How to Tell When Your Dog Has Finished Giving Birth
Knowing when your dog has finished whelping is crucial for her health and the well-being of her puppies. While the process can be unpredictable, understanding the stages of labor and what to watch for helps you support your dog during this important time.
The Stages of Dog Labor
Dog labor unfolds in three main stages. Recognizing these phases helps you determine when whelping is complete.
- Uterine contractions and cervical dilation: This first stage often goes unnoticed because contractions aren't always visible. Signs include nesting, restlessness, panting, shivering, or discomfort. It can last from 6 to 12 hours (sometimes up to 24–36 hours).
- Puppy delivery: Each puppy typically arrives within 20–60 minutes of the previous one. However, it's normal for a mother to rest between puppies—sometimes up to two hours. Watch for visible abdominal contractions and fluid discharge signaling an imminent birth. Keep count of each puppy so you know how many are expected.
- Placenta expulsion: The placenta usually follows each puppy within a few minutes to an hour. There should be one placenta per puppy; sometimes mothers eat them (which is normal but not necessary). Occasionally, placentas may be expelled over the next day or so.
Recognizing When Whelping Is Finished
Once all puppies and placentas are delivered, several signs suggest your dog has finished giving birth:
- No more contractions: The mother’s abdomen relaxes and she stops straining.
- Calm behavior: She settles down, rests quietly, eats or drinks if offered, and focuses on grooming her puppies.
- Puppies nursing peacefully: The litter latches on to nurse without interruption from additional deliveries.
- No more visible lumps in the abdomen: Gently feeling your dog's belly may help detect if any puppies remain (though this isn't always reliable).
If you’ve kept track of the expected litter size through prior veterinary visits (ultrasound or X-ray), confirm that all anticipated puppies have arrived. If you’re uncertain—especially with large breeds or uncounted litters—an X-ray is the most accurate way to check for retained puppies.
Whelping Pauses: What’s Normal?
A whelping pause is a temporary break in labor where your dog rests calmly with no active contractions. These pauses can last from minutes up to a few hours. As long as your dog seems comfortable and attentive to her pups—and there are no signs of distress—it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if a pause exceeds four hours or your dog appears weak or ill, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Complications That Require Veterinary Attention
- Strong contractions lasting over 20–30 minutes without producing a puppy
- A gap longer than two hours between puppies when more are expected
- A greenish or dark vaginal discharge without a puppy following within two to four hours
- Puppies visibly stuck at the vulva without progress despite effort
- The mother remains restless or weak after apparent completion of birth
If any of these occur—or if you suspect there may be retained puppies or placentas—seek veterinary care right away.
Caring for Mother and Puppies After Birth
Once whelping concludes:
- Provide food and water suitable for lactation.
- Create a warm (around 85°F/29°C) and quiet environment for the first days.
- Monitor vaginal discharge (lochia)—it should gradually darken and diminish over several weeks without a foul odor.
- If the mother shows illness, fever, appetite loss, disinterest in pups, excessive bleeding, or fails to pass all placentas, call your vet immediately.
The Responsible Owner’s Role
Your job doesn’t end once all puppies are born! Stay observant: watch that both mom and pups thrive in their new environment. Regularly check that all pups are nursing well and gaining weight—and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if anything seems off.
