How to Tell for Sure Dog is in Labor

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By Alrady
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Dog Nursing 10 puppies

One of the most asked questions that I have answered is how to tell if a dog is in labor. This is usually asked by people that are first time female dog owners and they thought their dog had been kept away from others just enough to not get pregnant.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Observation skills
A book listed in Resource Section for preparation

Step 1

Observe your dog and write down all the things you think might be indicative of being in labor. From swollen belly, voracious appetite, restlessness, nesting instinct, extreme affection, seeking out dark places to lay down, excessive panting, mucous discharge, and nipple discharge. All are signs of labor and soon to give birth, or WHELP.
Step 2

Temperature indicates possible Labor

Take temperature rectally with digital thermometer. If the temperature is below 99 or below that is indicative of labor starting within 48 hours. Also if it has been 61 days from tie day you are probably close to labor.
Step 3

Veternarian Whelping C-sectoin

Call your vet and let them know what is happening and ask if you need to take to animal hospital, if there is any problem during whelping. Depending on the dog she mated with, there are safety issues to consider. Especially if you own a small or a large head breed of dog. Many dogs require c-section or veterinarian assisted whelpings.
Step 4

BOOKs on Breeding Read up

If you are asking this question you MUST read up and have material on hand, if your dog is soon to whelp. If you are in time sensitive situation check your library or local bookstore!This book will be useful even after whelping. Check the resource box and look at barnes and noble for book.
Step 5

Bathtime

Get ready because normally if you have to ask this question the dog IS in labor. After all you already determined she is pregnant. I do have an article on false pregnancy that you can read. There are exceptions, but it is best to be prepared for whelping today!

Comments

karileighk said

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on 7/9/2009 Great tips. My friend freaked when she thought hers was.

sonni57 said

on 3/9/2009 Well done article on how to tell if a dog is in labor. Good info too.

2besure said

on 12/21/2008 This is very true. Cats do the same thing. I had a cat that when she was in labor, she came to get me to take me to the closet where I had prepared a place for her. Animals are amazing.