the cords, towels, string for tying off cords, and a good disinfectant (call your vet for recommendations). You may also want to have a bucket of water handy, just in case you need to wash the puppies.
Labor’s Coming
About a week from your dog’s due date, take her temperature to determine her normal temperature. This should be done by using a mercury or digital thermometer in the rectum. Have your vet show you how to take a recital temperature if you are unsure of how to take it.
A normal dog’s temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5F. Right before she gives birth, within 24 hours, your dog’s temperature will drop from over 100 degrees to 97-99 degrees. A cooler temperature is a sure sign that you should keep a close eye on your dog because the puppies will be born in 10 to 24 hours.
Around this time your dog will start having cervix dilatation and uterine contractions. More than likely, you won’t be able to tell if this is happening, at this stage. The only signs you will likely see is that your dog is very uncomfortable. She may not want to eat, seem sick, or she may be irritable. By this time, the labor is very close, so she may just want to stay in her nesting area, which you should encourage.
Around the time of birth, your dog may start grooming her genital area and she may start leaking an amber colored discharge.
The finial sign of dog labor symptoms is the dog is bearing down to push the puppies out. You will notice her straining and she may be whimpering, especially if this is her first litter. Look for a gooey bulge coming from the birth canal. This will be the amniotic sac.
The first puppy is usually popped out after 10 to 20 minutes of straining. This may be faster if this isn’t your dog’s first litter. The puppies will probably be born an hour apart.
If she has started to push, it is time to get ready to welcome the new puppies and help the mom (if she needs it) clean up her new family.

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