Mucus Plug Dogs Water Breaking Early Warning Signs and Labor Stages

As a dog owner, you're probably eager to know if your furry friend is experiencing a mucus plug or water breaking. A mucus plug is a thick, jelly-like substance that forms at the cervix and can be a sign that labor is near.

Dogs typically start showing signs of labor between 58 and 68 days of gestation, but it can happen earlier or later.

One of the earliest signs of labor is a bloody discharge, which can appear 24 to 48 hours before the actual birth. This discharge is usually accompanied by restlessness and panting.

Related reading: Dog Spit up Mucus

As your dog's due date approaches, it's essential to recognize the signs of labor to ensure a smooth and safe delivery. Your dog might become restless and not want to eat.

Her temperature is a crucial indicator, and you should take it daily. A normal temperature range is between 101 and 102 degrees, but when it drops below 100 degrees, labor is likely to begin within 24 hours.

You might notice her going in and out of her whelping box, a sign of nesting. This behavior is normal, but it's essential to provide her with a safe and comfortable space.

A white discharge from her vulva is also a common sign of labor. However, it's not the same as water breaking, so don't mistake it for that.

Here are the key signs of labor to look out for:

As you're waiting for your dog's water to break, it's essential to understand the stages of labor. Stage 1 can last a few hours or several days, during which your dog may seem restless, spend more time in her bed or whelping box, and become clingy or want to be left alone.

You'll notice a clear-whitish mucus discharge, which is a sign that stage 1 is underway. This discharge is often cleaned up by your dog.

Stage 2 is active labor, characterized by panting, vocalizing, abdominal contractions, straining, and licking at the vulva. You may notice a thick vaginal discharge, which can be clear or green.

You should see your first puppy within 2 hours of the start of stage two. If that isn't the case, it's time to call your vet.

Here are the stages of labor:

If your dog is straining and it has been more than 1 hour since the last pup was delivered, phone your vet.

Water breaking can be a confusing process, but it's not always a sign of an impending delivery. The appearance of water breaking can be due to a sac breaking before the puppy is born.

There are two possible reasons for this: either the dam's water has broken due to the sac rupturing, or the dam has a gush of lubricating fluid before the first puppy appears.

If it's the lubricating fluid, then there's not a time issue.

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As your dog's due date approaches, it's essential to keep an eye out for early signs of labor. Your dog might become restless, not wanting to eat, and start nesting, going in and out of her whelping box.

You might notice a white discharge from her vulva, but this is not the same as water breaking. Take her temperature daily to monitor her progress. Normally, a dog's temperature is between 101 and 102 degrees.

When your pregnant dog's temperature drops below 100 degrees, it's a strong indication that she'll have her puppies within 24 hours.