If your dog is expecting a litter of puppies any day and has already started the whelping process, there are some things you want to look for. You want to have the phone number of an emergency veterinarian on hand, in case something goes wrong while your dog is giving birth.

There are many things that can go wrong in labor that may jeopardize your dog's life, or that could put the puppies at risk during labor. Look for the following signs as your starts to give birth.

Uterine Infection

If you can see the dog has a green or white discharge coming out or around the puppies while they are being birthed, they may have a bacterial infection in the uterus. If the discharge is thick and you can smell a bad odor, you want to call the veterinarian and have the professional come to your home, or you may have to take the dog in. They may need intravenous antibiotics right away, or an oral medication to treat the problem so the infection doesn't get worse after birth.

Seizing

Eclampsia occurs when blood calcium levels drop in the dog. This usually happens after the birthing process, but can happen as early as during the whelping process, and while the dog is giving birth. If you notice the dog is unconscious, shaking and seizing, this can be fatal and you should call the emergency veterinarian immediately.

1 Hour Gap

If your dog has been pushing and trying to get a puppy out for more than an hour, the puppy may be too large or it could be breach. You'll need professional help to prevent harm to the puppies that are trying to come out, and so the mother doesn't get harmed either. The veterinarian on call can tell you what to do to help get the puppy out on the phone, or if you need to bring the dog in to an animal hospital.

It's important to read as much as you can about the whelping process and birth before your dog goes into labor, if you plan on them having the puppies somewhere in your home. Get the information of a veterinarian that is on call and that works emergency hours, in case something happens throughout the night or early morning. If you know your dog is near labor, you may want to call the veterinarians office and give them a heads up. To learn more, speak with someone like Robert Irelan DVM.