10 Signs Your Dog Is About to Give Birth

The most reliable sign: temperature drop

1. Temperature falls below 37.8°C (100°F). A pregnant dog's normal temperature is about 38.3–39.2°C. Within 12–24 hours of labour it typically drops below 37.8°C. Take it twice daily from day 58 with a digital rectal thermometer.

Behaviour changes

2. Nesting — shredding bedding, digging at blankets, seeking a quiet corner. 3. Restlessness — pacing, panting, unable to settle. 4. Clinginess or withdrawal — some dogs glue themselves to you, others hide. 5. Loss of appetite — many dogs refuse food 12–24 hours before labour, though some eat right up to the start.

Physical signs

6. Milk — teats enlarge and milk may leak in the final days. 7. Belly drops — the abdomen looks lower as puppies move into position. 8. Shivering or trembling — common in early labour. 9. Vomiting — occasional, from restlessness. 10. Visible contractions — the belly tenses rhythmically; once strong contractions last 30+ minutes with no puppy, call the vet.

The three stages of labour

Stage 1 (6–12 hours): restlessness, panting, nesting; cervix dilates. Stage 2: active pushing and puppies arrive, usually 30–60 minutes apart (up to 2 hours can be normal). Stage 3: each placenta passes, ideally one per puppy — count them, because a retained placenta needs veterinary attention.

When to call the vet

Immediately if: strong contractions for 30+ minutes with no puppy; more than 2 hours between puppies; heavy bleeding; green discharge before the first puppy; the dog is exhausted or in severe pain; or labour has not started by day 68. Save your vet's emergency number in your phone now.

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