Understanding the Stages of Labour in Dogs: A Guide for Breeders

July 23, 2025

Dog Labour Stages Explained

Learn the three stages of labour in dogs, how to identify them, and what supplies help support a safe whelping experience.

Understanding the Stages of Labour in Dogs: A Guide for Breeders

Knowing what to expect during canine labour is crucial for a safe and successful whelping. Whether you're a first-time breeder or have been through many litters, understanding the stages of labour can help you prepare, provide support, and act swiftly if problems arise.

Here’s a breakdown of the three main stages and what you’ll need on hand.

Stage 1: Early Labour
What happens:

Signs to watch for:

Your dog’s temperature may drop around 12 to 24 hours before active labour.
Restlessness, nesting behaviour
Refusing food
Shivering or panting
Seeking seclusion
Mild uterine contractions
Mucus plug releases from the cervix

What to do:
Keep her calm and offer a quiet, clean whelping area. Avoid interrupting her nesting behaviour.

Useful supplies:

Whelping Kit with gloves, lubricant, and microfibre towels
Heating & Critical Care gear to ensure pups are warm once born

Stage 2: Active Labour and Delivery
What happens:

Contractions become stronger and more frequent. Each puppy should be born within 20–60 minutes of active straining. The mother may rest up to 2 hours between pups.

Signs to watch for:

Strong, visible abdominal contractions
Clear or slightly bloody discharge
Birth of puppies and placentas

What to do:
Gently assist the puppy to breathe if needed. Clear the amniotic sack from the puppy's nose. Clear fluid and mucus from the mouth with a bulb aspirator or Dee-Lee Mucus trap and stimulate breathing by rubbing the pup. Ensure the puppy is kept warm.

Useful supplies:

Syringe, Bottle & Tube Feeding tools in case pups aren’t nursing immediately
Clean, absorbent microfibre towels and puppy pads
Bulb aspirator and Dee-Lee Mucus Trap for clearing airways

Stage 3: Passing the Placentas (occurs simultaneously with Stage 2)
What happens:

After each pup, the placenta is usually expelled. This stage overlaps with Stage 2 and continues until all placentas have passed.

Signs to watch for:

Greenish discharge. Puppy placenta is green but not in excess and not before a puppy is born. A bit of green discharge after a puppy birth is okay.

What to do:
Count the placentas — there should be one per puppy. Counting can sometimes be difficult as the mother can eat them quite quickly. Sometimes a placenta may pass 24 to 48 hours after delivery. If the mother has a green or smelly vaginal discharge after delivery, seek veterinary help.