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Early Contractions and Labor in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 03/02/2016Updated: 03/11/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Early Contractions and Labor?
The normal gestation period for female dogs is approximately 63 days. Depending on the breed, pregnancy can range from 56 to 69 days, with smaller dogs generally giving birth slightly earlier. The beginning of labor is usually marked by a drop in body temperature and sometimes lack of appetite in the pregnant bitch, or dam. This is followed by the first stage of labor, when the dam starts experiencing mild to moderate uterine contractions and the cervix starts to dilate. The contractions last up to 16 hours, and are marked by behavior changes, as well as sometimes vomiting, panting or vocal noises. Stage two labor starts when the contractions become more extreme, the placental sac breaks and the puppies begin to be pushed out. Stage three labor occurs after all the puppies have appeared and the uterus is emptied of any remaining placental matter. Most female dogs have straight forward pregnancies and give birth without incident, but a number of conditions including infectious diseases, hormone imbalances, genetic abnormalities and stress can cause a dam to go into labor early and either have a spontaneous abortion (a miscarriage) or give birth to premature puppies. In most cases the bitch will survive, although she may have trouble getting pregnant and/or whelping going forward. Puppies born more than a few days early have little chance of survival and may even be stillborn.
Almost 98% of dogs give birth without incident, but in a few cases, an infection or another abnormality may cause a dog to go into labor before the right time. This is defined as early contractions and labor (or 'premature labor') by veterinarians. It can lead to miscarriage as well as stillborn or premature puppies, depending on what stage of gestation the bitch is in. Certain conditions may affect the female's fertility and ability to reproduce going forward.
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Symptoms of Early Contractions and Labor in Dogs
If you think your dog is going into labor, you should contact your veterinarian, especially if it is more than a day or two before the expected time. Some common signs include:
- Drop in body temperature
- Restlessness
- Lying on side
- Anxious and clingy
- Whining or other signs of pain
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils or staring
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
Types
We classify pregnancy loss according to the stage of gestation:
- Early Embryonic Death – occurs before the embryos have implanted into the wall of the uterus. The dead tissue is usually reabsorbed and the pregnancy may go undetected. We won't know a pregnancy has occurred and there will not be any contractions or labor.
- Spontaneous abortion – may occur at any time throughout a pregnancy. The fetal tissues are expelled from the uterus.
- Premature birth – puppies are born before they are fully developed. If they are alive upon birth, they often need intensive care if they are to survive.
Causes of Early Contractions and Labor in Dogs
These are some of the most common conditions which might cause your dog to abort a pregnancy or to go into labor before the proper time:
Puppy abnormalities
- Severe Congenital Birth defects
- Genetic abnormalities
- Developmental abnormalities
Health problems in the dam
- Hypothyroidism
- Progesterone deficiency
- Nutritional deficiency
- Structural abnormalities in the uterus
- Exposure to drugs or toxic compounds (especially steroids)
- In utero stress –adverse environment in the uterus, due to stress, overcrowding or bacterial infection
- Being very young or old
- Trauma
Infections that lead to early termination of a pregnancy
- Bacterial infections. One example is Brucella canis –common cause of pregnancy aborted late, after 45-55 days. Puppies are usually stillborn
- Canine Herpesvirus – puppies are often born premature, either stillborn or too weak to live
- Canine Distemper, Canine Adenovirus, or Canine Parvovirus– female dogs with severe infection will usually not carry a pregnancy to term
- Protozoal infection
Diagnosis of Early Contractions and Labor in Dogs
Diagnosis of early labor will be based on the symptoms and the expected time of delivery. If you monitor your dog’s temperature regularly, you may notice a drop about 24 hours before she goes into labor. Otherwise, symptoms of contractions will be the first sign that there is a problem. Early labor may not follow the normal stages.
Call your veterinarian as soon as you notice unusual symptoms in your dog. If she has already expelled puppies or fetal material, you should bring this to the veterinarian for testing if possible. Dogs often eat their stillborn offspring, so this may not be possible. The veterinarian will want to know your dog’s medical history, including the date the breeding took place and any prior births or pregnancies. Other medications, recent vaccinations, and possible exposures to toxins or infections are relevant. Any information you have about the puppies’ sire could also be helpful.
The veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination. Blood, urine, and vaginal cultures will be taken to check for infection or other abnormalities. Any expelled material will also be examined. It may be obvious upon feeling the dog’s stomach that there is still fetal material or puppies in the uterus. An abdominal ultrasound may be ordered to garner further information and to assess fetal heartbeats.
Sometimes a single unhealthy fetus may be aborted, while the others are carried to term normally. The veterinarian will try to determine the cause of the early contractions and labor, as well as whether your dog is fertile and capable of another successful pregnancy. Sometimes exploratory surgery could be necessary to check for abnormalities in the uterus.
Treatment of Early Contractions and Labor in Dogs
Treatment will be based on the veterinarian’s findings during diagnosis. Any confirmed bacterial infection will be treated with antibiotics. Dams who are very sick will be given fluids and supportive treatment as necessary. Medication may be given to aid uterine evacuation if fetal membrane or dead fetal material remains in the uterus. If healthy fetuses remain, the veterinarian will attempt to stop the contractions and reduce the likelihood of these puppies being born prematurely. Your dog will likely need to remain in a veterinary hospital for several days for treatment and monitoring.
If premature puppies are born underdeveloped, but otherwise healthy, they will need to be kept in intensive care. Puppies born 5-7 days early have a reasonable chance of survival. Puppies born more than 8 days early will usually be unable to swallow or go to the bathroom without help. They will need 24 hour care and may still die. Puppies born more than 10 days early are very unlikely to survive. Errors in calculating the gestation period are not uncommon, so the puppies could be more or less developed than would be expected based on the date.
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Recovery of Early Contractions and Labor in Dogs
Recovery will depend on what has specifically happened. A few dogs do die due to premature birth, but the majority will survive especially with prompt treatment (unless the early labor is due to a life-threatening condition.) Fertility may be affected , so you will need to discuss the possibility of your dog having another healthy birth. The veterinarian may recommend having your dog spayed to prevent future pregnancies.
Many conditions of early contraction and labor are preventable. Ensuring your bitch is up to date with her vaccinations and parasite prevention and is being fed a complete diet can go a long way. Getting your dog checked over before she is mated and when she first becomes pregnant is also a good idea. Similarly, only studs that have been health checked and certified clear of infection should be bred with. Maintaining good health in the dam is very important during pregnancy. Have regular check-ups and avoid situations of overcrowding which will cause stress.
Early Contractions and Labor Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,200
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Early Contractions and Labor Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd
Two Years
38 found this helpful
38 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Heavy Panting
So my female German Shepherd is about a year and 10 months old she's expecting her first letter she has been the last 2 days heavy and I mean heavily panting
Jan. 4, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
38 Recommendations
She may be in early labor. If this continues, I would have your vet look at her. Some dogs need help their first time having puppies.
Jan. 4, 2021
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Pit Bull
Four Years
38 found this helpful
38 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
She’s is 61 days pregnant I went to my room and she had a puddle of blood a small one and is leaking blood from her coochie
Dec. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
38 Recommendations
It isn't expected for a female to bleed before whelping so if there is active bleeding, she should be assessed by a vet.
Dec. 24, 2020
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Chihuahua
Three Years
30 found this helpful
30 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Muscle Spasms, Labored Breathing
My 3 yr old dog is pregnant I think she is going into labor and she has labored breathing and muscle spasms in her legs is that normal
Dec. 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
30 Recommendations
Labour is uncomfortable and can cause panting and restlessness. The spasms are a little unusual and we should monitor this closely.
Dec. 12, 2020
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Shih Tzu
Three Years
27 found this helpful
27 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
9 Weeks Pregnant Has Diarrhoea And Some Bleeding But Very Lively
Is this normal Iv never had a dog having puppies before
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
27 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Pregnancy in dogs lasts about 62 days, and there is a normal discharge that occurs right before birth. If she is acting lethargic or not eating, then it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, but is she is acting normally, she may be okay.
Oct. 5, 2020
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Pitbull
Four Years
14 found this helpful
14 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Heavy Breathing
She isn’t due to give birth for about a month, but she just spit out a stillborn and one that didn’t develop. Could you plz enlighten me on this. This is the first time all other pregnancies have beien normal
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
14 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without being able to examine her, it is difficult for me to say what might be happening, but it would seem that this pregnancy isn't normal for her. Perhaps she has had too many litters previously, or perhaps there was an infection that caused this. If she continues to have problems, it would be best to have her examined by a veterinarian who can see her and see what might be happening.
I hope that all goes well for her.
Oct. 5, 2020
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Basset Hound
Sadie
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Whining, Barking
Hi my basset hound delivered one pup while our family was out of town In vacation. After we came back we noticed she delivered one pup . However we do not know if she may be done or is still in the process of labor. She is crying as if she’s in pain , barks at times and walks around the house as if she’s searching for something. My husband and I checked all over our home to make sure she didn’t leave any more pups unattended however we found none. We notice that she still had some mild bleeding (not heavy) she’s drinking water however has not been wanting to eat. She is attending her one pup normally. How can you tell if she’s still in labor or if she is done? If she had any other pups ? However no signs of any bloody murder in our house? Please help thank you 😓
beagles
Maya
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting,
I am fostering a pregnant beagle that was dumped. Vet estimated her at 5-6 weeks along, that was 10 days ago. Poor baby has had a stressful pregnancy so far, being on the streets for half of her gestation, She has moments of heavy panting that comes and goes, mainly at the end of the day/late evening, that started yesterday. She's getting bigger daily, has started whimpering going down stairs, but is eating well. The vet said keep her resting, no heavy playing (not that she's interested in much activity right now). I'm hoping she doesn't go into early labor.
pitbull
Heavy
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Rashing Hives On Face/Top Of Head
My female is at the stage of early labour beginning. ..she's been very healthy throughout her pregnancy ...at the 2nd trtrimester she was very unsure , confused even scared and u could read it in her eyes and body language. .when she received positive acculations and after been petted and consoled etc she would relax...after that stage she has been great ,,our vet said her vagina was dilating but it wasn't anything big and could take some time ...however, for the last week, our dog has been locking and nipping g at her toes, like in between them, very persistently ...and today she started scratching at her nose and face area, it's been about 12 hours of heher being agitated with her face and head..she's puffy,red eyed ...hive out and not 3njoying this....anyway..our vet said rash in like this at the onset of labour is sometime a side effect,and to give heher some children's strenght benadryl..so we got elixir benedryl it treats hives itchy etc. .all the problems we need adressed. . .we have given her 3 doses of benedryl, since 5pm to now, it is 344Am, hopefully this last dose will start to work and relieve her symptoms...does anyone have similar experiences? Or heard of ? I really REALLY appreciate and need any comments/feedback regarding this specific issue. .and also comments/ stories you may have personally going through the birthing of puppy's. ...I feel so bad for my dog, but am hoping this is normal and maybe someone ha's suggestions for remedying this problem.I'm going to get a bucket of water and add baking soda and just pat her agitated areas aND clean them ...I know baking soda does bring the intensity of exema and rashes ..it can't hurt to try...p,ease I hope a lot of people respond quickly ASAP so we can not feel so helpless as we have no prior experience with dogs birthing .fortunately our vet is a 5 minute walk and she's on standby 24/7 ready fofor the call and she'll be here to guide us through it and if needed deal with any possible issues ...i. e --ifshe ha's trouble cleaning their airways or unbiblical cord stuff etc etc ...I am so great full shell be here cuz I'm expecting a beautiful experience and if the vwtwouldnt be heready with us I would be a basket case....not knowing what to expect etc. ..I know the dog will just do what needs to be done and it's usually always goegoes of without a hitch. .I'm extremely excited, we'll I was before these hives got as bad as they are now, and the benadryl is the working so it kinda killed the joyful positive momentum ...please PLEASE help us !! Thank you anyone who comment/she's experiences ..and I'm great full for this Web page and the services they providea. ..:) if I can, I'll send pictures of the pups n her mom and dad!!
pitbull
A'mya
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Hello my dog is in labor was stuck once and has thick gooey blood coming out of her not alot but I'm nervous...still eats walks runs drinks water and clingy she's not having contractions at all what should I do is this normal?
Pug
Daisy Mae
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shivering
Panting
Green Discharge
Premature Puppy Delivered 6 Hrs Ago
1 premature puppy born at 52 days, preceded by green discharge, is there a chance she has more puppies and can go full term?
Daisy has had four successful litters in the last 5 years and we had been skipping a heat cycle without breeding her back to back every cycle, but 6 months ago she got Open Pyometria and was given Prostaglandin to evacuate her uterus and treated with antibiotics and recovered very well. I was told that if she did not get pregnant on her next heat cycle she would get Pyo again. She went into heat at the end of December and was bred January 6,7,8. She had been fine up until yesterday when she started acting like she was in labor, then today had a green discharge followed by a premature puppy. I put her on Amoxicillin, 250 twice a day at my vets advice.
Is there any chance she has more puppies in her and can carry them full term?
Early Contractions and Labor Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,200
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
