How long can dogs be in slow Labour for? Let’s Explore

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The stages of dog labour and delivery

In general, dog births are normally straightforward and don’t often involve complications. Although you should interfere as little as possible, it’s still important to be with your dog giving birth so that you can support her and step in if there are any problems. Labour normally lasts 3-12 hours, and happens in three stages.

  • The cervix and uterus prepare for delivery with smaller contractions that may not be visible to you.
  • Your dog’s vulva will begin to swell in preparation for delivery.
  • During this stage of labour, dogs may be very restless and unsettled and mum may pant and shiver – this is all perfectly normal, so don’t worry.

    • The second stage is the passing of puppies which usually takes between 3-12 hours but can take up to 24 hours.

  • Mums rectal temperature will return to normal as she gets ready to deliver her puppies.
  • You will see strong contractions, followed by a clear fluid from your dog’s vulva – a puppy should follow within the next 20-30 minutes.
  • Puppies are usually born within 20 minutes of each other, but it’s quite normal for mum to have a rest during delivery, and may not strain at all for up to two hours between pups. Watch your dog giving birth closely and contact your vet if she rests for longer than two hours.
  • It’s normal for some of the litter to be born tail-first, so don’t be alarmed if this happens. You may need to gently encourage mum to deliver puppies that are tail-first, but be very careful not to tug.
  • Mum should bite through the puppy’s sacs and umbilical cords before cleaning them herself. If you notice she is trying to chew the cords too close to the puppy, stop her and do it yourself. See our Helping during delivery section for more information.
  • If labour lasts a long time, mum may need to go to the toilet in between deliveries. Keep a close eye on her in case she starts giving birth to the next pup at the same time.
  • A greenish/brown discharge may suggest a placenta has separated. If you see this, a puppy should be born within the next 2-4 hours. If it isn’t then contact your vet, as there may be a complication with your dog giving birth.
  • The placentas should pass after each puppy has been born.
  • Try to check how many placentas have been passed (note if she eats any), so you will know if any are left inside mum. If you think this has happened, contact your vet as they may need to intervene.
  • During this stage of labour, dogs may be very restless and unsettled and mum may pantand shiver – this is all perfectly normal, so don’t worry.

    • Hopefully you shouldn’t have to intervene during your dog’s labour, but occasionally mum may need a bit of help. There are a handful of scenarios where you might need to step in.

  • One pup might need help whilst mum is in the middle of delivering another. In this case, clear the sac that the puppy is in, and quickly dry them against the grain of their fur with a clean cloth. This rubbing motion will also encourage the pup to take their first breath.
  • If mum hasn’t cleaned a puppy, they may have fluid in their airways. Pop your clean little finger inside their mouth to scoop anything out and wipe their nose. Rub them with a towel to encourage them to cry, as this will clear any fluid that they may have swallowed.
  • If mum is preoccupied delivering another puppy, you may have to help her cut the umbilical cord of an earlier born puppy. To do this, tie a knot using heavy thread approximately one inch from where the cord attaches to the pup’s body. Tie another knot a little further from the first, and use clean scissors to cut the cord between the two knots. Cutting too close to the pup’s body can risk its health, and leaving it too long could lead to it being chewed or swallowed by mum.

    • We can’t think of anything more exciting than finding out your dog is expecting! As dog pregnancy only last for around 2 months, you can look forward to bundles of fur filling your home very soon!

    When your dog is pregnant, you may find yourself wondering “how do dogs give birth?”. You don’t have to panic as the due date approaches – dog labours are usually much less dramatic than ours, and your pet should be able to bring the puppies into the world without any worries. Mum should be more than capable, but keep her company during labour in case your dog runs into any complications.

    Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about pregnancy in dogs or about your dog giving birth. Their advice should help to put your mind at rest. Here are some helpful tips from our PetCare Team to help you be as prepared as possible for when your pet becomes a new mum.

    Treatment of Stalled Labor and Delivery Problems in Dogs

    To ensure the mother and puppies survive, prompt treatment is crucial. Dogs experiencing primary uterine inertia require an emergency cesarean section (C-section). Your vet may recommend oxytocin injections to stimulate contractions, although one vet notes most dogs with primary uterine inertia don’t respond to them.

    In the case of secondary uterine inertia, the veterinarian may try to restart the labor and contractions. Calcium and oxytocin may be administered, but only if your dog and her puppies are in good health and not in distress. If one puppy is blocking the birth canal, your vet may try to reposition it. If a large litter is the cause, a C-section may be required. If the puppies arent breathing upon delivery, your vet will administer oxygen.

    Worried about the cost of Stalled Labor And Delivery Problems treatment?

    Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

    How long does the first stage of dog labor last?

    Whelping is the process of a dog giving birth to puppies. Most dogs are capable of whelping on their own without difficulties. But you should keep a close eye on your dog throughout her late pregnancy and labour. Having a good idea of what’s normal for a dog in labour will allow you to spot signs of trouble early.

    Dystocia is the term used to describe a difficult or abnormal birth and can occur at any stage of the birthing process. Dystocia requires emergency veterinary treatment.

    You should contact your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now, if your dog’s labour lasts more than 24 hours, or if more than two hours pass in between puppies. This could be a sign of a serious difficulty, and both your dog and her unborn puppies could be at risk. Is your dog suffering a difficult labour or pregnancy?