Signs Your Dog Is About to Whelp: What to Watch For
Signs a Dog Is About to Whelp | Labour Signs Guide
Learn the signs your dog is about to whelp, including behaviour changes, temperature drops and what to expect.
Signs Your Dog Is About to Whelp
Knowing when your dog is about to give birth helps you prepare and provide the right support at the right time. While every dog is different, most will show a combination of behavioural and physical changes in the final 24 to 48 hours.
For breeders, recognising these early signs reduces stress and gives you time to ensure your setup is ready before labour begins.
Early Signs (24–48 Hours Before)
In the day or two before whelping, many dogs begin to show noticeable behavioural changes.
Nesting is one of the most common signs. Your dog may dig at bedding, rearrange blankets or repeatedly move between different areas trying to get comfortable. Restlessness is also common, with some dogs pacing, panting lightly or struggling to settle.
You may also notice a drop in appetite, with some dogs refusing food altogether in the final 24 hours. Others may become more clingy, while some prefer to be left alone in a quiet, secure space.
Temperature Drop
One of the most reliable indicators that labour is approaching is a drop in body temperature.
A dog’s normal temperature sits around 38–39°C. Within 12 to 24 hours before labour begins, this typically drops to around 36.5–37.5°C.
Taking your dog’s temperature once or twice daily in the final days of pregnancy can help you spot this change. Once the drop occurs, labour usually follows within a day, giving you a clear window to prepare.
Signs Labour Is Starting
As labour begins, the signs usually become more obvious and consistent.
Your dog may start panting heavily, trembling or showing signs of discomfort. Some dogs may whine, appear anxious or repeatedly change positions. Others remain quiet but focused and withdrawn.
You may also notice increased licking of the vulva, visible contractions or a tightening of the abdomen. At this stage, your dog is moving into active labour and should be monitored closely, with puppies often following soon after.
Preparing for Whelping
As soon as you notice these signs, it’s important to make sure your whelping area is fully prepared.
Having everything ready ahead of time makes a big difference, see what to include in your whelping kit essentials. You can also download our neonate record keeping free downloads to make sure you’re fully prepared before puppies arrive.
Ensure your setup includes clean bedding, towels, a safe warm environment, milk replacers and syringe, bottle or tube feeding supplies in case puppies need support after birth.
How Long Does Labour Take?
Once labour begins, timing can vary between dogs. Some will progress quickly, while others may take several hours between stages.
Early labour, including restlessness and nesting, can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours although it can last up to 24-36 hours particularly in first time mums. This is followed by active labour, where puppies are delivered.
It’s normal for there to be short breaks between puppies, but longer delays or signs of distress should always be monitored closely.
When to Intervene
While most dogs whelp naturally without assistance, there are times when intervention may be needed.
If your dog is straining without producing a puppy, appears excessively distressed, or if there are long gaps between puppies, it’s important to seek veterinary advice promptly.
Early support can make a significant difference, so acting quickly when something seems off is always the safest approach.
After Puppies Are Born
Once puppies arrive, the focus shifts quickly to warmth, feeding and monitoring.
Newborn puppies need immediate warmth, so it’s important to understand how to warm a cold puppy safely. Ensuring puppies receive the correct amount of milk is also critical, see our milk feeding calculation guide.
If puppies are not feeding strongly from mum, you may need to support them, including learning how to bottle feed puppies safely.
Final Thoughts
Recognising the signs that your dog is about to whelp helps you prepare and respond with confidence. By understanding behaviour changes, monitoring temperature and having your setup ready, you can support a smoother and less stressful whelping process. If your dog shows signs of distress, labour isn’t progressing, or you’re unsure at any stage, it’s always best to check in with your veterinarian for guidance. To learn what to do next once puppies arrive, see our full guide: How to Care for Newborn Puppies.