It can be challenging to determine when a dog is going into labor. There are often few clear signs until the process is well underway. If you think your dog might be ready to give birth, it is important to monitor her closely and call your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. Educating yourself on what to look for is also a good idea. And this article is here to teach you all the signs your dog is going into labor soon!
The Process Of Labor In Dogs
Understanding the labor process in dogs is essential for pet owners to care for their four-legged friends properly. There are usually three stages of labor: prodromal, active stage, and delivery. The first stage is the prodromal phase, lasting anywhere from 1-2 days but rarely more than 3. A twitch around the tail area characterizes this stage to help soften the pelvic ligaments and allow for expansion.
Then comes the active stage lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, during which dogs pant regularly, pace about, show signs of distress and slowed breathing, vomit occasionally, and display bouts of shivering.
Eventually, pups will deliver through contractions that occur every 10–15 minutes. After birth, the mother and pups should receive care throughout feeding time as exhaustion may set in and calls for short naps between meals.
Signs Your Dog Is Going into Labor Soon
Depending on your dog, they may show few signs that they are going into labor until the process has already begun. However, there are some indications to look for that may be subtle signs they are getting ready to deliver some puppies! Here are a few to watch out for:
Loss Of Appetite
A loss of appetite is one of the biggest changes in your dog that may mean labor is on the horizon. A loss of appetite can happen anywhere from one day to a week before giving birth. The mother’s body tells her to reserve her energy for delivery, reducing her interest in food.
During this time, try feeding your pregnant dog smaller meals more frequently, but make sure she still gets enough nutritious ingredients like protein, fats, and carbohydrates that she needs for birthing. You can also provide her with supplements like puppy milk replacers to help meet her nutritional needs.
Increased Urination
Another sign that your dog might be preparing for labor is an increase in urination. As the puppies grow, they push down on the bladder and cause urine to flow more frequently. You may also notice stronger-smelling urine than normal. This is an ordinary sign of your dog’s pregnancy, but if you see that she starts leaking urine or has accidents in the house when she never did before, it could indicate that labor may start soon.
Typically this will start to happen a few days before delivery and may be accompanied by other symptoms like restlessness and panting. Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water to make her more comfortable. You may also want to keep a towel or old sheets handy if she starts leaking urine before the delivery arrives so you can quickly clean up any messes.
