When Will My Dog Go Into Labour?
The gestation length in dogs is remarkably consistent when measured from ovulation, averaging 62–64 days. However, when measured from the first or last mating, pregnancy can range from 57 to 72 days. This is because:
- Dogs can be mated several days before or after ovulation.
- Canine sperm can survive 6–11 days in the reproductive tract.
So if your bitch appears “overdue,” she might not be! Confirm pregnancy or due dates via ultrasound or radiographs if uncertain.
Signs of Impending Labour
In the final week of pregnancy, many bitches show:
- Nesting behaviour (seeking a quiet space, collecting soft items)
- Decreased appetite or vomiting
- Restlessness, panting, or shivering
- Swollen vulva and clear or mucus discharge
- Mammary gland enlargement
- Milk production (may occur up to 7 days before labour in multiparous bitches)
These changes are driven by hormonal shifts, especially prolactin and oestrogen.
Monitoring Rectal Temperature
Start taking rectal temperatures three times daily starting around day 57:
- Normal temperature late in pregnancy is ~38°C
- A drop to below 37.5°C typically indicates labour will begin within 24 hours
Note:
- Only 24% of dogs show this significant drop
- 36% of dogs show no drop at all
- If no labour occurs within 48 hours of a low reading, consult your vet – primary uterine inertia may be present
We recommend a Digital Thermometer for quick, accurate readings, and using a small amount of Lubricant for rectal temperature-taking. A handy chart for recordkeeping can be found here.
The Three Stages of Labour in Dogs
Stage 1: Preparation and Uterine Contractions
Duration: 6–36 hours
Key signs:
- Restlessness and nesting
- Shivering, panting, or anxious pacing, neediness
- Licking the vulva
- Vomiting or refusal to eat
- Clear mucus at the vulva
What’s happening:
- Uterine contractions begin but are not visible externally
- The cervix starts to dilate
- Progesterone drops and oxytocin rises
- Foetal movement towards the cervix increases prostaglandin release
⏱ This stage can be long and varies between litters, even in the same bitch.
Stage 2: Active Labour and Puppy Delivery
Duration: 2–24 hours
Key signs:
- Strong abdominal contractions (straining)
- Appearance of green discharge (lochia) – indicates placental separation
- Delivery of first puppy within 4 hours of visible straining
- 15 minutes to 3 hours between puppies is normal
What’s happening:
- The cervix is fully dilated
- Foetal movement into the birth canal triggers Ferguson’s reflex, causing stronger contractions
- Puppies move either head-first (anterior) or tail-first (posterior). Both are normal presentations.
⚠️ Abnormal signs:
- Straining for >30 minutes with no pup delivered
- No contractions or pups for >2–3 hours after lochia
- Foul-smelling discharge or excessive bleeding
📦 Recommended: Keep whelping supplies like disinfected instruments, umbilical cord clamps, and absorbent towels nearby during this stage.
Stage 3: Placenta Passage and Uterine Involution
Timing: Overlaps with Stage 2
What to expect:
- One placenta should pass for each pup (sometimes together, sometimes later)
- Normal discharge may appear brown to red for up to 4–6 weeks
- The uterus begins returning to its pre-pregnancy state
Tip: It is not necessary for the bitch to eat the placenta. It may cause diarrhoea.
Birth Positions and Presentations
Normal presentation:
- Longitudinal (puppy’s spine aligned with dam’s spine)
- Head-first (most common) or tail-first
- Legs may be extended or flexed
Breech births (hind legs flexed, tail-first) are also common, but may cause obstruction in some cases, especially for the first pup.
When to Call the Vet
Seek immediate veterinary help if:
- Green discharge with no pup in 2–4 hours
- No pups 2–3 hours after one is born and bitch is restless
- Unproductive straining for over 30 minutes
- Signs of distress or exhaustion in the dam
- Suspected retained placenta or retained pup
- More than 72 days have passed since mating
Final Tips for Breeders
- Monitor temperature closely in the final week
- Track behavioural changes
- Record the timing of each pup and placenta
- Keep puppies warm and dry immediately after birth
- Ensure colostrum intake within the first 4 hours
- Give a small amount of liquid calcium supplement to the dam between each pup born
🍼 Consider supplementing with colostrum replacers like Impact Colostrum for weak or slow-to-nurse pups
🧼 Clean the dam’s teats daily with a warm cloth and allow them to air dry to promote skin health and reduce bacterial risk
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Want to Learn More?
If you’re a breeder, staying informed on normal vs. abnormal labour patterns is crucial. Download our Free Litter Birth Record or check out more of our educational articles tailored for breeders like you.
