Do Puppies Stop Moving Before Birth? (Reviewed by Vet)

As a soon-to-be dog parent, the excitement of welcoming a litter of puppies into your home is like watching a garden burst into bloom. You’re keeping a close eye on your furry friend, and perhaps you’ve even felt the lively movements of the unborn puppies. But as labor approaches, you might find yourself concerned as this movement seems to decrease. This prompts a question: Do puppies stop moving before birth?

Yes, it is normal for puppies to stop moving or significantly decrease their movements just before birth. This period of inactivity can be seen as a short rest before the physically demanding process of delivery begins. However, the timing can differ amongst individual dogs and their respective litters. Typically, this reduced activity is noticed in the last 12 to 24 hours leading up to the delivery.

That being said, it’s crucial to note that this should not be the only sign pet owners rely on to determine if a dog is about to give birth. Signs like a drop in body temperature, loss of appetite, nesting behavior, restlessness, or signs of discomfort are also reliable indicators.

If the bitch appears to be in distress or the cessation of movement extends over a prolonged period, it’s always advisable to consult your vet to rule out the case of stillbirth and to ensure both the bitch and her puppies are healthy.

Are Puppies active before birth?

If you’re a dog owner, breeder, or simply a curious individual, you might wonder about the ins and outs of dog pregnancy, including the behavior of unborn puppies before birth.

Whether puppies are active before birth depends on how long before birth is actually is. Movement of puppies in the womb may stop for up to a day before birth. However, puppies start moving around the 6 weeks of pregnancy and they usually slow down just before birth.

Early in gestation, these movements may be relatively small and unnoticeable. However, as the puppies grow and develop, their activities become more pronounced, turning into full-fledged kicks and rolls that can be felt by an attentive hand on the mother’s belly. This activity is a crucial part of their physical development, helping to strengthen their muscles and joints and fostering their sense of spatial awareness, paving the way for a healthy, active life outside the womb.

Why Are Puppies Quiet Before Birth?

As the birthing period looms, you may notice a decline of activity in your dog’s womb. Puppies generally become less active in the 12 to 24 hours leading up to birth. This period of relative stillness can be regarded as a time for the unborn pooches to conserve energy before the canine birth process, also known as whelping

When you observe this, It’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to predicting when your furry friend will deliver. Also, look out for other relevant signs of labor, which include changes in the bitch behavior and physical condition, such as loss of appetite, nesting behavior, restlessness, and a noticeable drop in body temperature.

Prolonged periods of inactivity of the fetus or distress of the mother dog should be met with immediate medical attention to ensure the well-being of both the mother and her unborn puppies.

Can you feel puppies in the womb?

Early in a bitch pregnancy, fetal movements are too small to be detectable from the outside. However, as the pooches grow, their movements become stronger and more defined. Generally, around the halfway mark of gestation, 30 days in a 63-day gestational period, you might be able to detect the slightest hint of movement if you gently palpate the dog’s abdomen. Nevertheless, palpation should be done very cautiously to avoid harming the puppies, preferably under the guidance of a veterinarian. It is also worth noting that different breeds and individual dogs may vary in the exact timeline.

In the later stages of gestation, around the 45-50 day mark, the fetal movements are usually more distinct. These movements might feel like a small twitch or flutter initially, gradually escalating into more substantial nudges and kicks. The owner, or anyone playing the abdomen, can feel these movements quite clearly. It is a heartwarming, exciting sign of the life growing inside the mother.

The absence of movement, especially later in pregnancy, or a sudden decrease in activity levels could potentially indicate a situation and should prompt a visit to the veterinarian.

Signs That Your Dog Is Going Into Labor

If you’re an expectant pet parent, recognizing the signs of labor is crucial. Whelping is generally natural and straightforward, but understanding when it’s about to occur helps ensure you’re prepared and can provide any needed assistance. Indicators of imminent bitch labor include the following;

1. Drop in Body Temperature

One of the foremost and most reliable signs of labor is a significant drop in body temperature. Generally, a bitch temperature ranges between 101-102.5•F (38.3-39.2•C). About 12 to 24 hours before labor, this temperature frequently drops by 1 to 2 degrees. Periodic monitoring of the bitch temperature as her due date approaches can help predict the onset of labor.

2. Change in Behavior

Behavioral changes are common as labor approaches. Some dogs may become more affectionate, seeking comfort and attention from their human friends, while others might prefer solitude and become aloof. You might also notice nesting behavior. This behavior is a strong indicator that labor is not far off.

3. Loss of Appetite and Vomiting

A dog nearing labor might lose her appetite or even vomit. These signs are usually due to the pressure of the growing puppies on her organs and the hormonal changes occurring in preparation for birth. While this may be normal, prolonged lack of eating or continuous vomiting, however, should warrant a call to the vet

4. Restlessness and Panting

Restlessness, pacing, and heavy panting often occur in the hours leading up to labor. Your furry friend may seem uneasy or unable to settle, often switching positions or moving from place to place. These are signs of the first stage of labor, as the contractions begin

5. Visible Contractions

When your dog begins having visible contractions, labor is in full swing. These contractions may initially be spaced out, but they will gradually become more frequent and intense. This is when you should be prepared for the arrival of the first puppy

6. Discharge from the Vulva

A clear or slightly bloody discharge from the vulva is another sign that labor has begun. This usually happens when the water breaks, signaling that the first pup is on its way.

Puppies moving in the belly, how much longer?

Fetal movements, or “quickening,” are first noticeable in dogs around the halfway mark of gestation. These initial movements are subtle and gentle, often feeling like slight flutters or twitches beneath the mother’s skin and gradually becoming more defined later in pregnancy. However, this timeline can vary depending on the dog’s breed and the number of puppies she’s carrying.

Larger breeds and larger litters can often result in earlier detection around the 5th week, meaning she is about four weeks from delivery. This is not the standard way to tell how far along your dam is but it can help make educated guesses. Ultrasonoscopy or X-ray can be performed by your vet to get more accurate information.

Mother Dog Won’t Stay In The Whelping Box. (7 Reasons & When To Worry)

Signs of dead puppies

Losing a puppy during pregnancy is a sad and potentially dangerous situation for a mother dog. A pet parent needs to understand the signs that might suggest the death of a pup to ensure timely medical intervention. These include;

1. Decreased Activity

Around halfway through the pregnancy, the puppies’ movements should be noticeable, becoming more pronounced as they develop further. However, if you notice a prolonged period of reduced activity or complete cessation of movement, it could be a sign of fetal distress or death. Keep in mind that puppies tend to slow down in the last 12 to 24 hours before birth as part of the natural birthing process, but this should be followed by the onset of labor.

2. Abnormal Discharge

While a clear or slightly bloody discharge can be a normal part of the birthing process, a sudden, unprovoked dark or foul-smelling discharge could indicate a problem, such as a deceased puppy

3. Mother’s Physical Condition

The bitches physical condition may also indicate a problem. Sudden weight loss or the failure to continue gaining weight might suggest a problem with the pregnancy, including the possibility of a deceased puppy.

4. Illness or Distress in the Mother

If the bitch appears lethargic, unwell or exhibits a loss of appetite, she could be reacting to a problem with the pregnancy. Fever, abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting could also indicate a severe issue, such as an infection from a deceased puppy.

5. Failed Labor

If the mother goes into labor but fails to deliver puppies after several strong contractions, this might suggest a problem. A deceased puppy could be causing a blockage.

Final Thoughts

This period of rest is a natural part of the birthing process, and it often signals that the arrival of the new litter is imminent. This temporary reduction in activity most times is not a cause for concern but rather a sign of the impending arrival of puppies. However, if this condition occurs for a prolonged period or your pooch doesn’t go into labor soon, then it may be indicative of a stillbirth.

On the other hand, It is during these quiet hours that the unborn puppies are conserving their energy for the journey ahead. Just as the calm often precedes a storm, this quiet time is simply the prelude to the eventful process of birth.

However, monitoring your dog’s activity is just part of the bigger picture when it comes to dog pregnancy. Observing other signs of labor, such as a drop in body temperature, behavioral changes, loss of appetite, restlessness, panting, and the onset of contractions, can help you better predict when your dog will give birth.

It’s also essential to be aware of any signs of distress in your dog or her unborn puppies. Any prolonged periods of inactivity, abnormal discharge, or signs of illness in the mother could be indications of serious complications, such as the unfortunate death of a puppy. Always err on the side of caution and consult with a professional veterinarian if you suspect anything is amiss.