What Are The Signs That My Dog Is Going Into Labor?

With dogs, the most significant sign that they are about to go into labour is body temperature. The most effective means of testing this is taking the rectal temperature of your dog every day during the week she is due to give birth (this will be around 9 weeks following breeding). Therefore, on week 8, try and test the rectal temperature twice each day and make a note of each reading; these should be around 38 - 39 degrees C. In the day prior to the birth, the temperature of your dog will drop to around 36.5 - 37 degrees C. Once you have seen a significant drop of around one degree, it is likely the dog will go into labour within the next 12 - 24 hours.

Another indicator is that your dog may show signs of restless and seem unable to get comfortable; she may move from spot to spot in the house to find somewhere quiet and peaceful. A box should be prepared prior to the birth date with a soft lining of towels, bedding and sheets; make sure she knows where it is and hopefully she will use this for the birth. If not she will likely find herself somewhere comfy, if she doesn't appear to be somewhere suitable try and coax her into the prepared box. She will also likely want to 'rearrange' it herself to make a suitable 'nest' for her labour. You may witness her pawing at the lining; she is merely making a comfy place for her pups.

Sometimes a dog will shake and produce a clear liquid just prior to labour; this is the most imminent sign. Ensure the dog is somewhere relaxing and quiet but keep an eye subtly from a distance. She will not need any assistance unless she experiences a problem - in this case you should call out a veterinarian.

If your dog is pregnant then get vet support or professional breeder because pregnancy and delivery can be complicated. At the start of labor in dogs, following signs can be indication of labor.

1. Reduction in rectal temperature below 100 F
2. Agitation
3. Loss of appetite
4. Pacing or restlessness
5. Nesting behavior
6. Shaking
7. Anxiety
8. Licking of genitalia

Above mentioned sign can be noted by owner and before whelping. These signs means delivery is expected very soon.

Gestation in dogs is 57-68 days with an average of 63 days or 9 weeks. Signs of labor in dogs start 8-48 hours before true labor. These signs are decrease in rectal temperature below 100, agitation, no eating, restlessness and pacing. If your dog is pregnant, approaching to 9 weeks of gestation and showing above mentioned signs then she is going to deliver very soon.

Signs of labor in dogs start few hours to 2 days before birth time. These signs can be

1. Nesting behavior
2. Licking of genitalia
3. Reduction in rectal body temperature under 100 F
4. Agitation
5. Loss of appetite
6. Restlessness
   
7. Pacing
8. Frequent visits to nest
9. Shaking
10. Signs of anxiety

Note these signs at the end of 9th week of pregnancy and get vet help

Like a human birth, there are stages to delivery. In the beginning stage your dog might not eat and begin to whine. She will be uncomfortable and fidgety. Make certain that a nesting area has been but in place (like a closet with blankets). During the second stage her water breaks and the placenta breaks and it is expelled from her. Depending on the size of the liter this will happen many times until your dog has finished given birth. After the delivery your dog will clean up after every delivery and bond with her liter.

It's important there is water close by for your dog to drink.

Before start of true labor dogs can show some signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms can appear 8-48 hours before start of labor in pregnant dogs. These signs can be

1. Loss of appetite
2. Reduced activities
3. Agitation
4. Reduced body temperature below 100 F
5. Restlessness
6. Pacing

After these signs dogs can have true labor and can be shaking and straining to expel puppies out. If you are not a professional breeder then it will be good to help from your local vet for whelping because delivery can be complicated in dogs.

Dogs should begin labor within 24 hours of a body temperature drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit.  Stage one labor can last 12-24 hours.  During this stage dogs become restless, anxious, may vocalize, will not eat, will nest, may vomit, and uterine contractions should begin.  As stage one labor progresses the contractions will become stronger and more frequent.  Stage two begins with a puppy moving into the birth canal and the start of delivery.  If your dog has been in labor more than 24 hours, is in distress, or you have any other concerns have her examined by a veterinarian.  Dystocia (difficult birth) is an emergency and quick intervention is important for the health of the mother and puppies.

A dog is pregnant for nine weeks, which is exactly 63 days. This means your dog will probably give birth within the next 24 to 48 hours. You should make sure her whelping box is ready, and encourage her to lay in it. This needs to be a large sturdy box with walls high enough to keep the puppies in, but the mother can climb over.

The puppies will be born with a membrane on them, which the mother will lick off, stimulating breathing. If she does not, you should get a soft cloth and do this for her. She will also cut the umbilical cord, but if she does not, then tie it about 1 inch away from the puppies navel, and cut it yourself. Make sure she starts feeding the puppies as they are born.

If your pug is pregnant then delivery of puppies can be in 63-65 days. Signs of labor can start 8-48 hours before labor. By noting these signs, you can come to know that your dog is going to deliver. These signs can be

1. Reduction in rectal temperature below 100^o F
2. Restlessness and pacing
3. Agitation
4. Loss of appetite
5. Nesting behavior
6. Licking of genital area
   
7. Frequent visits to the nest.
   

When a dog's temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit labor should begin in the next 24 hours. In the initial stage of labor dogs will become restless, anxious, may vomit, won't eat, may vocalize and abdominal contractions will begin. This stage should last 8-12 hours before the first puppy is delivered.