It can be alarming to see your dog panting heavily and whining after giving birth.
While some panting and vocalization can be normal in the hours following delivery, persistent symptoms may indicate underlying issues that require prompt attention.
We outline the common reasons why panting and whining in dogs happens after birth, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Table of Contents
Dog Panting and Whining After Birth — Why It Happens
A dog panting and whining after birth can stem from physical exhaustion, pain, hormonal shifts, or medical complications. Dogs may pant to regulate body temperature after labor, respond to uterine contractions, or due to discomfort from nursing.
Whining may be a sign of pain, anxiety, or distress, and in some cases, it can indicate postpartum complications like infection or retained placentas. Emotional changes and protective behaviors toward puppies can also contribute.
Dog Panting and Whining After Birth: Common Causes
Postpartum Pain and Discomfort
Labor is physically intense, and some panting and whining in the hours after whelping can be due to soreness and uterine contractions as the body returns to its normal state.
Mild discomfort may be normal, but ongoing distress can indicate problems such as uterine inflammation or injury.
Watch for worsening signs like restlessness, refusal to nurse, or excessive licking.
Read more: Dog Panting and Shaking After Giving Birth (Here’s why)
Retained Placenta or Puppies
If the placenta or a puppy remains inside the uterus, your dog may continue to experience contractions, leading to panting and whining.
This condition, known as retained placenta, can cause infection if not addressed.
Signs include foul-smelling discharge, fever, and lethargy. This is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Eclampsia (Low Blood Calcium)
Eclampsia can develop within days or weeks after birth, especially in small-breed dogs producing large amounts of milk.
Low calcium levels can cause muscle tremors, panting, whining, and even seizures.
This condition is life-threatening and needs urgent veterinary care. Rapid progression makes early recognition critical.
Mastitis (Infected Mammary Glands)
Infection of the mammary glands can cause pain during nursing, leading to whining and reluctance to allow puppies to feed. Panting may occur due to discomfort or fever.
The affected gland may be swollen, warm, and red. Mastitis requires prompt veterinary treatment to prevent worsening infection and ensure the puppies still receive proper nutrition.
Infection (Metritis)
Metritis is a uterine infection that can develop after delivery, especially if birth was difficult or unsanitary. It can cause fever, foul discharge, panting, and distress.
This condition is serious and can rapidly affect your dog’s overall health. Immediate veterinary treatment with antibiotics and supportive care is essential.
Anxiety or Maternal Stress
Some new mothers experience anxiety about their puppies’ safety, leading to panting, pacing, and whining.
This may be heightened by environmental stressors such as loud noises or frequent disturbances.
While mild anxiety can be managed at home, severe stress can interfere with nursing and bonding.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Whining After Birth
Monitor your dog closely in the hours and days after whelping. Ensure she has a quiet, comfortable area free from excessive noise and visitors.
Offer fresh water and high-quality, nutrient-rich food to support her recovery and milk production. Keep her bedding clean and dry to reduce infection risk.
Gentle reassurance can help calm anxiety, but do not force interaction if she prefers space.
Observe the puppies as well to ensure they are nursing well and gaining weight.
If you suspect pain, infection, or other complications, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention improves outcomes for both mother and puppies.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet immediately if you notice:
Persistent heavy panting or whining beyond a few hours after birth.
Fever, foul-smelling discharge, or loss of appetite.
Swollen, painful mammary glands or refusal to nurse.
Tremors, weakness, or signs of low calcium.
Lethargy, disorientation, or collapse.
These signs can indicate serious postpartum complications that require urgent veterinary care.
Read more: Dog panting excessively (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Panting and whining after birth can be normal for a short time but should improve within hours. Persistent symptoms may signal postpartum complications that need prompt veterinary attention.
By providing a calm, clean environment, monitoring your dog closely, and seeking help when warning signs appear, you can help ensure a safe recovery for both your dog and her puppies.