The Three Stages of Labor
A dog’s labor usually progresses in three stages, all of which can vary in length depending on factors like the dog’s breed and number of puppies. Here’s an overview of the three stages:
Early Labor
The first stage is early labor, which can last 6-12 hours as the cervix begins dilating. Your dog may seem restless, panting, shivering, wanting solitude and showing nesting behaviors like digging and moving bedding around. She may also vomit and refuse food as contractions begin. You may see wet spotting or discharge from the vulva. Call your vet if early labor exceeds 24 hours without progression 1.
Active Labor
The second stage is active labor when stronger contractions begin pushing puppies into the birth canal. Your dog may seem very focused, pacing and digging. This stage tends to progress faster, usually lasting no more than 6 hours. You’ll see the appearance of a dark green/black discharge and possibly the amniotic sac protruding from the vulva. Puppies should deliver within 1-2 hours of the sac’s appearance 2.
Transition Stage
Between puppies is the short transition stage, lasting 15-60 minutes. Your dog will likely take a short rest before repeating active labor for subsequent puppies. Stage II ends when all puppies have been delivered, which normally occurs within 6 hours 3.
Early Labor Signs
Early labor signs typically start 24-48 hours before active labor begins. Some of the early signs include:
Nesting: The expectant mother may start collecting towels, blankets or other soft materials and arrange them into a nesting area where she plans to deliver her puppies. She’ll want a quiet, comfortable space to give birth. Nesting is driven by natural instinct. According to vets, this is one of the very first signs that labor is approaching.
Pacing: The dog may seem restless or anxious. She may pace around the house frequently. This is a sign her body is preparing for labor. The muscles are moving the puppies into position. Some pacing is normal as the dog looks for an ideal nesting spot.
Shivering: Mild shivering episodes may occur as hormones shift. This is the body’s way of generating heat in preparation for the whelping process. Providing a blanket or nest can help if shivering seems abnormal.
Panting: As contractions begin, the dog may pant frequently. This is another sign that the muscles are contracting and getting ready for active labor. Panting helps the dog handle discomfort. However, excess panting can be a sign of distress.
Loss of Appetite: It’s common for a dog to stop eating 1-2 days before going into labor. Some dogs may vomit as well. Don’t force food if she refuses it. Stay hydrated and offer water frequently.
Active Labor
Once the cervix begins to dilate and contractions become stronger and more frequent, a dog enters active labor. This stage marks the start of contractions that actually deliver puppies. Contractions during active labor occur about every 5-20 minutes and last 45-60 seconds each.
As active labor begins, the pregnant dog will start having stronger abdominal contractions. She will begin seeking a quiet, isolated place in preparation to give birth, and may start nesting behaviors like digging and moving blankets or towels around. The pregnant dog may also lose her mucus plug at this stage, which is a clear or slightly bloody vaginal discharge as the cervix dilates. This discharge signals that puppies will likely be born within the next 12 hours.
The active labor phase typically lasts 6-12 hours, during which the dog will alternately rest between contractions and bear down and push as contractions become more intense. Puppies will start to be delivered during this stage.
Transition Stage
The transition stage is when a dog’s cervix is fully dilated and active labor begins. This is when the contractions start coming closer together and become more intense. The dog will start showing the following signs:
- Pushing to breathe – The strong contractions put pressure on the diaphragm, making it difficult for the dog to breathe normally. She will start taking short, quick breaths.
- Vocalizing pain – Whining, groaning, and heavy panting are common as the contractions become stronger and more frequent.
- Visible contractions – Abdominal contractions become very apparent, occurring every 5-30 minutes. The abdomen tenses up and the dog may stretch out, start nesting behavior, or seem anxious.
The transition stage can last anywhere from 6-12 hours, though usually on the shorter side. Puppies should start being delivered soon after this stage begins. It is essential to monitor the dog closely through the transition stage and be prepared to assist if needed.
Sources:
https://www.rochesterhillsvet.com/articles/labor_and_delivery_in_dogs.php
https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Dog-WhelpingThe-Stages-of-Dog-Labor
Second Stage Labor
The second stage of labor is when the dog begins actively pushing out her puppies. This is the most intensive part of labor. During this stage, the dog will begin experiencing involuntary contractions every 2-5 minutes that push the puppy down the birth canal.
The dog’s water may break, releasing a yellowish fluid, as the puppy moves downwards. Usually the water breaks when the puppy is close to being delivered, but it can happen earlier as well. Active pushing and straining will occur as the dog tries to expel the puppy. This stage involves intense work for the mother dog.
The strong and productive contractions of the uterus will continue about every 2-5 minutes, each one lasting 1-2 minutes. The dog will likely vocalize during these contractions and appear distressed. She will adopt a squatting stance, stretching out her rear legs, and forcefully bear down and push in order to move the puppy down the birth canal.
You may see the dark amniotic sac with the puppy inside start to emerge through the vulva. Usually the sac bursts, releasing fluid, once the puppy’s head or feet start to come out. The mother dog may even help break the sac open with her teeth. With each push, more of the puppy should emerge. This stage can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours until the puppy is fully delivered.
Pushing
When a dog enters the second stage of labor, this is when she will start actively pushing to deliver her puppies. The urge to push signals that the cervical dilation is complete and the puppies are moving into the birth canal. According to Cronulla Veterinary Clinic, the pushing stage usually lasts 3 to 12 hours.
During this stage, the dam’s abdominal muscles will contract strongly as she experiences an uncontrollable urge to push. She may start digging, panting heavily, whining, or become very restless right before a puppy is delivered. The dog may alternately lie down and stand up as she labors. Pushing contractions may occur 5 to 30 minutes apart.
The dog will start straining hard, pushing her puppy down the birth canal. As the puppy moves down, the vulva will swell and open up. A fluid-filled sac will emerge first, followed by the puppy. The dam may lick the puppy to stimulate breathing once its head and chest are out. After a puppy is delivered, the mother may lick the puppy clean and bite through the umbilical cord.
According to Rochester Hills Veterinary Hospital, the dog will usually rest for 15 to 60 minutes between delivering each puppy. Pushing, delivery, and resting will continue until the last puppy is born. The mother dog should be closely monitored for any complications during this intensive labor and delivery process.
Assisting with Labor
There are a few things you can do to assist your dog during labor. The main things to focus on are knowing when to call the vet and providing a suitable whelping area.
Be prepared to call the vet if:
- More than 30 minutes pass and another puppy is not produced
- Active, forceful straining is not resulting in a puppy being born within 15 minutes
- There is excessive vaginal bleeding between puppies
- Your dog shows signs of distress like vocalization or shaking
Having a whelping box or area prepared for your dog can help the labor go more smoothly. The whelping box should contain clean bedding, fresh water, paper towels and a heat lamp or heating pad to keep the puppies warm. Make sure the area is in a quiet, draft-free spot to minimize stress for your dog. Monitor your dog closely, but avoid unnecessary interference so she can focus on labor.
With preparation and awareness of potential issues, you can provide good assistance to your dog while she is in labor. However, if complications arise, contact your veterinarian right away for guidance.
Difficult Births
Certain situations can make giving birth more difficult for a dog. Some of the most common causes of difficult births include:
Overly Large Puppies – If the puppies are too big, they may have trouble passing through the birth canal. This is more likely in small dogs birthing large breed puppies. It can prevent the puppy from being born naturally.
Improper Positioning – The puppy needs to be positioned correctly, with head and front feet first, in order to fit through the birth canal. If a puppy is turned the wrong way, it will be unable to pass through the canal. This is known as a breech birth.
Uterine Inertia – This occurs when the uterus stops contracting during labor. It prevents the puppies from being pushed downwards through the birth canal. It can happen if the dog is overly tired or has a hormonal imbalance.
Difficult births may require assistance from a vet. They can reposition puppies, perform a cesarean section if the puppy is too large, or give medications to stimulate uterine contractions. If a birth is taking too long or the mother is struggling, contact a vet immediately.
After Whelping
Right after giving birth, the mother dog will need to sever the umbilical cords and clean the newborn puppies. The mother will bite through the cord about 1-2 inches from the puppy’s belly, leaving some cord attached for it to dry up and fall off later. It is important not to cut the cords yourself unless necessary, as the mother’s bites help seal off the blood vessels.
The mother will lick and nudge her puppies to stimulate breathing and help dry them off. Do not interfere with this process unless the mother is too exhausted or there are obvious issues. It is normal for the puppies to look damp and be covered in birth fluids immediately after whelping.
Once the puppies are dry and breathing well, the mother will allow them to nurse for the first time. This early nursing helps stimulate contraction of the uterus to expel any remaining placentas. Allow the mother dog to rest while the puppies nurse. Provide fresh water and a small meal if she seems interested in eating.
Check for any retained placentas, which appear as dark green/brown blobs passed by the mother after whelping. Most are expelled within 1-4 hours. If any tissue is still visible hanging from the vaginal area after 4 hours, contact your veterinarian.[1]
Monitor the mother for signs of heavy vaginal discharge, weakness, pale gums or other emergencies. Most mothers do well with cleanup and nursing once given the chance to rest after labor.
[1] https://wagwalking.com/wellness/caring-for-new-moms-postpartum-care-for-your-dog
When to Call the Vet
It’s natural to feel worried when your dog is in labor, but most of the time births happen smoothly on their own. However, there are certain situations where you should call your veterinarian right away:
Prolonged Labor: If your dog is having strong contractions for over 1-2 hours without producing a puppy, this could indicate a problem. Labors that last more than 24 hours without completion can put the mother and puppies at risk.
Lack of Progression: Typically a puppy should be born within 1-2 hours of the onset of second stage labor when the mother starts actively pushing. Call your vet if this stage seems to be taking too long with no progress.
Abnormal Discharge: A normal clear/green discharge is expected, but call your vet if you notice a foul smelling or red/brown vaginal discharge as it could indicate a health problem.
Veterinary assistance can get labor back on track or perform emergency procedures. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s whelping.