Most births go smoothly on their own. Your job is calm support — and knowing exactly when to call the vet.
Restlessness, nesting, panting and refusing food mark the first stage, which can last up to 12–24 hours. Active contractions then deliver a puppy typically within an hour, with breaks up to a couple of hours between puppies.
Strong contractions for 30–60 minutes without a puppy, more than two to three hours between puppies with more expected, green-black discharge before the first puppy, or a weak, exhausted bitch — these all mean call the clinic now.
Check that every puppy latches and nurses, weigh them, and note birth order and placentas. A calm, warm box around 25 degrees with a cooler corner lets the bitch and puppies regulate comfortably.
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