When to Call the Vet During Whelping: Warning Signs Every Breeder Must Know

Most whelpings proceed without intervention. But some do not — and knowing the difference between a normal pause and a genuine emergency is one of the most important skills a breeder can have.

Every breeder, regardless of experience level, should have their vet's emergency number and an after-hours emergency clinic number ready before a whelping begins. When things go wrong during whelping, they often go wrong quickly.

What Normal Whelping Looks Like

Understanding normal makes abnormal easier to recognise.

Stage 1 (early labour): Restlessness, nesting behaviour, refusal of food, panting. Temperature drops below 37.8°C (100°F) typically 12–24 hours before active labour. May last 6–24 hours.

Stage 2 (active labour): Active straining and contractions. First puppy typically delivered within 1–4 hours of active contractions beginning. Subsequent puppies arrive every 15–90 minutes, with some pauses.

Normal variation: Some dams rest between puppies for up to 2–4 hours without any problem. This is normal as long as she is calm and there are no signs of distress.

Call Your Vet If:

Primary Uterine Inertia

The dam has been in Stage 1 for more than 24 hours without progressing to active contractions. This is called primary uterine inertia — the uterus is not contracting effectively. This requires veterinary assessment, and possibly oxytocin or a C-section.

Active Straining Without a Puppy

Strong, active contractions for 20–30 minutes without delivery of a puppy. This indicates an obstruction — a puppy may be lodged in the birth canal. This is an emergency. Do not wait.

Green or Black Discharge Before Any Puppy

A small amount of dark green-black discharge before or with a puppy is normal (it is from the placenta). But heavy green or black discharge before the first puppy can indicate placental separation — the puppy may not be getting oxygen. Call immediately.

More Than 4 Hours Between Puppies (With Straining)

If the dam is actively straining and more than 4 hours have passed without a puppy, call the vet. If she is resting calmly with no straining, up to 4 hours between puppies is often normal.

Signs of Extreme Exhaustion or Collapse

A dam in severe distress — gasping, unable to stand, extremely pale gums — needs emergency care.

A Puppy Visibly Stuck in the Birth Canal

If a puppy is visible at the vulva but not progressing with normal contractions, contact your vet for guidance. Gentle, consistent traction (never forceful or intermittent) may help, but only with vet guidance.

Temperature After Whelping

A fever above 39.5°C in the hours after whelping suggests infection — call your vet.

When in Doubt, Call

A brief phone call to your vet or emergency clinic describing what you are seeing costs nothing and takes 2 minutes. Vets who work with breeders expect these calls and would rather hear from you early than have you wait until a critical situation develops.

Summary

Call your vet if: active straining lasts 20–30 minutes without a puppy, more than 4 hours pass between puppies with active straining, the dam shows signs of distress or collapse, green/black discharge appears before the first puppy, or you count fewer placentas than puppies. The rule is: when in doubt, call. The cost of an unnecessary phone call is zero. The cost of waiting too long can be a puppy — or a dam.