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My dog is in labor, panting and nesting. When will puppies come out?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Female | unspayed | 28 lbs

My dog is in labor right now, she’s been panting for hours and has begun nesting. How long until she starts pushing and the puppies will come out? She likes to nest in her crate. Should I make her stay in whelping box?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sasha. You should allow her to nest and birth the puppies wherever she will be safe and the most comfortable. Stage one labor (where the dog is restless and pants) can last for 12-24 hours. This phase ends when the first pup moves into the birth canal. At this point, she will begin actively delivering the puppies. I hope this information helps!

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28Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 10th, 2019

    Hi, if she is nesting and seems restless Nilly should be in the first phase of labour. She should then start to have active contractions within the next 12-24 hours. Once she starts to have active contractions and pushing a puppy should be born within an hour, if there is lots of pushing and nothing is happening, she should be checked over as might need some help. This is just for guidance and feel free to ring your local clinic for advice as well if you are worried. They will not advise you to go straight down, as interfering too much when unnecessarily can delay things further. Try to keep an eye on her without being too intrusive ! Problems when giving birth are often “ expected “ during first delivery, if too many puppies, or large litter of puppies, if puppies are too big compared to mum, if mum is not well in herself, if she is older than average, and then certain breeds are prone to problems such as uterine inertia, i;.e. Contractions are not strong enough to pass the puppies. I don’t want to make you worry unnecessary, but give you different scenarios, as no birth is like another ! Please feel free to write to us again, and I hope all goes well.

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