What happens if my dog doesnt push her puppies out?

Adrienne is a certified dog trainer and former veterinarian assistant who partners with some of the best veterinarians worldwide.

Here's how to help a dog in labor, in case complications arise.

Preparing for Birth

Sixty-three days have passed since your dog has been bred and you think the big day has come. Your dam has reported the typical rectal temperature drop of 99.0 or lower. She has also lost her appetite, appears restless, and has started the nesting behavior. She appears to be looking for a good spot to give birth. You kindly remind her of the nice whelping box you have so carefully created for her comfort and the comfort of her babies.

Luckily, most births are uneventful. Nature takes its course and your dam and puppies will likely be just fine. While most times no human intervention is necessary, staying beside your dam during the birthing process will be helpful. By remaining nearby, you will be able to assist her should she need help, and you will be promptly able to recognize signs of something going wrong. Remember to keep your vet's number handy should you need to ask any questions or alert your vet that you are bringing your dog in as an emergency.

Signs of a Normal Delivery

Contractions

The dam will have involuntary contractions that may last from 6 to 12 hours. These contractions may cause your dog to appear restless, but this is a normal process. Later, the contractions will be more forceful, and your dog will appear anxious and may even pant and vomit. She may also repeatedly lick her vulva. Don't worry, this is considered normal.

Pushing and the Water Bag

The dam may then start straining or may lay down pushing. Shortly, you may see a bag showing out from her vagina. This is the water bag, in some cases this bag ruptures before the puppy is actually born. When this happens, a typical straw-colored fluid will be secreted.

The First Birth

After the water bag breaks, the puppy should follow. Most puppies are born in a diving position. Dark green fluid may be passed after the puppy exits the birth canal.

Cleaning and Umbilical Cord

Mommy at this point will take care of cleaning up, she will remove the fetal membranes and the secretions from the puppy's nose and mouth, allowing the pup to breathe freely.

Finally, the umbilical cord is bitten off.

Placenta(s)

The dam may now expel the placenta. This takes place after each puppy is born. Some dams may ingest the placenta. This is an old instinct to remove any evidence of birth that may attract predators.

More Puppies

The next puppy should appear usually from 15 minutes to 2 hours later. You should see the first signs of straining resume within 5–30 minutes after the precedent puppy.

Once done, the dam may exhibit a bloody or dark green discharge for the first few days following birth.

Things You Can Do to Assist

• You can disinfect the umbilical cord with iodine, this will prevent infection. Should the umbilical cord be still bleeding, you may want to clamp it or tie it with thread to stop the bleeding.
• You can help remove the amniotic sac from around a puppy should your dam be still busy with another pup. Simply tear the sac open and remove. Do this within 30 seconds after birth. This will allow the puppy to breathe.
• You may help remove the secretions from the nose and mouth with a cotton swab or with a special suction device or you may turn the puppy gently upside down supporting his head and allowing the secretions to drop out with gravity.
• You can rub the pup shortly after birth with a soft towel after the secretions are cleaned off. This mimics the mom's licking.
• You may want to remove some of the placentas if your dam is ingesting too many. In excess, they may cause diarrhea.
• You may want to count the placentas after the birthing process is done. There should be one per pup. Should you miss and you know the dam has not eaten it you will need your vet to give an oxytocin injection to help her expel it.
• You may want to place the pups while the dam gives birth in a nice warm box, so they will stay warm and the dam avoids accidentally laying on them as she continues to give birth.
• You may place the pups near the nipples to start feeding during the interval between births.
• You may lubricate the birth canal with K-Y jelly should she seem like having difficulty delivering a puppy. The pup may be stuck in the birth canal.
• You may help deliver the puppy by gently gripping the puppy's skin behind his neck with a cloth. You may also rotate the pup one way and then the other to help the puppy be expelled.

Signs of an Abnormal Delivery

There are various signs that may indicate trouble. A physical blockage takes place when a puppy is too large or it is positioned incorrectly, such as rump first. A mom may also have a narrow birth canal, a tumor or a fractured pelvis that makes delivery difficult.

Call Your Vet if Your Dog Is

• Straining actively for about 30–60 minutes without a puppy may indicate this sort of problem. A veterinary may be needed to correct the position or perform a C section.
• Refraining from birthing more puppies within an hour, yet you know she has more inside, suggesting uterine inertia.
• Expelling a purulent or bloody vaginal discharge, suggesting a hemorrhage or uterine rupture.
• Expelling a dark green fluid BEFORE the first puppy is born, suggesting premature placental separation.
• Exhibiting muscle weakness, tremors, spasms, muscle rigidity, or seizures, suggesting eclampsia.
• Exhibiting signs of shock, pale gums, severe abdominal pain, or a drop in temperature, suggesting uterine torsion.

Most births go pretty smoothly. Many times, an owner concerned about their dog having puppies for the first time will wake up in the morning only to find mommy with her newborn puppies in the whelping box doing just fine. Usually, it is best not to intervene, so to allow the puppies and mom to bond together. However, in cases where mom appears to be struggling, a little help will not hurt.

Being prepared and knowing what suggests trouble, is almost like going halfway through the process, the rest then is left to your dam and the miracle of birth provided by nature.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Questions & Answers

Question: My dogs' water sac is hanging out with no signs of breaking. What can I do?

Answer: If you notice an amniotic sac protruding for some time, then a vet should be seen as soon as possible.

There may be a puppy stuck in the canal, or you may be dealing with a case of uterine inertia.

Question: If my dog's puppies are too big, how can I help her give birth without having a C-section?

Answer: There is no safe way to do this at home if the puppies are large.

Question: How do I lubricate the birth canal of a dog?

Answer: According to veterinarian Dr. Linda, the birth canal can be well lubricated with any safe lubricant such as KY Jelly. If the dog is having difficulty giving birth, though, it is recommended to see the vet.

Question: My dog's water broke, when should I expect the puppies to come out?

Answer: Usually, when mother dog's temperature drops to below 100 we can expect labor to start within the next 24 hours. In stage 1 labor, then temperature returns to normal which is over 100F. Water "doesn't really break" in dogs as it happens in people. If your dog is having some clear fluid discharge, then it may be just lubrication fluid and she may have her pups soon. Expect contractions.If active contractions lasts more than 30-40 minutes, this can be a sign that one pup is stuck and if there are more pups the rest are also at risk. Time to get in contact with the vet. A vet should be also seen at once should mother dog develop a dark green or black discharge prior to a puppy considering that this may indicate placental separation and fetal distress.

Question: What is Uterine Inertia in dogs?

Answer: Uterine inertia is the absence of effective uterine contractions which may cause a dog difficulty giving birth. You can read more about this here: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Dystocia-Difficulty-Gi...

Question: I have a Chihuahua and she's 7 months and 7 lbs. She bred with a big dog. Should I be worried about her having the babies on her own?

Answer: If is pregnant, the biggest concern would be whether or not your Chi will be able to pass the puppies naturally or whether she will need a C-Section. It would be important to get her x-rayed around the last 10 days of her pregnancy to determine how many pups there are and whether they appear to be very large.

Question: I have a dog it's her first time giving birth. Will my pregnant dog know naturally what to do while giving birth? Will my dog cut her umbilical cords herself?

Answer: In most cases, yes. Unless your dog is young and was bred before maturing mentally and physically, there are good chances that her instincts will kick in. The release of powerful hormones will evoke her care-taking behaviors. If she won't cut the umbilical cord, the good news is that you can do so.

Simply clamp the cord between the puppy and mom with a hemostat or use dental floss tied very tight. Then, you would clamp in a second place leaving at least a couple of inches between where the cord is clamped. Next, you would use sterile thinning shears or just regular scissors to cut the umbilical cord between the clamped areas. Next, dip the part of the cord attached to pup in betadine solution and then in some clotting powder such as the one used for bleeding nails. Remove clamps. Voila'. Always best to be prepared for any mishaps!

Question: What should I do if I don't have money for a vet?

Answer: You can try to apply for Care Credit. Care Credit works well for dog owners who are unable to provide the up-front costs of veterinary care. Many vets allow Care Credit and the biggest perk is that there may be no interest if the amount is paid back within a certain time frame.

Question: What do I do if the umbilical cord is still attached to a puppy?

Answer: Normally, the mother dog will severe the cord herself. If she hasn't, then it will become your task.

It is best to keep it a bit longer than too short. Many breeders prefer about 2-3 inches away from the pup's belly.

You will, therefore, have to clamp the cord between puppy and mom with dental floss very tight and then clamp again in a second place leaving at least a couple of inches between where the cord is clamped.

Next, you need to cut the umbilical cord right in between the clamped areas using sterile scissors or even better, thinning shears.

You will then dip the cord in betadine solution and then some clotting powder such as the one used to clot blood when accidentally cutting a dog's nails through the quick. Remove the clamps.

Question: Does a water sac appear before every puppy dog's birth?

Answer: When mother dog is getting ready to give birth, the amniotic sac should appear right before the puppy. From the time you see the sac, you should expect a puppy to emerge within 30-45 minutes.

Question: Is it safe for a nine-year-old Cocker Spaniel to have her first litter?

Answer: Before any dog of any age is bred, it's important to ensure the dog is in the best shape possible and given a health clearance from the vet.

As dog's age, there are higher chances they may experience problems in whelping, and the puppies are developing problems.

Also, one must consider that many breeders retire their dogs from breeding when they are about nine to ten years old.

Question: My miniature schnauzer got pregnant by a bigger dog, will she have issues delivering the puppies?

Answer: Generally, the good news is that when a smaller dog mates with a larger dog, despite the size disparity problem, the puppies tend to conform more to the size of the mother rather than the father. Of course, this is just a generalization. A wise thing to do in such a case would be to therefore, have an X-ray done. This can tell you how many puppies your dog is expecting and how large they are. If they seem too large to be able to pass through the birth canal, your vet will likely suggest a C-section.

Question: What do I do if the dam has dead, decaying puppies are inside her?

Answer: In such a case, a veterinary visit would be paramount. With decaying puppies inside mother dog, at a minimum, one would expect a uterine infection at the least. This would make the mother dog very ill left. The vet may try to induce labor by giving a drug called oxytocin or surgery may be needed. So sorry about this.

Comments

Doggo on August 21, 2020:

What if your dog has reddish kinda brownish stuff coming out? What do I do? I am nervous

Mariam on August 04, 2020:

My dog is really scared to give birth what do I do?

Faith on July 21, 2020:

Excuse me can you deliver a girl puppy please will you die to a boy dog

Show me the different puppies you got for a boy dog

Lucila on July 04, 2020:

The bag of water is still hanging in the vulva what i will do

Sylvia Fraser on June 24, 2020:

My chihuahua has had puppies before this time she has been putting her front paws down and putting her butt in the air, she is a little over due what does this mean

Reta on June 10, 2020:

My dog has a bloody looking bag hanging put is this the water

Bella on January 22, 2020:

First time mother (dog) giving birth but only one back paw seems to be coming what to do to help it come out

Favour on January 01, 2020:

Its time for my dog to give birth but I think she scared and she Is always bleeding everyday is it a good or bad sign

Tessa on August 30, 2019:

how do I help my dog with her litter of 12 to make it easier for my dam?They are a big breed dog

Jasmine on August 16, 2019:

I can see the puppie but my dog is refusing to push it out what should i do

Michele on August 13, 2019:

My dog has had 3 puppies,,,20-30 mins. In between... I believe there’s more

Vikas on August 06, 2019:

My dog is panicking since 1hour. I think she is pain. How can I help her. She is in problem

Codie on July 07, 2019:

Of my dog has just had her water brake and she has bled aswell why is her pup not coming

Maria on July 06, 2019:

My chihuaha puppy is still pregnant but she still has her babies inside her but she cant push them out and im afriad to loose her and all the vets near me are closed what can i do

jenny on May 30, 2019:

this helped now my dog has twin puppy

Danielle on April 17, 2019:

Hi my dog has giving birth to one puppy, and hasnt had another puppy in more than 5 hours. Went to vet and they said wait till morning.

What should i do? Is there anything i can do to help her give birth to the other puppies?

Samantha on April 06, 2019:

My dog had delivered 3 puppies 3 days ago, I realising her pups during sucking mother's breast they keep pulling very strong and fast n yet screaming sound I wonder what was that mean?

Ankota on April 02, 2019:

my dog only birth one pupiies .. 24 hr is over no more pupiies she didnt give the bitth

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on February 04, 2019:

If your dog is tiny and pregnant, your best bet is to have your vet do x-rays prior to giving birth so to determine the size and number of puppies and whether she is likely to have complications or not. If you have vet help, she will likely make it!

A worried dog owner on January 21, 2019:

I have a little fox terrier and she is tiny but she is pregnant and I’m very concerned she is not gonna make it

Esmeralda on January 05, 2019:

My pomeranian dog has started her prosiger for giving birth and she is coming like crazy every 5 min. Out from her box pushing down leaving drops of pipi .Is this normal?

Woof woof on November 23, 2018:

My dog just had one puppy, in think more are coming. Do I time her? This puppy was really big for a newborn so maybe that’s why it took so long the first time... I’m really nervous this is her first time with puppies.

Goldy on October 19, 2018:

My female give 5 pup but last 12 hours they don't give any pup and they completed there 24 hours...

What can we do

Evelyn on August 27, 2018:

My dog keeps from the box the puppies are in to where she gave birth to the first 3 pups. She keeps whinning. Is this normal

Billy on July 25, 2018:

Hello my black mouthcur laix down one day while she was in heat it was like anywhere from the forst 2 weeks in may and she still hasnt had puppies what should i do

Clauell on July 14, 2018:

My dog is panting and ready to give birth but her water is not breaking the puppies are at the bottom and she is just sleeping

Ivonne on June 19, 2018:

My mom's yorkie gave birth to three puppies, but when the third puppy came she was aggressive with cleaning it and bit off its leg. The puppy didn't begin to breathe and didn't make it. Is this a fairly normal occurrence? My kids were in the room watching and now my mom says the kids made the dam nervous and that's why she bit and possibly killed the puppy.

Thersia Hay on May 26, 2018:

My dog is in labour see had the first puppy but it is almost 3 hours I can still feel the other puppies must I warry

Sue Workman on May 13, 2018:

Yes my pitbull had a puppy at 7 o’clock it’s been going on 48 hours the first one was stillborn and she has not had any more what should I do

Jennifer Hayes on April 24, 2018:

My female boxers first pup was born 10:30 on last night her 2nd one had to be around 5 am this morning and she looks as there are more to be born is this normal?

Tammy on April 15, 2018:

My dog won't have her puppies what do I do

Elizabeth Castello on March 28, 2018:

My Chiweenie is 9 months old she just delivered one puppy last night she has not had any more the next day is it normal to have one pup

Daniela rodriguez on January 26, 2018:

My dog is in labor she had a sac but its been 30 mons and no pup and shes whinning whay should i do?

Payton on January 19, 2018:

My jack Russell mix has been in labor for almost 24 hours. She's already had 4 puppies and lost 1 . She also still has 2 more in her but its been 6 or 7 hours since her last delivery. What can I do to help her.?????????!?!!!!!!!?!

Anna Florea on January 18, 2018:

I've helped in delivering 5 Jack Russell terrier births. The only thing I didn't know about was the KY jelly. Very good advise. However, one of my jacks is pregnant at 10 mths old. Accidentally, of course. It was her first heat. I would always wait till 2 yes old, to breed. ( grown & mature enough) I've looked on the internet for advise. Couldn't find much. Most info I found stated she would be OK. Some, said she had a greater chance of complications. If Anyone knows anything or has been in same circumstance please respond with some suggestions. Thank you. Anna

melissa Long on January 16, 2018:

My dog can't have her pups. Can't afford a vet i don't know wat to do

hannah on January 15, 2018:

-PLEASE READ-

this is the second time my dog (doberman) is pregnant (she is 5 days from delivery). the first time she gave birth i noticed that she seemed like she had no idea what she was doing... i had to break all of the sacks myself and break the cords aswell (i was around 13 at the time and my mum was working in the office so it was mainly just me and my dog). she had 11 pups, 3 were miscarried and the runt of the litter died on christmas day a few days later. her labour went for over 24 hours and i think that is why some of the pups died before they were born. this was around 2 years ago. how can i stop this from happening again??

Nancy on December 29, 2017:

My Chorkie just gave birth. The first was still born and she was trying to eat it. The next and only one seems fine but mom keeps trying to bite off the remainder of the umbilical cord. I'm afraid she's gonna bite off to much. Is this ok?

Trish McDilda on September 11, 2017:

My Shih Tzu has been in labor for 24 hours but had no sign if the mucus plug. What should we do

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on September 03, 2017:

An empty kiddie plastic swimming pool might work well if mother dog is accepting of the new spot. If not, she might just move them to another spot. The only issue though if she's OK with it is that a professional whelping box should have rails so mother dog doesn't end up accidentally smashing/suffocating the pups. A swimming pool lacks these rails.

Tischa on September 03, 2017:

Is it okay to help mother move puppies to nesting location like a swimming pool in same room so she has more room to give birth to rest of litter. She is already nursing 4 puppies and i believe she is going to have more. Just want to make her more comfortable and help puppies have better accesss to her nipples

Marissa on August 11, 2017:

Can anyone help me my pregnant dog wont let me take her temp. thru her rectual is there any other way to check it.

Shelby Merritt m on August 10, 2017:

my female is very restless and has a discharge i cant tell if she is in labor or not

Mercede on July 30, 2017:

This is very helpful for me. My bluenose staffordshire bull terriers bred even though i was not wanting to breed them. My female is 10 months old and i was afraid of complications with her being so young. This helps me to know when and if the vet is necessary and what to look for. Thank you

Arlene on July 20, 2017:

I need help my pit had a puppies that she could not have I helped her get it out it was dead can she have the rest of the puppies

Mariska on July 15, 2017:

My dog gave birth to seven pups now she is still shaking and pushing and has a green discharge is anything wrong she is still licking vagina too

Sissy on June 01, 2017:

My dog gave birth to a dead puppy this morning. Tonight she is whelping and appears to be in labor showing signs of contractions. Is it possible she may give birth to other puppies?

Kristy on April 20, 2017:

Part of the water bag. I assume is a lil way out of the dog but no more has happened for 45 min. Should I be worried

anne on February 22, 2017:

this is the best

Dynasty freeman on January 24, 2017:

My female pitbull just had 3 puppies its been 12 hours an i think shes getting ready to have more. Is this normal

mike on January 12, 2017:

Great info about sitting around and waiting for these pups to be born.

Joe-lene on December 12, 2016:

Very helpful because my jack russell has been having many miscarriages one time only one puppy survived but after I left home I found the puppy dead laying under the mother. I want to help my dog so her puppies will survive this time

Imran Butt on November 10, 2016:

My female is 62 days in pregnancy. she was finding the place for birth before 3 days ago but bitch belly showing like empty. but she didnt dilever yet.

Abc on October 25, 2016:

My dog delivered two puppies but there are few more puppies in its uterus... I am worried what to do next... Is it dangerous to my pet

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 01, 2016:

GTA, 60 to 63 days is average pregnancy.

Gta on June 23, 2016:

My female is 60 days in pregnancy but she didn't get dilevery.

frank luku on June 15, 2016:

My boerboel is 18 months old and she mate on the 25th of may 2016 after two heats, which I purposely didn't mate her then. It is 21 days today and still not seeing any sign of pregnancy and she is very strong n restless,. I have placed her in a confined place where she won't be able to stretch' because most people told me that a stretching mom can loose her pups in the womb during the process of stretching; is this true? And when will it be appropriate to start feeding the litters with evaporated milk..?

Sherie on June 05, 2016:

My dog Morgan was giving birth and got scared and sort of held it in its mouth trieing to find a place to hide but know there is only one and she hasn't had eny more yet what do I do please help I'm scared the rest will die inside the mom

Dena Magiera on May 23, 2016:

My dog I think is pregnant , she is breathing fast and it making g noises her mouth from time to time is open to breath , she has been very restless laying down doesn't want to move ate very lil I am worried. Is the breathing suppose to be like that ? She is a 6 yr old shihtzu.

cheyenne on March 24, 2016:

what happens if one of the puppies can not make any sound

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on January 15, 2016:

This requires a vet visit, please see the vet.

Alfred on January 14, 2016:

Hi my dog just give birth to one puppy but now its green all over and her eyes is big what is wrong

tiffan y on October 11, 2015:

My dog had her first puppy at4:45 this morning. She has not had one since. Every now and again she contracts but its nothing consistant. What do i do.

Cassie leal on June 30, 2015:

hi this morning my boxer had one puppy at 9 a.m and another at 11 a.m , is it possible she can have more later tonight or is that it . This is her first liter and She's only had two, so is that it ?

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 06, 2015:

Hello, sorry with the nice weather was away from my computer for some days, any luck yet with your dog having puppies?

Helen amos on May 05, 2015:

Hi my dog is 63 days pregnant today and was showing signs of first stages of labour yesterday. Restless, nesting, didn't eat, had discharge, so thought she was gonna have them last night or today. But all seems fine today and not showing any more signs is this normal?.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on March 20, 2015:

You must see your vet, if there are any retained placentas or dead fetuses, this can cause a serious infection, Nothing you can really do at home if that's the case.

Blanca Rios on March 20, 2015:

my chiguagua 3 days ago gave birth to puppies she had 2 girls but i still think she have more on her belly because every night she cry to much and she starts breathing really really fast like 2 breaths every second what ca i do to help her . i know my dog and i could tell the round ball inside her belly is another baby .

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on February 02, 2015:

When the water breaks, you should see a puppy within one-two, no more than 3-4 hours. Does she have any contractions? At what day of pregnancy is she? What did the fluid look like? At this point,I would call your vet and have her checked out to see what's going on.

maKayla on February 02, 2015:

My dogs water broke last night and this morning still nothing she's acting like a normal fog running around?

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on January 22, 2015:

Hello there, sorry I have a dog business aside from writing so sometimes I do not check my comments too often. Things sounded pretty normal from your description, unless there was further trouble along the road.How did everything go?

Beth on January 22, 2015:

I have a 10 month old Pom who is currently in labor, she is having contractions and will start to push for about 30 seconds and then stop for several minutes. I have been unable to find anything about this and was wondering if this is with in the realm of normal? Additional info: she was accidentally breed a week before her appointment to be spayed, the father is a 1.5 year old pug

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on January 08, 2015:

This is hard to say and seems like a tough situation. If this is a serious breeder, he/she should offer a health warranty, meaning that she/he will reimburse you and take the puppy back if you find any major health problems within a certain time frame. I have a feeling though that this is not a reputable breeder, for the simple reason that the term "toy" doesn't sound right. There are miniature, standard and giant schnauzers, the term toy or teacup is often suggestive of somebody breeding runts which are prone to a multitude of health problems....Please be careful.

emily on January 07, 2015:

Is it possibly for a newborn puppy to have brain damage?

I'm buying a this puppy from a breeder and she said that when the puppy was halfway out of momma, momma sat back down and then the puppy wasn't breathing for 15 minutes. Is there a possibility of brain damage? And if so, what would that mean for the puppyies future? The puppy is 3 days old now and the breeder said she's doing great and acting like a normal puppy would act, but it still has me wondering what the accident could mean for the puppys health in the future when its older...

Emily on January 05, 2015:

Hi, weird bizarre scenario but here goes... I'm planning on buying a toy schnauzer from a breeder and her dog had the puppies this past Sunday. She said the certain puppy that we want had a complication. The puppy was half way out when the mother sat back down for some reason, due to this the puppy lost consciousness and didn't breathe for what the lady said was 15 minutes... Is there a possibility that this pup could have brain damage? Or any other problems? The cost of the dog itself is not cheap and I would like to know the risks before I fully invest my love and finances into the dog but also future medical and vet bills... Please help! I haven't found anything on this subject. I know it was a freak accident but I need some further understanding and I want to match whatever info I can get on the subject with what the breeder tells me. She said this has never happened to her before and she's never had to revive a puppy before. So this is new to both of us. Please help!

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on December 29, 2014:

I hope everything goes well for you. Make sure the thermometer is calibrated correctly and that it's inserted into the rectum for about an inch. I would recommend a a digital one that beeps when it's read to be read.If the reading is correct, you should have your dog see the vet to ensure everything is going well. Have you felt the pups moving these days?

Bree on December 28, 2014:

This was helpful, my 6 year old black lab beagle is about to give birth. Some days we think she is going into labor, other days we just stop thinking that. We aren't sure when her and a dog we were dog sitting mated but I can no longer see my poor pup in pain I hope she goes into labor soon. Everytime I check the temp, its at 99.7 for the last week now/.

Miriam on December 23, 2014:

No, dogs aren't bred again and again every 4 months. The heat cycle isn't that frequent in dogs. Responsible breeders breed only after dogs have obtained health clearances and usually every other heat or more. Time ago there was belief that female dogs had to be bred one time before being spayed, this myth had now been debunked. I would get her spayed.

chaitanya on December 22, 2014:

Hello !

I have a labrador dog female its age is 2 years. Crossing is done for that dog for only for one time .Does the dog give birth to puppy's again and again for every 4 months.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on December 06, 2014:

Do you know what day of pregnancy she's in at this moment? At the end of pregnancy is when movements should be more noticeable. Being 8 years old, there are higher risks that she may have problems whelping as the pelvic bones in older dogs start losing their elasticity. I would have her see a vet to play it safe.Deliveries can be also more difficult at this age if this is her first litter The vet may do an x-ray to check if the pups are OK and if mom may need a c-section. Breeding dogs unfortunately is expensive and risky, and there's not much that can be done at home to prevent and treat complications. This link may be helpful:

http://www.papillonclub.org/gen_emergency_C-sectio...

Theresa Dyess from Blue Ridge, Virginia on December 06, 2014:

I have an 8 yr old registered Papillon that I'm not sure if she has ever been bred before or not, who is currently pregnant. According to the people whom I rescued her from she was in heat and bred with a registered short haired chihuahua, and should be whelping her pups any time. I have been keeping a very close eye on her for the last 2 weeks as she has been producing milk and for the last week her teats have been engorged, until yesterday. As of yesterday her tummy also lost the tightness and has becom soft. At times we can feel the pup/pups but have not felt any movement from them for the last couple days. they have shifted quadrants of her abdomen, but we only feel hard lumps and no movements from them even if we try to stimulate them with gentle rubbing or palpatation. I am very worried as I really have no money for Vet services atm, but would like a bit of advise. could this be normal? I thought quite a few times this past week that she was showing signs of labor, but it never lead to anything as yet. Should I just give it a bit more time? She doesn't seem to be in any distress at all, but doesn't want to go outside to potty or eat very much for the last week. She has also decided that she "belongs" right beside me at all times..lol I have her a soft side kennel set up that I put her in a night, due to her trying to squeeze herself under our couches at times and I know that would be a BAD idea for a whelping place, nonetheless, how she has to squish herself to get under them.

Any advise or thoughts would be helpful and MOST appreciated ty in advance

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on December 01, 2014:

There's really not much you can do at home, please see an emergency vet in your area, they are open 24/7 even on holidays.

Misty on November 30, 2014:

Our Rat terrier was in labor all night 10:30am she had a breached pup rushed her to the vet he pulled her out and gave her a shot said her uterus was small she has past several sacs empty and I know she has at least two more pups she has stopped labor but is leaking water it doesn't appear bloody. It is Thanksgiving weekend and we have yet to find a vet to help I am scared she is dying I don't have $600.00 plus to help her this is breaking my heart and dog is actually daughters boyfriends dog. I don't know what I can do. This is day 2.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on November 05, 2014:

Milk isn't really harmful per se, but can give diarrhea to some dogs, perhaps a safer way to re-hydrate her is adding some water to her kibble if she is eating normally. Also try ice cubes. She needs to drink enough to keep producing milk for her pups.

Renee Naidoo on November 05, 2014:

I have a mini jack russell who just had five pups on the 1st Nov. I am worried because she don't like water to drink,she wants milk. Is it safe for pups if mum drinks milk and feeds them. Please help.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on October 24, 2014:

As whelping nears, she should start looking for a place to give birth, maybe you can move it near you if that gives her comfort?

Merri on October 23, 2014:

We took in a stray seems to be a min pin mix she is pregnant and I'm assuming close to her due date we have had her a couple of weeks vet checked.. She was obviously abused by her previous owners and now is spoiled rotten. I have made her a wheel ping box but she will not stay in it she follows me everywhere and wants to be right with me.. What should I do when active labor starts? Her temp is 99.4 now down Fromm 100.2 last night.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on October 03, 2014:

If the vet is open when it happens, that's the perfect way to handle things. Kudos to you!

Ruby S. on October 02, 2014:

The first delivering birth of my dog had never been easy. So, it taught a lesson to me that I should bring my dog to vet when it is her delivering date. It may cost few money but I rest assure that her delivering birth is okay.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 03, 2014:

There's nothing anybody can do over the internet for birthing complications. Look for Banfield/VCA free vet exams to save money on the vet visit, but you will then have to pay for medications or any tests they run or procedures. https://hubpages.com/animals/How-to-Get-a-Free-Vet...

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 03, 2014:

See your vet, he will determine if they are too large and if a C-section is required. I hope you have saved money for possible complication and in case a C-section is needed!

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 03, 2014:

Your vet is the best person to determine pregnancy. Please keep in mind that 1) a tie is not a guarantee for pregnancy, many dogs become pregnant without a tie and dogs who tie don't get pregnant. 2) you do not count the days of pregnancy from the day the dog mates, but from the day that ovulation takes place.

Julie on August 03, 2014:

Hi, I'm a student and my parents don't have much money.... My dog (chihuahua) got pregnant and she's been on the first stage for 24 hours now ! She has this reddish blackish discharge. She has contractions and wanting to nest but no puppies came out and I don't want her to die but I really don't have money to take her to the vet ;( please please help me!

Peta on August 02, 2014:

hi I have a 6 year old fox terrier x and I think she might be 3 to 4 weeks pregnant to our other dog which is a quite large staffy and I am very worried about her pups be to large, what should I do, and what is the chances that she will die give birth?

Chantelle on July 30, 2014:

Hi I tried to breed my Pom 66 days ago today. I had the stud for a weekend and they were 'at it' nonstop but never tied. If the mating was successful she would be 66 days pregnant but is showing no signs of labor. If she's not eating or having a walk she is sleeping. She's a little bit bigger but not much and is now producing a small amount of milk (for 2 days now). She's not a small breed of Pom she is bigger than most ive seen which maybe why she's not showing so much. She saw the vet at 6 weeks but the vet said it was too soon to feel any puppies if there is any there because they'd be too small. I just don't know if she's having a phantom pregnancy or if she'll be giving birth soon. Thank u in advance for any advice.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on July 19, 2014:

See your vet and have him guide you through the pregnancy if that's the case. At 9 years old, pregnancy is risky.

brenda on July 18, 2014:

Hi, my 9yr old peekapoo is pregnant, I could tell by they way she smelled, I know it's weird but she had a sweet/vanilla smell, like warm milk her first litter two years ago., and loss of appetite and lethargy and now her belly is hard and nipples are hanging with a little of milk, I got her whelping box. but since she is much too old, I never let her out of my house only to use bathroom and walks w/leash, well I was out of town and my kids let her out and the gate open/now I just don't know when she is due and she does not let me take her temperature. I know she was spotting blood on the time before I went out of town around the 9th of June. I have no idea who the dog who mated w/ her is and i'm stressing out because she won't let me take her temp. This will be her second litter, she had nine puppies last time with no complications ..one stillborn and one faded..please advise..other 7 perfectly fine and cute peekaboo/poms. Add Your Comment...

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 26, 2012:

what a great idea! the pups raised in a loving home get the best start in life! best wishes.

Darcy on May 25, 2012:

I am getting a foster pit bull tomorrow who is very pregnant. We are not sure of the actual due date because she was a stray off the street but I am very excited to be taking her out of the shelter so she can have her pups in a home environment! Thank you for your advice in the article you have written and in all of the comments above! I'm hoping for an easy delivery for her and health pups!

Hanna on April 15, 2012:

We are hoping to get are dog prgent, we all redey have people with good Houses for the puppy's. I'm wondering if you have eney advice for me, it's my ferst time.