Dog giving birth

Dog giving birth

By
✔ MRCVS
DVM
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

Preparation

Look out for

When to worry

What to do

What not to do

When is it normal

What to expect

First days

Share this article

Dog giving birth

Dog giving birth

By
✔ MRCVS
DVM
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

Dogs give birth at around 8 weeks of pregnancy. This article provides a guide on what to expect in a whelping dog, so you can easily recognise what is normal to reduce any anxiety that this moment may bring. As well as what is not normal so you can call for help without delay.

Giving birth in dogs is also known as labour or whelping. One of the signs that you should seek emergency vet care is if your dog is having strong, continuous contractions that have continued for more than 20 minutes without a puppy being born.

Dog giving birth

Preparing for your dog’s labour >Preparing for your dog’s labour [Preparation

Signs your dog is whelping and the stages that follow >Signs your dog is whelping and the stages that follow [Look out for

When to call the vet during whelping in dogs >When to call the vet during whelping in dogs [When to worry

What you can do to help your dog when she’s whelping >What you can do to help your dog when she’s whelping [What to do

What not to do with your whelping dog >What not to do with your whelping dog [What not to do

How many puppies does a dog give birth to? >How many puppies does a dog give birth to? [When is it normal

What to expect after your dog gives birth >What to expect after your dog gives birth [What to expect

The first few days with newborn puppies >The first few days with newborn puppies [First days

Explore our vet recommended products
Shop Now

Share this article