What to expect
Labour occurs in 3 stages
Stage 1: Getting ready
Buy a digital rectal thermometer and assess her body temperature, 37.2-39.2 C is normal
The Bitch’s rectal temp will drop to as low as 35-36 C when stage 1 starts
She may start panting, look restless
She may pace about and even exhibit nest-making behaviour
You can expect stage 2 to start within the next 12 hours. Stage 1 Lasts 6-12 hrs, up to 36hrs in 1st pregnancy
Stage 2: Delivery of the pups
The most reliable signs that stage 2 has started are:
The bitch will be seen to strain -having contractions
She will pass foetal fluids -her waters have broken
Her rectal temp will return to normal
Stage 2 Lasts 3-12 hrs -rarely up to 24 hrs
Stage 3: Passing of placenta
This mixes in with second stage with multiple births
Spotting 2nd stage labour is important, as the vet does not intervene unless 2nd stage fails to proceed normally
So to reiterate: Check for signs she is in 2nd stage
Has passed fluids -water bag has broken
Visible abdominal straining -having contractions
Rectal temperature has returned to normal
If any of these are present then 2nd stage labour has begun
Normal Progression
First Pup: Within 4 hours
Interval between pups: 5min – 2 hrs
The whole of second stage labour (ie first to last pup) : 3-12 hrs (up to 24hrs rarely)
The above is all normal. If it does not follow this pattern then it is worth having your Bitch checked by a vet.
The following are indications for seeing the vet
Strong regular contractions for 20-30 min with no pup -> urgently see vet
Foetal fluids (waters) passed 2-3 hours ago but nothing since
Weak irregular contractions only for 2-4 hours.
2nd stage Labour goes beyond 12 hours
Greenish discharge but no pup for 2-4 hours
2-4 hours since last pup and you are sure there are more present
Following birth
An elevated temperature of up to 39.5 C is not unusual for 1-2 days following birth
A clear to bloody discharge may continue at a low level for 3-6 weeks
Ensure she is producing milk from sufficient teats to feed the whole litter