What are the signs of labor for a dog? Last night my dog wouldn't leave our side and was panting heavily.?

Question

She also wouldn't lie down, it was like she was really uncomfortable. I tried taking her outside to her "bed" but she kept wanting to come back in and get on our bed with us. Her stomach is really firm and I can feel her pups wriggling around.

Yes, I know I should have taken more precaution when she came into heat but whats done is done. I am trying to make her as comfortable as I can and I have the necessary equipment that has been suggested. I would just like to hear from people there experiences with signs of labor!!

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

How long ago did she conceive? The usual pregnancy lasts around 63 days give or take. Symptoms can vary depending on the dog. Usually they will have some type of discharge coming from their v****a. They have colostrum in their nipples. They usually are restless trying to dig a bed to whelp in. Their temperature usually drops to around 99F give or take a little. Usually when they start having contractions, you won't feel the pups move at much and her stomach will be kinda hard. She usually won't eat 24hrs before whelping (although that isn't always the case.) She just in general will be self concious about herself and in cleaning herself in preparation of whelping her pups. Some dogs want to stick right beside you, others want nothing to do with you. Right before she starts having contractions, her water will break. It looks like she may have pottyed on her blankets, but it is her water. You mentioned taking her outside...that is a bad idea for many reasons. She may have complications and need to be taken to the vet. So you need to be in observation while she whelps. You also don't want other animals interfering with her or the pups. It is much much better to have her inside in a confined area with plenty of clean, dry towels for her to nest in. Keep watch over her when she starts to whelp. If she seems to be really straining (especially for over an hour with no puppy born) she needs to be taken to the vet. If in doubt, call the vet. I hope you found this helpful and will get your dog spayed after the pups are weaned and off to new homes.  

Answer 2

This is normal She should have the puppies within 24 hours of when she first started panting heavily. 6 Months ago my dog was pregnant and we brought her to the vet after about 10-15 hours of labor and they said she was having 7 puppies and she is in labor. And to take her home right away and get her comfortable. When we got home it took her about 4 hours and she had the puppies. She had them at 2pm but most dogs have them at night so watch her closely. If her rectal temp is below 99 degrees it should be very soon. Make sure her box is in side and away from light, noise, and other dogs.

IT WILL GET VERY MESSY.

Oh and also make sure you have a heating pad puppies need to stay at 85 degrees.

I hope this helped

Answer 3

Has she lost her mucus plug yet??  You would notice this as thicker than usual discharge from her v***a.  It would be clear to a light milky color.  Once this has started to release the dog can go into labor with in a few days.  Have you taken her temp and started to chart it?  A dogs temp will drop below 100 degrees just before actual labor begins.  Usually with in 12 to 24 hours.  

One labor begins she will nest in her chosen spot.  By digging and trying to make herself comfortable.  Heavy panting and excessive l*****g of her v***a.  You can feel contractions too if you put your hand palm side down on her side.  The skin will tighten up and then release.  The long the contraction the closer you will be to seeing a pup.  I fno pup is produced with 2 hours of heavy labor it's time to call your vet.

Loss of appetite and the following you around is very normal for a dam who is close to whelping too.  

From this point on you need to just watch for the other signs and make sure you keep a very close eye on her.  Never let her outside alone or with out being leashed.  They can drop a pup outside and you'll never even know or then can decided to dig a den in the most difficult place for you to get at her or the pups.

Have all your supplies on hand and have your vets phone number handy incase you need to make a quick call to them too.  You never know when something will go wrong.  Hopefully nothing will but it's always wise to have the vet on speed dial.

Hope this helped.

Answer 4

well first of all the dog would have to have her period or bleeding then have ehem se)( with a male dog and her nibles would have to get bigger also.

Answer 5

how is she now?

Answer 6

Well, last night must of brads and hicks. When she really is in labor, those things will happen plus she will shredding the paper if she is sitting on paper. Then, she will probably be unwilling to move, so she will probably bark to get your attention.