Bitches rarely need human help to give birth. Despite this, you should recognize when a dog has finished giving birth so that you can take care of the bitch and puppies. A bitch having offspring will go through contractions and restlessness. The bitch that has just given birth will be calm and attentive to her newborn puppies. Sometimes, however, bitches give a break between the birth of one puppy and another. In that case, carefully consider the expected size of the offspring and whether you are expecting more puppies. If your dog has finished giving birth but you are expecting more puppies, contact your veterinarian.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Identifying labor in progress
Step 1. Consult your veterinarian to see how many puppies should be in the litter
Generally, the veterinarian will examine the dog around day 50 of pregnancy to see how many puppies she is carrying. This number should tell you how many puppies to expect. If the bitch hasn't had all the puppies yet, there's more to come.
- It is extremely important to take your dog to the vet during pregnancy. If you don't know how many puppies to expect, you might not be able to judge when the bitch has finished giving birth and when she's just taking a break. If you do not know litter size, contact your veterinarian.
- If you are unsure of litter size, research the average puppy size for your dog's breed. Even if it's not the exact number of puppies, it might give you an idea of what to expect.
Step 2. Observe restless behavior as a sign of more to come
Panting, quickening stride, crying, and shifting positions may be signs that there are more puppies to come. If your dog continues to look restless, it means she hasn't finished giving birth.
The bitch can either stand up or lie on her side to give birth. You can see this when the bitch changes position frequently
Step 3. Pay attention to the contractions to see if she is about to give birth again
When your dog has a contraction, her body may tremble or become tense. You may notice a wave-like movement near the hind legs. The bitch can still move her legs or reposition herself during contraction.
Contractions usually occur for ten to thirty minutes before the puppy is born
Step 4. Recognize that many bitches take breaks during delivery
These breaks can last up to two hours. Your dog can stop having contractions and become less restless. If you're expecting more puppies, be prepared to get in on the action soon.
- The birth usually lasts around three to six hours, but can last up to twenty hours, especially if the dog's breed has large heads, such as bulldogs and Boston terriers.
- Some bitches may have multiple breaks during delivery.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing the end of childbirth
Step 1. See if the contractions are over
If the contractions are gone, there's nothing you need to do. If you're expecting more puppies, your dog will continue to give birth when she's rested. If not, your dog has finished giving birth!Ref>
Perhaps there are some contractions after the last puppy so that the bitch can expel the last placenta
Step 2. Look for signs that the bitch is calming down
If the bitch is no longer giving birth, moaning or panting, it could be a sign that she has finished giving birth. Count the puppies to make sure you have the correct number.
Step 3. Keep an eye on your dog for at least two hours
If you're not sure if your dog is taking a break, keep watching her. If two hours have passed and you are no longer expecting any puppies, your dog has probably finished giving birth.
- If you are expecting more puppies and after two hours your dog has not given birth, contact your veterinarian.
- The bitch should be calm and resting when she's finished. If two hours pass and your dog is still panting, she may be getting ready to give birth again.
Method 3 of 3: Looking for Help
Step 1. Communicate your veterinarian of the onset of delivery
Let your vet know that your dog has started giving birth. This will make them on the alert. If you have an emergency, they will be ready to help you as quickly as possible.
Your dog and puppies must be examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours of birth, even if they are apparently healthy
Step 2. Make sure there is a placenta for each puppy
The bitch will usually release the placenta fifteen minutes after the puppy is born. Occasionally, puppies will be born followed by two placentas. There should always be a placenta for each puppy. Otherwise, contact your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian can give your dog an injection of oxytocin to help expel placentas naturally
Step 3. Take your dog to the vet if she is shaking or straining
While a little panting is normal immediately after giving birth, but your bitch shouldn't be shaking. If this behavior persists for several hours after delivery, it could be a sign of complications such as puerperal fever.
Step 4. Seek help if the dog continues to have contractions for more than 30 minutes
If the bitch has been straining or contracting for 30 minutes without giving birth, a puppy may be trapped. Your dog may need an emergency cesarean.