How long does it take a dog to have puppies once in labor?

Table of Contents Show

General illness
Straining but no pup
Green discharge
Puppy stuck
Sac problems
Umbilical cord problems
Stillborn puppies
Fading or unwell puppies

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If you're on pins and needles because your dog's two-month pregnancy is almost over and puppies could arrive any minute, relax -- most canine labor and deliveries go off just fine. Have your vet's contact information handy in case of emergency, and stay a distance from the mother as she delivers. Be ready to help only if necessary.

Make sure the mother dog has a quiet, warm place away from other pets when she starts giving birth. She's been in early labor for a day or so. Hard labor starts when you see her strain and a gray sac emerges from her vulva. That's her water sac, and it will break.

Once the mother dog's water breaks, the first puppy should arrive within an hour. It usually takes longer for the first puppy to arrive than subsequent puppies. It doesn't matter whether the puppies are born head-first or breech -- tail first. In dogs, both mean of entrance into the world are normal. Once that first puppy arrives, other puppies start arriving every 20 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on the mother if puppies don't arrive after an hour of labor.

After giving birth to a few puppies, the mother dog might decide to take a rest. That's normal -- she's exhausted. That break might last as long as four hours before she starts delivering the rest of her pups. Make sure she licks off the sac covering each puppy's face. If she doesn't, you might have to gently clean the nose so the puppy can breathe.

If the mother dog strains to deliver and a puppy doesn't appear within two hours, call your vet. If there's a brownish discharge from her vulva but no puppy arrives within two hours, that's another veterinary emergency; it indicates the placenta has separated from the fetus.

Most dogs will give birth without help, but sometimes problems arise, which vets call ‘dystocia’ (difficulty giving birth). Dystocia is especially common in flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. Contact your vet for advice if you notice any of the following problems:

General illness

If your dog seems unwell, has any symptoms of illness or is just ‘not herself’ at any point before, during or after whelping.

Straining but no pup

Contact your vet urgently if your dog has been straining for 20-30 minutes without producing a puppy – there may be a problem.

Green discharge

If you see a green discharge coming from your dog’s vulva without a puppy it could mean that an unborn pup is in distress (for example, if their blood and oxygen supply is failing).

Bleeding

You will often see some fluid and bloody discharge during a whelping, but anything more than a few drops of blood is abnormal and should be checked by your vet immediately.

Exhaustion

If your dog’s labour continues for a long time, or she is an older dog with less energy to start with, she may become exhausted, stop straining and need some help from your vet.

Puppy stuck

Large puppies, deformed puppies, and puppies delivered backwards can sometimes become stuck inside the pelvis or part way out. If your dog has puppy stuck inside her, call your vet immediately. Do not touch or try to pull out the puppy without specific advice and guidance from your vet.

Sac problems

Some dogs need help removing the birth sac from their puppies (especially first time mothers). Give your dog a chance to remove it herself, but if she hasn’t removed it fairly quickly after a puppy is born you may need to help her. Simply tear a hole in the sac and free the puppy’s head so they can breathe. Avoid using scissors, just tear a hole using your fingers – call your vet immediately if you’re struggling.

Umbilical cord problems

Most dogs nibble through their puppy’s umbilical cords (which attach the puppy to their placenta) as soon they are born. It’s not essential that they are removed straight away, but left too long, they can become infected or cause problems. If any of your puppies still have their umbilical cords attached a few hours after they are born, you may need to tie and cut them off yourself. You may also need to tie off any cords that are bleeding (often caused by the mother overenthusiastically nibbling them). Always call your vet for advice about how to properly tie and cut an umbilical cord – doing it incorrectly could cause an infection or hurt the puppy.

No puppies

If your dog has been confirmed pregnant, and hasn’t shown any signs of labour a few days after she is due (usually around 70-72 days after she was mated), contact your vet for advice.

Stillborn puppies

Always have your dog checked over if she gives birth to any dead puppies.

Fading or unwell puppies

Contact your vet immediately if any of your dog’s puppies aren’t breathing/moving, stop breathing, aren’t able to move/feed or have signs of illness.

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