Emergency — phone the vet now
Within hours
Pregnancy and whelping emergencies in dogs
Bitch in labour for over 2 hours without producing a puppy, more than 2 hours between puppies, or any green/black discharge before the first puppy — phone the vet now.
Recognise the signs
- Active straining over 30-60 minutes with no puppy
- Over 2 hours since last puppy in known multi-puppy litter
- Green or black discharge before first puppy is born (placental separation)
- Severe distress, weakness
- Foul discharge
- Bitch ignoring puppies
First aid steps
- Phone the emergency vet immediately.
- Note timing of first stage labour, second stage strain, last puppy time.
Do NOT
- Do not pull on a stuck puppy.
- Do not give human medications.
- Do not delay — uterine fatigue worsens with time.
While transporting to the vet
- Bring all puppies if old enough.
- Phone ahead — caesarean preparation may be needed.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Active straining over 30-60 minutes no puppy
- Over 2 hours between puppies
- Green discharge before first puppy
Common causes
- Dystocia (difficult birth) — puppy too large, malpositioned, or weak contractions
- Uterine inertia
- Stillbirth
What the vet will need to know
- Mating dates, expected due date
- Number of puppies expected (X-ray late pregnancy gives count)
- Labour timing
- Bitch's condition
Aftercare
- Caesarean section often needed.
- Hospitalisation, then home care of mother and puppies.
- Watch for postpartum complications (see dog-recently-given-birth, dog-eclampsia).
Prevention
- Vet plan for whelping, including X-ray for puppy count.
- Know warning signs.
- 24/7 emergency vet number.
Breed-specific notes
- Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldog, French Bulldog) often need planned caesareans.
- Toy breeds with single large puppies higher dystocia risk.
Frequently asked questions
How long is normal labour?
First stage (settling, panting, nesting) up to 24 hours. Second stage (active straining and birth) — first puppy within 60 minutes of straining; subsequent puppies within 2 hours of each other.
Is caesarean common in some breeds?
Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers — yes, often planned. Discuss with the vet during pregnancy.
Can I deliver at home?
Many bitches whelp without intervention, but always have an emergency vet plan and contact ready.