how will i know when my dog is about to give birth?

Question

i have a 3 year old border collie and i know she is going to drop soon but how will i know when?
what are the signs if any?

please help?

i would like to thank every one for there great answers.

i will keep my eye open for all said signs below.

Answer 1

usually they stop eating as much, if any 12 hours before. she will be in labor for awhile before hand, could be hours, could be days. you should definately notice her being uncomfortable, maybe even scared, or even cranky and less tolerable of things, like kids or other pets, not sleeping for long periods of time, just short naps between contractions. she could be panting alot too, because of the contractions. she will be "nesting" or looking around the house for hiding places to have the pups.

Answer 2

hi, i had a litter of chihuahuas pups this year so i dont no if border collies are the same, but, she was shaking looked nervous, i then took her to her nesting box away from the other dogs, you could see her pushing her stomach contracting, she made a bed and keep nesting, walking around looked very sorry for herself. Later on she layed down and i could see the head, after a few more contracting out poped one pup, you need to break the bag pup is in straight away if she doesnt do it, you may have to rub pup to breath on its own first, your dog should cut the cord, but if she doesnt then you need to, pince the cord together with a gap in bewteen your fingers , make sure it is flat and cut, dont panic if it bleeds, it will stop, thats because you didnt push all the blood out. After a while she will start the signs all over again and out will pop pup 2. Your dog will eat the afterbirth, this is normal. Make sure pups are in a warm room, you might be better of having a heat pad for them to lay on, as it is getting colder or a hot water bottle. I wish you all the luck, she will likely have the pups during the night? so you will need to stay up with her, incase of any problems. I found a good site which i printed off and kept in the room with us, i dont have the correct link but it was purina., try it, it helped me. It tells you from birth to 8 weeks, what they should be doing at different stages, and weaning. If you cant find it, use the 360 i have and send me a email and i will email the copy i have. Dont forget you need to start worming pups at 2 weeks old. Keep us informed how she does. Good luck!!!

Answer 3

You will know. My American Pitbull terrier just Had 11 pups. I was scared that I wouldn't know because it was my first experience with canine whelping. She first would dig in the yard and stay out for way longer than normal. Then right before she delivered she started acting frantic and she was panting really heavy. Now I am sure that every dog is different, but Envy never built a nest or had a abnormal temp. drop like some vets and web sites say. Just know that you will know when She's going into labor. Also Envy lost her appetite. I hope you have everything that you will need for labor ready!!! Good luck.
Yes also Envy was shivering but she never whined or yelped or made any distressing sounds.

Answer 4

Keep a check on her teets, they will get a waxy feel to the ends and start to swell with milk. Also her vagina will swell and look really puffy. She will also try to find a dark, quiet place to birth. If you have not gotten a place ready for her, do so soon. Try in a closet or under a counter where you can place a towel or blanket over the opening so it will give her a feeling of being in a den or a safe place. Don't feel bad if you make her a cozy place and she chooses to find her own place, like under your bed. Hopefully you do have her inside.

Answer 5

The dog will start to get "restless" after hiding for a long time under something. Sometimes they walk around in circles and whine, or roam about the house. It is best at this point to use reassuring tones with the dog, but it is important not to touch the dog unless you absolutely have to to get it into the birthing crate or area.

Answer 6

You will know!! When my Great Dane had her puppies, she stopped eating 2 days before and made her "nest" in the evening.
I slept out in the kennels with her all night, she was twisting and turning trying to get comfy and just when I dropped off to sleep I heard the yelps of her 1st puppy!! Most puppies are born at the break of dawn (ours was 5am) and she went on to have 1 every hour (7 in all).
Just watch out for her "nesting" and looking restless....good luck!

Answer 7

she will go quiet and start to make a nest away from everyone, she could also go off her food s few dats before she id gue.some dogs like to know your around when they give birth others prefere to be left alone. if u know when she mated and u count 2 months and 1 day that will give you her delivery date, but she can go over as little so do not panice if she not deliver one the said day.

Answer 8

I got this short answer from answer.com

" A sudden drop in temperature is a good sign that birth about to happen. Your dog may be restless, and she may shiver, pant or even start to vomit."

Answer 9

youll know! when she found where she wants to have them she more than likely will stay there give her an old blanket to lie on and keep plenty of clean things for delivery jus incase you need to help her deliver when my dog had pups i had to cut the bags as she wouldnt dont mean to scare you but better bein safe than sorry and try to keep noise levels to a minimum

Answer 10

She will build a nest (yes really) then she will stand over it for about 10 minutes, give a yelp and drop a pup.