What Signs Appear Before a Dog Gives Birth?

Before giving birth, a dog typically becomes anxious, loses appetite, repeatedly digs at its bedding, and has a drop in body temperature and restlessness. A few days prior the breasts swell, redden and start leaking milk.

About 24-48 hours before labor, temperature drops about 1 degree C and returns to normal at delivery. Within 3-10 hours of whelping, there is abdominal pain, restlessness, whining, frequent urination and swelling of the vulva; when the water breaks and fluid flows, birth is imminent.