Is my dog in labor

Question
Is my dog in labor?  SHe is panting, shaking, whining, wants lots of affection, can't lay down, and throwing up.

Answer
Hi Morgan,

The signs of labor you've described are pretty normal, and aren't a sign of a problem.

Signs that your dog is having an emergency, and that you need to call a vet are:

Record the time that your dog's labor begins. She will be restless and anxious. She may pant, pace and will most likely refuse food. She will begin to nest, dragging clothing and fabric to form a bed. If more than 24 hours have passed since the onset of labor and she has not started delivering puppies, you should contact a veterinarian.

Record the time your dog begins to have hard contraction. She will strain to push the puppies out in a manner that will resemble a bowel movement. If the first puppy hasn't been delivered within two hours of the onset of Stage II labor, you should contact a veterinarian.

Be prepared to help your dog clean her puppies, but don't intervene unless she doesn't do the work herself. As soon as the puppy is delivered, your dog should clean the puppy by licking it. If she doesn't, there is a problem and you must intervene quickly. Remove the amniotic membrane from the puppy's face and wipe fluids from the nose and mouth. Vigorously rub the puppy with clean, warm towels.

Record the time when each puppy is delivered. If more than four hours pass after the last puppy is born and you think there may be more puppies, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. If the mother dog strains for more than an hour without delivering a puppy, you should also contact a veterinarian.

Record the number of placentas your dog delivers. If there are fewer placentas delivered than there are puppies, you should contact a veterinarian. If a placenta remains in the uterus, the dog will eventually become very sick. She could even die.

Normal mother dogs are bright, alert and attentive to their puppies. She should have a ravenous appetite by the day after having her puppies. If your dog shows any signs of listlessness or depression. She also needs to visit a veterinarian if she is not attentive to her puppies.

It is normal for the dog to have a vaginal discharge following having her litter. This discharge normally has rusty reddish or greenish brown appearance. Be concerned if the discharge is pus-like or has a strong odor. This can also be a sign of retained placenta and uterine infection. If this is the case, do not delay in contacting your vet. It could be life threatening. Normal cleansing of the uterus (the discharge) can last as long as eight weeks.

Signs that the puppies aren't getting enough milk are: thin or lean puppies that cry consistently suck objects around them (or each other) and do not sleep. If this is the case, The puppies need to be taken directly to a veterinarian, and hand fed with a puppy milk supplement by hand. Your vet can show you how to do this.

Any problems or concerns are for a vet to answer, not an internet helpline!!!!

Best of luck,

Patti