Do Dogs Lick Themselves When in Labor? Understanding This Natural Behavior

Have you ever wondered if your pregnant dog’s excessive licking is a sign that puppies are on the way? If you’re a dog owner expecting a litter of puppies, you might be curious about the behaviors your furry friend will display as labor approaches. One common question many pet parents ask is: do dogs lick themselves when in labor?

The short answer is yes dogs often lick themselves before and during labor. But there’s a lot more to understand about this natural behavior and what it means for your expectant pup. In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore why dogs lick themselves during labor, what other signs to watch for, and how you can best support your dog through this miraculous process.

Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves Before and During Labor?

Dogs lick themselves for several important reasons when they’re preparing to give birth:

1. Cleaning and Preparing the Birth Canal

When your dog licks her genital area excessively near her due date she’s likely preparing her body for the birthing process. This natural instinct helps

• Clean the vulva and surrounding area
• Reduce the risk of infection during birth
• Stimulate blood flow to the area
• Prepare the birth canal for the puppies’ arrival

As Dr. Sam Kent notes, “Excessive licking of the genitals near her due date is a good sign that your dog is going into labor.” This instinctive behavior is completely normal and actually beneficial for a safe delivery.

2. Self-Soothing and Stress Relief

Labor can be stressful for dogs just as it is for humans. Licking releases endorphins that can help your dog

• Calm her nerves
• Reduce anxiety
• Provide comfort during contractions
• Manage discomfort naturally

3. Stimulating the Labor Process

Interestingly, the act of licking can actually help stimulate contractions and move labor along. The physical stimulation and pressure from licking can:

• Encourage the body to progress through labor stages
• Help stimulate the release of oxytocin (the hormone that causes contractions)
• Aid in the natural progression of birth

When Does Licking Indicate Labor is Starting?

While dogs may lick themselves throughout pregnancy, the licking behavior typically intensifies as labor approaches. You’ll likely notice your dog licking herself more frequently and intensely about 24-48 hours before active labor begins.

However, it’s important to note that licking alone isn’t a definitive sign of labor. You should look for this behavior in combination with other labor indicators for confirmation that puppies are on the way.

Other Important Signs Your Dog is in Labor

According to veterinary experts, there are several key signs that indicate your dog is entering labor. When combined with excessive licking, these signs provide a clearer picture that birth is imminent:

1. Temperature Drop

A dog’s normal body temperature typically ranges between 101-102°F. During labor, this temperature will drop to around 98-99°F, usually within 24 hours before active labor begins.

Pro Tip: Start taking your dog’s temperature twice daily as she approaches her due date (around day 58 of pregnancy). This will help you track any significant changes.

2. Nesting Behaviors

Your dog may start gathering blankets or toys, digging at bedding, or seeking out quiet, secluded spots to prepare for birth. This nesting behavior usually intensifies in the final days before labor.

As explained by Royce Allen from SmallDogGuides, “The behavior of a dog licking herself before labor is often associated with the instinct to clean and prepare a nesting area for her puppies.”

3. Changes in Appetite

Many pregnant dogs will:

• Refuse food completely
• Vomit or experience diarrhea
• Show decreased interest in eating

These digestive changes are normal as your dog’s body prepares for the birth process. Just ensure she has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.

4. Physical Changes

Look for these physical indicators that labor is approaching:

• Enlarged nipples as milk comes in
• A hardened, firm abdomen
• Visible contractions of the stomach
• Clear or bloody discharge from the vulva

5. Behavioral Changes

Your normally sweet pup might display some personality changes as labor approaches:

• Restlessness and pacing
• Anxiety or irritability
• Either seeking isolation or becoming unusually clingy
• Shivering or trembling
• Panting more than usual

The Three Stages of Dog Labor

Understanding the stages of labor will help you know what to expect as your dog progresses through the birth process:

First Stage of Labor (Preparation)

• Duration: 6-24 hours
• Signs: Restlessness, nesting, pacing, licking
• What’s happening: The cervix is dilating and the uterus begins contracting

Second Stage of Labor (Delivery)

• Duration: Varies depending on litter size (30 minutes to several hours)
• Signs: Visible contractions, straining, and puppies being born
• What’s happening: Each puppy is delivered, typically enclosed in a sac that the mother will lick to remove

Third Stage of Labor (Placenta Delivery)

• Duration: 30 minutes to an hour after puppies are born
• Signs: Continued mild contractions, delivery of placentas
• What’s happening: The placenta for each puppy is delivered (your dog may lick and consume them, which is normal behavior)

How Can I Support My Dog During Labor?

While your dog’s natural instincts will guide her through most of the labor process, there are ways you can help:

Before Labor Begins:

1. Create a whelping box or comfortable, quiet space for delivery
2. Line it with clean blankets or towels that can be easily changed
3. Keep the area warm but not too hot
4. Familiarize your dog with this space before labor begins
5. Have clean towels, scissors (sterilized), and iodine solution on hand

During Labor:

1. Monitor without hovering or causing stress
2. Allow her to lick herself as needed – it’s an important natural behavior
3. Keep track of puppies born and placentas delivered
4. Ensure each puppy starts breathing and nursing
5. Maintain a calm, quiet environment

When to Seek Veterinary Help:

Contact your vet immediately if you notice:

• No puppy within 30 minutes of green discharge
• Strong contractions for 30-60 minutes with no puppy being delivered
• More than 4 hours passing between puppies when you know there are more
• Failure to go into labor within 24 hours of temperature drop
• Extreme pain or distress
• Stillborn puppies or weak newborns
• Pregnancy extending beyond 70 days

My Personal Experience with Whelping

I remember when my Beagle, Daisy, was pregnant with her first litter. As her due date approached, I noticed she was licking herself almost constantly. At first, I wasn’t sure if this was normal or if something was wrong.

After consulting with our vet, I learned this was perfectly natural preparation for birth. Sure enough, within 24 hours of the increased licking, Daisy’s temperature dropped, and she began creating a nest in the whelping box we’d prepared.

Throughout her labor, she continued to lick herself between contractions, which seemed to comfort her. The licking also helped stimulate each puppy as it emerged, removing the amniotic sac and encouraging them to take their first breaths.

While it was tempting to intervene, allowing Daisy to follow her natural instincts resulted in the successful birth of six healthy puppies!

Licking during labor is not just normal—it’s essential for your dog’s birthing process. This behavior helps clean the birth canal, stimulates contractions, provides comfort, and eventually helps clean the puppies as they’re born.

By understanding why dogs lick themselves during labor and recognizing it as part of a broader set of labor signs, you can better support your dog through the whelping process.

Remember that while most dog births proceed without complications, having your veterinarian’s number handy and knowing when to seek help is crucial for ensuring both mama dog and her puppies stay safe and healthy throughout the birthing process.

Have you experienced a dog giving birth? What behaviors did you notice? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

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FAQs About Dogs Licking During Labor

How long before labor will my dog start licking herself?

Most dogs will increase their licking behavior 24-48 hours before active labor begins, though some may start earlier.

Should I stop my dog from licking herself during labor?

No! This is a natural and necessary behavior. Interrupting it could cause stress and interfere with the natural birthing process.

What if my dog is licking excessively but not showing other signs of labor?

If your dog is near her due date but only showing excessive licking without other labor signs, continue monitoring her closely. If the behavior persists for more than 24 hours without progression to labor, consult your veterinarian.

How can I tell if my dog’s licking is related to labor or another health issue?

Context matters! If your dog is pregnant and near her due date (around 58-63 days of gestation), licking is likely related to impending labor. If she’s not pregnant, excessive licking could indicate other issues like infections, allergies, or anxiety.

Will my dog lick the puppies after they’re born?

Yes! After birth, mother dogs typically lick their puppies vigorously to remove the amniotic sac, stimulate breathing, and clean them. This is a critical maternal behavior that helps ensure puppy survival.