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Signs a Dog Is Going Into Labor

As whelping gets close, most dogs show a mix of physical and behavioral signs. Knowing what is normal can help you prepare, stay calm, and recognize when it is time to call your veterinarian.

This guide covers common early labor signs, active labor, warning signs, and simple ways to get your whelping area ready.

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Pregnant mother dog resting in a prepared whelping area

Common Signs Labor Is Getting Close

In the last day before whelping, many dogs become restless, start nesting, may refuse food, and often prefer a quiet corner or their whelping box. A drop in rectal temperature to below about 99°F can happen within the last 24 hours before labor starts. AKC, VCA, and Merck all describe these as common pre-labor signs.

Behavior Changes

Restlessness
Nesting or digging at bedding
Wanting privacy or isolation
Clingy behavior or unusual pacing

Physical Signs

Drop in rectal temperature
Panting or trembling
Reduced appetite
Clear watery discharge

These early signs can last for several hours and may continue for up to about 24 hours as the cervix dilates and the first stage of labor progresses.

What Active Labor Looks Like

Once a dog moves into active labor, you will usually see stronger abdominal straining and delivery of puppies. VCA describes second-stage labor as the delivery stage, when visible straining begins.

Stage 1: Early Labor

Restlessness, nesting, panting, shivering, refusing food, and seeking a quiet place.

Stage 2: Puppy Delivery

Visible contractions and abdominal straining, followed by puppy delivery.

Stage 3: Placenta Passage

Placenta(s) are passed, often around the time puppies are delivered.

When to Call the Vet Right Away

Contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic if labor seems abnormal or the mother appears distressed. VCA, AKC, and Merck all describe warning signs that should not be ignored.

Strong straining for more than 30 minutes without producing a puppy
More than 2 hours between puppies when you know labor is active
Green discharge before the first puppy
Collapse, severe weakness, or extreme pain
Trembling or shivering that seems severe or abnormal
No signs of whelping around 64 days after the last mating

Quick Labor Checklist

Take and record rectal temperature
Prepare clean bedding
Keep the room quiet and warm
Have your vet and emergency number ready
Monitor for nesting, panting, and restlessness
Stay nearby, but do not crowd the dam

Helpful Resources

Dog Pregnancy Due Date Calculator Whelping Checklist Puppy Room Temperature Guide Newborn Puppy Weight Chart Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Early labor signs such as nesting, panting, and restlessness may last for several hours and can continue for up to about 24 hours.

Not always. VCA notes that some dogs stop eating during the last day of pregnancy, but not all do.

Many dogs show a rectal temperature drop to below about 99°F within roughly 8–24 hours before whelping.

Call your vet if there is prolonged straining without a puppy, green discharge before the first puppy, collapse, severe distress, or a long delay once active labor has started.

This page is for general breeder education and is not a substitute for veterinary care. If the dam seems distressed or labor does not seem normal, contact your veterinarian right away.