Temperature – rectal temperature declines sharply (usually about 1 degree celsius) about 8-24 hours before labour begins. This is best measured with an electronic thermometer with some Vaseline or KY jelly applied to the tip and carefully inserted into the her bottom.

Behavioural changes – The bitch may become restless and show “nesting behaviour” the first 12-24 hours of her pregnancy. Sometimes they may want to be left alone more than usual, or they may become “clingy” and want extra attention. She may also shiver as her body temperature drops. 

In the last days of pregnancy you may see your dog’s mammary glands producing milk. 

Whelping time can also be predicted through blood tests to monitor changes in the bitch’s hormone levels.

Ultrasound and xray can be used during pregnancy to give an estimation of how far along a bitch is.  Xrays are useful to count the number of puppies present.  Ultrasound allows the vet to confirm pregnancy and check the fetal heartbeats in late pregnancy.

First stage lasts 6-36 hours and though uterine contractions begin there is no straining or pushing. In this time the puppies are moving round to get ready for the birth. The bitch may show signs of being restless or agitated, or behave completely normally.

Second stage is where the puppies are born. It generally last 3-12 hours but can be longer. Abdominal straining is seen. Her temperature will rise again to a normal level. Some fluid will also be passed. The first puppy should be born within four hours of abdominal straining beginning. Each puppy is usually born in a fluid filled bag which the bitch will break by licking. She will usually break the umbilical cord for the puppy. The gap between puppies can be between five minutes and two hours. She may stop straining and rest for up to two hours or more between puppies.

Third stage is the delivery of the placenta (the lining of the womb that has supported each puppy). A placenta is typically passed within 15 minutes of each puppy being born. Discourage the bitch from eating more than two placentas as this can cause sickness and diarrhoea.

After the puppies are all born there may be some greenish discharge called lochia. This can last up to three weeks. 

· Weak or irregular straining is seen for more than 2-4 hours without producing a puppy.

· Strong regular straining is seen for more than 20-30 minutes without producing a puppy.

· More than 2-3 hours have passed since fluid was passed but nothing else has happened.

· Greenish discharge is seen but no puppy is born within 2-4 hours

· Second stage labour has lasted longer than 12 hours.

Generally we recommend using panacur small animal oral suspension (liquid) to worm the bitch daily from day 40 of pregnancy until 2 days after giving birth. The dose is 1 ml per 4kg bodyweight.  

Puppies should be wormed using panacur small animal oral suspension at 2 weeks old, 5 weeks old and again before going to their new homes. The dose is 0.5ml per kg bodyweight once a day for three days.

Normal vaccinations and boosters are usually safe to give during pregnancy and during lactation, but your vet will check this at this time for you.

Herpes vaccination is used specifically in pregnancy to reduce the chance of abortion, stillbirth, fading puppy syndrome and neonatal death. It is given in two doses – the first during heat or 7-10 days after mating date and the second 7-10 days prior to the expected whelping date. If herpes vaccination is desired then please give the vet as much warning as possible so it can be ordered in.

It is advised to bring the bitch and puppies in for a health check a few days after she has given birth. It is useful to weigh each puppy daily and make sure all are feeding well. Coloured tape collars help to tell tiny puppies apart ! 

It is now the legal responsibility of the breeder (the owner of the bitch) to microchip all puppies prior to eight weeks of age. The chips must be registered to the breeder at this time and then transferred to the new owner when they leave. First vaccinations are usually done around 8 weeks of age.

If you have any questions or concerns at any time about the bitch or her puppies then please give us a call. If you are worried outside our opening hours then see our website for emergency contact numbers.