I asked my vet if he thought bitches experience pain as women do..and he felt fear was a huge factor with animals and humans alike...the more relaxed, the less painful it is...and dogs are so good at accepting pain and fear..
Bitches contract as labor progresses. The stomach tightens and they bare down as a human..they get closer as a rule and stronger...but I have seen many bitches barely react, belly remains motionless and pups slide out with a slight push.
Some of my first time moms are unsettled and anxious..even whine and cry..then suddenly a pup is born and they realize why they were in pain..and all changes. No more fear and most are rather "sedated" the rest of the whelping. Some react with a yelp as the pup emerges, others do not..
I have had puppies born when mom was sound asleep and I had to nudge her to alert her a baby was born...the look of surprise is so funny. |