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What signs tell you a dam is in active labor (not just early stage)?

Has accepted answer · 34 views · +3 votes

Neonatal care Whelping

First-time whelping here. I know nesting and temperature drop — when do you start the active labor clock for vet timing?

How long do you wait between puppies before calling the vet?

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  1. Accepted answer

    +12

    We call it active when we see strong abdominal contractions visible from the side, rectal temperature rebound after the drop, and progressive dilation — not just restlessness. If a puppy is not born within 60–90 minutes of strong continuous effort, or more than 2–3 hours between pups with distress, we phone the vet.

  2. +6

    Greenish discharge without a puppy, prolonged weak straining, or obvious pain are emergency cues for us regardless of timing.

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