It’s an exciting yet nerve-wracking moment when your pregnant dog begins panting heavily right before labor. This behavior can be concerning for owners who aren’t sure what’s normal and what’s not.
We outline the reasons why dog panting right before birth happens, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting Before Birth — Why It Happens
Heavy panting before labor is a common sign that your dog is about to go into active labor. It’s often a result of pain, stress, hormonal shifts, or even early contractions.
Dogs may also become restless, dig at bedding, or cry out as delivery nears. While some panting is perfectly normal, excessive or prolonged panting can signal trouble.
Anxiety, temperature regulation, uterine contractions, and discomfort from fetal positioning all contribute to this symptom.
Sometimes, it’s a warning sign of dystocia (difficult birth) or other complications.
Dog Panting Before Birth: Reasons Why
Labor Is Starting
The most common reason for panting in a pregnant dog is that labor is imminent. This stage is known as the first stage of labor, when the body begins preparing for delivery.
Panting at this point is due to uterine contractions, discomfort, and hormonal changes like a drop in progesterone. You may also notice restlessness, nesting behavior, and whining. This stage can last up to 12 hours.
While this is a normal part of the birthing process, monitor your dog closely to make sure labor progresses normally.
If panting is prolonged without delivery, it may indicate a problem.
Read more: Dog Panting and Not Able to Walk (Could it be serious?)
Anxiety and Nesting Behavior
Many dogs experience restlessness and anxiety before giving birth. These behaviors often go hand in hand with panting, pacing, and circling.
Your dog may move in and out of her whelping area, dig or rearrange bedding, or seem unable to get comfortable. This anxiety-driven panting usually increases as labor nears.
This can be perfectly normal, but if anxiety is extreme or persists too long, it may tire her out before labor begins.
Read more: Dog Panting and Not Eating (What’s going on?)
Pain or Discomfort
Pain from contractions, fetal movement, or pressure on internal organs can lead to increased panting. Unlike humans, dogs don’t cry or scream in labor—panting is often how they express discomfort.
You may also see whining, a hunched posture, or repeated licking of the vulva. If she seems distressed or her panting seems extreme, it could mean something is wrong.
It’s crucial to differentiate between mild discomfort and pain caused by complications like a stuck puppy.
Heat and Temperature Regulation
Pregnant dogs can become overheated easily, especially in warm environments. Panting is their primary method of cooling down.
In late pregnancy, the extra body mass and hormonal changes can make them more sensitive to heat. Combine this with the stress of labor, and you may see rapid, open-mouth panting.
Always ensure the whelping area is cool, quiet, and well-ventilated to avoid unnecessary stress.
Dystocia (Difficult Birth)
If labor has begun but no puppies are delivered within 1–2 hours, or your dog strains with no progress, it could be dystocia. This is a serious condition where the puppy may be stuck in the birth canal or labor has stalled.
Signs include excessive panting, visible contractions with no puppies delivered, crying out, or signs of exhaustion.
This is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care to prevent risk to both the mother and the puppies.
Eclampsia (Low Calcium)
In rare cases, dogs may experience eclampsia right before or after birth. This is a sudden drop in blood calcium levels caused by lactation demands.
Symptoms include panting, muscle tremors, restlessness, fever, and in severe cases, seizures. Eclampsia is most common in small breed dogs or those nursing large litters.
Without prompt veterinary treatment, this condition can rapidly become fatal.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting Before Birth
First, remain calm. If your dog is in the early stages of labor and otherwise acting normal, monitor her closely. Offer her a quiet, comfortable whelping space away from noise or disruptions.
Provide cool, clean water and encourage her to lie down comfortably. Avoid excessive handling or stress during this time. Let her settle naturally into labor.
You can take her temperature (rectally); a drop below 99°F often signals labor within 12–24 hours. Mild panting, restlessness, and nesting are all expected.
However, if your dog is panting heavily for more than 2 hours with no progression to delivery, call your vet.
If she seems in pain, becomes lethargic, or shows signs of distress, don’t wait—contact a veterinary clinic immediately.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Excessive panting that lasts more than 1–2 hours without signs of active labor needs attention.
If your dog is straining or pushing but no puppy arrives in 30–60 minutes, she may be experiencing dystocia.
Crying out, excessive restlessness, foul-smelling discharge, or a puppy visibly stuck in the birth canal all require urgent care.
Other emergency signs include pale gums, vomiting, tremors, or collapse. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Read more: Dog Panting Abdominal Pain (Understanding what’s going on inside)
Key Takeaway
Panting before birth is often a normal part of your dog’s labor process, but it’s essential to know when it might mean trouble.
Stay observant, keep her comfortable, and prepare your whelping space early. A drop in temperature, nesting, and panting often indicate the big moment is near.
But if something doesn’t feel right—or if labor seems delayed—don’t hesitate to contact your vet. You know your dog best, and your support can make all the difference during this special time.