The first stage can be easily missed (or at least part of it), as this is when the pups are moving into position, mom may be having some light contractions...but so light that only she knows they are happening (though you may see the bulge of a puppy from time to time), and mom may just want to do nothing more than lay around. In the latter part of this first stage you will notice her being much more restless, have a decrease in appetite, some light vomiting, and light nesting. Her temp will have that drop and/or you will notice that her belly is noticeably cooler to the touch. This part of stage one labor can last at least 24 hours or so.
Stage two is when the pups are born. This can go on for quite a while depending on how many pups you have coming. But strong contractions & pushing per pup should not go on for more than an hour. Between pups mom might rest and contractions & pushing might not start up again for an hour or more. So if you have 3 or 4 pups or more, this stage of labor could go on for quite some time. |