Dogs rarely need human assistance during childbirth. However, you still need to know if the dog's labor is complete so that you can take care of the mother dog and her puppies. Dogs in labor will experience contractions and restlessness. Dogs whose births have completed will be calm and very attentive to their babies. However, sometimes dogs take breaks during labour. In this case, carefully consider the approximate size of the newborn puppies and whether multiple puppies will be born. If the dog's labor is over and there should still be puppies that need to be delivered, call the vet immediately.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Identifying Labor In Progress
Step 1. Consult a veterinarian to find out how many puppies the mother is carrying
Usually, the vet will examine the dog at around 50 days of gestation to see how many babies he is carrying. This number will indicate the number of babies that will be born. If the dog hasn't given birth to all of its babies, it means there are still some in it.
- It is very important to take a pregnant dog to the vet. Without knowing how many puppies will be born, you can't tell when your dog's labor is over and when he's resting. If you don't know the size of the puppy, contact your veterinarian.
- If you're in doubt about the size of a baby dog, find the average number of babies for the breed of dog you own. Although this number is not exact, you can still anticipate.
Step 2. Watch for restless behavior as a sign that a baby puppy is still to come
Short breaths, brisk walking, whimpering, and changing positions can all be signs that the mother dog is still carrying a baby. If your dog still seems agitated, it means he hasn't finished giving birth.
Dogs can stand or lie on their side to give birth. You may notice that dogs change positions frequently
Step 3. Watch the contractions to see if the dog is about to give birth again
When the dog contracts, its body will tremble or stretch. You can see a wave-like movement near its hind legs. The dog will also move his legs or reposition himself during contractions.
Contractions usually occur for 10-30 minutes before the birth of a new puppy
Step 4. Know that many dogs rest during labor
This rest period can last up to two hours. The dog can stop contracting, and will be more relaxed. If you're anticipating more puppies, be prepared to return to action in the near future.
- Labor usually lasts 3-6 hours, but can be up to 24 hours, especially for breeds with large heads, such as bulldogs or Boston terriers.
- Some dogs rest several times during labor.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing the End of Labor
Step 1. See if the contractions have stopped
If the contractions have stopped, there is nothing you need to do. If you anticipate more puppies, the mother will continue to give birth after a break. Otherwise, the dog has finished giving birth!
Perhaps the dog will contract several times after giving birth to the last puppy in order to push the last placenta
Step 2. Look for signs the dog has calmed down
If the dog is no longer whimpering, groaning, or shortness of breath, it's likely that labor is over. Count the number of puppies to make sure they are all complete.
Step 3. Supervise the dog for two hours
If you're not sure if your dog is resting, keep an eye on your dog. when he is resting, the dog will start contracting in two hours. If two hours have passed and you anticipate no more puppies to be born, feel free to assume the dog has finished giving birth.
- If you anticipate more puppies but two hours have passed without any puppies being born, call your vet.
- The dog should be calm and rested when finished. If two hours have passed and the dog seems restless, it is likely that she will give birth again.
Method 3 of 3: Asking for Help
Step 1. Notify the vet early in labor
Tell the vet that your dog is starting to give birth. If there is an emergency, he will be able to help you as quickly as possible.
Mother and puppies should be examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours of giving birth, even if all appear healthy
Step 2. Make sure there is one placenta for each puppy
Dogs will usually release the placenta 15 minutes after the birth of the puppy. Sometimes, two puppies will be born followed by two placentas. There should always be one placenta per puppy. Otherwise, contact the vet.
Veterinarians can give dogs oxytocin injections to help expel the placenta naturally
Step 3. Take the dog to the vet if it is shaking or shivering
Although the dog will pant slightly after giving birth, he should not be shaking or shivering. If this behavior continues for several hours postpartum, it may be a sign of a complication, such as milk fever.
Step 4. Get help if the dog has been contracting for more than 30 minutes
If the dog has stretched or contracted for 30 minutes without delivering a single baby, the puppy is likely trapped. Your dog may need an emergency C-section.
