Pregnancy length for dogs and cats is approximately 62 days after being mated. Just prior to labor, some mothers will seek the company of family but others may wish to nest in private and quiet space. Please provide somewhere warm, dry and draft free with plenty of disposable bedding for the birth.

Signs of imminent birth are nesting (making an area to have the babies in), restlessness, a discharge (green or black in color) with a small amount of blood being ok. A fluid filled placental bag may appear from the back end. After giving birth the mother may rest between pups/kittens without any abdominal straining for up to 3 hours.

After they are born, the mother will lick the babies to remove the placenta and to stimulate breathing. She will chew off the excess umbilical cord and will probably eat each placenta.

Puppies and kittens should cry/vocalize for their mother's attention and nuzzle into her to feed. Pups/kittens that appear stillborn may be firmly rubbed with a dry hand towel for 5-10 minutes to stimulate breathing/resuscitate. Mucus can be wiped away from pup/kitten's nostrils and mouth with a soft cloth to clear the airway.

The mother dog/cat should have access to water/food/toilet and not be disturbed by any companion pets during and after labor.

Veterinary advice and attention should be sought if

• your pet was mated greater than 63 days ago is is more than a week overdue.
• there is active straining and pushing with the abdominal muscles for longer than 30 minutes but with no advancement of puppies or kittens
• if it is longer than 3 hours between puppies especially...
• if there is a fluid filled sac or other evidence of a puppy at the back end for longer than 15 minutes
• if there is a lot of crying or biting at the back end
• if there is an abnormal discharge (with a foul smell or a lot of blood or, in dog, a lot of green discharge without any puppies being born)
• if you are worried

Even if your pet has a problem-free delivery she should still be examined by your local veterinarian within 48hrs of the birth to ensure the health of the mother and babies. 

If you have any concerns or questions and you are in Greater Melbourne or surrounds please call 9092 0400  for veterinary assistance. 

Advanced Vetcare is a 24hr emergency veterinary clinic. Map and Directions are available here.