Buzz
Dogs typically do not require human assistance during labor. Nevertheless, it is important to know when the dog has completed giving birth so you can care for both the mother and her puppies. During the process, the dog will experience contractions and anxiety. Once the birth is complete, the dog will calm down and focus on her puppies. However, sometimes dogs take breaks during labor. In such cases, you should consider the number of puppies expected and whether the dog will continue giving birth. If the birth has stopped but the number of puppies appears to be insufficient, contact a veterinarian.
Steps
Recognizing When a Dog is in Labor
Consult a vet to determine how many puppies the dog is expecting. Generally, a vet can examine the dog around the 50th day of pregnancy to estimate the number of puppies. This helps you track how many puppies are born. If the number of puppies does not match the vet's prediction, the dog may still be in the process of giving birth.
- Regular veterinary checkups during pregnancy are crucial. Without knowing how many puppies the dog is carrying, it can be difficult to tell whether the dog has finished giving birth, especially if it pauses between deliveries. If you're unsure, contact your veterinarian.
- If you're uncertain about the number of puppies the mother is expecting, you can look up the average number of puppies born in one litter for the breed you have. Although this figure is just a guideline, it can provide a reasonable estimate.
Watch for signs of restlessness indicating the dog is about to continue giving birth. Panting, pacing, whining, and shifting positions are all indicators that the dog will continue the birthing process. If the dog remains restless, the birth is not finished yet.
- The dog may stand or lie on its side during labor and change positions frequently.
Observe the contractions to know when the dog is about to give birth again. When contractions occur, the dog may tremble or show signs of tension. You may notice a wave-like motion near its hind legs. The dog may also move its legs or shift its position as contractions begin.
- Contractions typically happen 10 to 30 minutes before the next puppy is born.
Understand that dogs sometimes take breaks during labor. Dogs can rest for up to 2 hours. During rest, they won’t experience contractions and tend to be less restless. If there are still puppies to be born, prepare yourself for the next phase of labor.
- The typical labor period for dogs is between 3 to 6 hours, but it can last up to 20 hours, especially for breeds with large heads like Bull Dogs or Boston Terriers.
- Occasionally, dogs will take multiple breaks during the birthing process.
Identifying When the Birth Process Has Ended
Check if the contractions have stopped. If the contractions are no longer happening, no further action is necessary. If there are still puppies left to deliver, the dog will continue after resting. If the number of puppies born matches the expected amount, the birth is complete!
- Once the last puppy is born, there may still be a few contractions to expel the placenta.
Observe signs that the dog is calming down. If the dog stops whining, barking, and panting, it may be a sign that the birth has been completed. You should count the puppies to ensure all have been born.
Monitor the dog for at least two hours. If you are unsure whether the dog is resting or has finished giving birth, continue to observe it. If the dog is only resting, contractions will resume within two hours. If two hours pass without further signs of birth, it is likely that the dog has finished giving birth.
- If there are still puppies in the womb but no further contractions after two hours, contact a veterinarian.
- Once the birth is complete, the dog will be calm and relaxed. If the dog remains restless after two hours, it may indicate that it is preparing to give birth again.
Seek Help
Inform a veterinarian before the dog starts giving birth. Let the vet know that the dog is about to give birth so they can be prepared. In case of an emergency, they will be able to assist you as quickly as possible.
- The mother and her puppies should be examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours of birth, even if they seem completely healthy.
Ensure each puppy has its own placenta. After each puppy is born, the mother will expel the placenta about 15 minutes later. Sometimes, the dog will deliver two puppies, followed by the two placentas, but each puppy should always have its own placenta. If this is not the case, contact a veterinarian.
- The vet may administer an oxytocin injection to help the mother expel the placenta naturally.
Take the dog to the vet if it is showing signs of trembling. While it’s normal for a dog to pant slightly after giving birth, trembling is not. If this continues for several hours post-birth, it could be a sign of complications, such as milk fever.
Seek help if the dog has contractions lasting more than thirty minutes. If the contractions persist for over thirty minutes without the dog delivering a puppy, it is possible that a puppy is stuck, and the mother may need emergency surgery.
