Early Labour Signs: A Guide for Breeders
By: Responsible Group Australia Updated 26 June, 2026
Breeding is one of the most rewarding (and nerve-wracking!) experiences a breeder can know. However, the first time experiencing whelping (or queening) by a breeding female, it’s essential to know what to look for in the days leading up to the birth of the litter. Knowing these signs will allow you to prepare and be ready to help your breeding female when she needs you.
Understanding the Timeline
The gestation period for dogs typically lasts around 63 days from ovulation (though can last anywhere from 58-68 days from mating for queens). The gestation period for cats averages 63-67 days. Around day 56-58 of pregnancy (from mating for queens), begin to more closely monitor your dam. Maintaining a whelping diary from this period will help you to keep track of her temperature, behaviour, appetite, and any physical changes she may experience while in pregnancy.
Stage One Labour: What to Expect
Labour is divided into three stages. The first stage of labour is often one that is missed due to the fact that there is no visible straining; however, it is the most important to recognize that the second stage of labour is about to begin.
Stage 1 lasts between 6 and 12 hours, although can last up to 24 hours for those having a baby for the first time. During this stage, the cervix is dilating, but the contractions that occur are felt internally by the mother only and are not visible to those who are observing the labouring mother.
Key Early Labour Signs
1. Drop in Rectal Temperature
This is the most reliable indicator of when labour will occur within the next 12 to 24 hours. A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 38.3°C to 39.2°C. When the levels of the hormone progesterone drop significantly prior to giving birth, the dog’s body temperature will drop to below 37.8°C, signalling that labour will occur within the next 24 hours.
From day 56, begin to take your dam’s temperature twice a day. Use a digital rectal thermometer to take her temperature and write down the readings. As soon as you feel a drop in her temperature below 37.8°C, prepare your whelping area for her newborns.
Note: Because cats do not exhibit such a drop in temperature as readily as dogs, breeders of cats should rely more upon the behavioral cues of their queens to indicate when the kittens will be born.
- Restlessness and Nesting Behaviour
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is a sudden increase in restlessness. The dam may pace, circle, dig at the whelping box or attempt to sleep in different positions to find the most comfortable position to prepare for the arrival of her young.
Some dams become very clingy to their owner, while others become very withdrawn and seek solitude. Both of these behaviours are normal during pregnancy.
- Loss of Appetite
Most females will refuse food in the 12-24 hours prior to the onset of labour. Should your dam refuse meals in this time period, note this behaviour. Do not attempt to force feed your dam. A light meal may be offered if she displays any interest in eating.
- Vomiting or Nausea
Some dams will “vomit” or appear nauseous during the early stage of one labour – exhibiting behaviors like lip licking, drooling or repeated swallowing. This is caused by the hormonal and uterine changes that occur when a dam is in labour. Occasional vomiting is normal but if a dam is vomiting often it is a signal to contact your veterinarian.
- Visible Shivering or Trembling
Shivering is common in early labour even if the environmental temperature is low. This is due to the hormonal changes that occur in the body during early labour. Ensure the whelping area is warm and draught-free, and provide reassurance to the bitch – avoid fussing too much over her.
- Vaginal Discharge
A small amount of clear or cloudy mucus may exit the female as the plug passes. This is normal. However, any green, black or foul smelling discharge before the first puppy or kitten is born is a veterinary emergency. Contact your veterinarian.
- Seeking Seclusion
Many dams become secretive as the labour approaches. Your female may seek out a quiet corner of the pen, behind the furnishings, or even into her whelping box. Allow her to have this quiet environment for labour; limit her visitors and noise in the area and avoid her if she becomes stressed out by your presence. Simply be near her, but give her the space to have her labour.
- Visible Abdominal Contractions
As stage one progresses into stage two (active delivery), you will begin to see your dam straining and pushing visibly. This should be followed by the delivery of the first offspring within 30-60 minutes of straining beginning. If a mother has been straining for more than 60 minutes without delivering a puppy or kitten, call your veterinarian immediately.
Setting Up for Success
Preparing well before labour starts can make a huge difference. Make sure you have a whelping kit on hand at least a week before your dog’s expected due date. At minimum, this should include:
- A clean whelping box with low sides for easy access
- Clean towels and bedding (enough to replace multiple times)
- Digital rectal thermometer and lubricant
- Sterile scissors and unwaxed dental floss (for cords, if needed)
- A heat lamp or heat pad to keep newborns warm
- Puppy/kitten scales to record birth weights
- Your vet’s emergency number clearly displayed
- A notebook or whelping diary
When to Call the Vet
New breeders often worry about calling the vet unnecessarily — but in whelping, it’s always better to call early than too late. Contact your vet immediately if:
- Your dam has been in active straining for more than 60 minutes without delivering
- More than 4 hours pass between offspring when you know more are present
- There is green or black discharge before the first birth
- Your dam collapses, is unresponsive, or shows signs of extreme distress
- A puppy or kitten appears stuck in the birth canal
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, make the call.
Keep Learning — Join a Community That Supports You
Breeding responsibly is a continuous journey of education, preparation, and improvement. No guide replaces the value of a supportive community of experienced breeders who’ve been exactly where you are right now.
Join the Responsible Pet Breeders Association of Australia (RPBA)
The RPBA exists to support breeders like you.
As a member, you’ll gain access to:
- Expert resources and guides covering all aspects of breeding, whelping, and neonatal care
- A network of experienced breeders ready to share knowledge and answer questions
- Education and training to help you breed with confidence and integrity
- Advocacy and support that represents responsible breeders at a national level
- A recognised standard that shows buyers, vets, and the public that you breed to the highest ethical standards
Whether you’re preparing for your first litter or your fiftieth, RPBA membership gives you the tools, community, and credibility to do it right.
👉 Sign up to RPBA today at responsiblepetbreeders.com.au and breed with confidence, knowledge, and support behind you.
Keeping Records: Your Most Valuable Breeding Tool
From the moment you commit to breeding dogs, begin keeping detailed cycle records for every female in your programme. A good record includes:
- Date of first observed signs (start of proestrus)
- Daily discharge colour and volume
- Vulva size and changes
- Behavioural notes (receptivity, flagging, male interest)
- Dates of any progesterone tests and results
- Dates of cytology swabs and results
- Dates of any matings
- Outcome (in whelp or not, litter size, whelping date)
Over time, you’ll develop an individual profile for each female with information about her average cycle length, the length of her estrus period, and the signs that indicate that she’s in estrus. This information will be invaluable in mating the females with the males, and in scheduling their vet appointments for progesterone testing.
Summary: What New Breeders Need to Remember
- A heat cycle lasts between 2 and 4 weeks but the fertile window is much shorter – a few days only.
- There are four stages to a heat cycle, each with specific characteristics.
- Only the third, or oestrus stage is fertile; light may lighten in colour and the female will “flag” but not all do this.
- Testing for progesterone is the most reliable way to time the breeding, removing the guesswork for the breeder and maximizing the chances of a litter.
- Do not breed on the first heat – ensure the female is physically and behaviourally mature.
- Keep meticulous records from the first day – your future self will thank you!
- Work closely with your vet – a good reproductive vet is the most valuable relationship in your breeding journey.
Understanding your female’s cycle deeply is the foundation of responsible and successful breeding. The more you know about the different stages of your female dog’s cycle, the better you’ll be able to make decisions regarding breeding her and her health over time.
Join Our Community
We are Australia’s largest community for all breeds. 29% of Australians have been judged by their pet’s colour, look, heritage, or breed. RPBA is an all inclusive community and we do not discriminate.
As an RPBA member, you get access to the following RPBA discounts:
Become A Registered Breeder
Whelping Kit
Whelping Supplies You Need for a Safe, Stress-Free Birth
Getting ready to welcome a new litter? A whelping kit gives you the peace of mind that you’re ready for anything. Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or welcoming your first litter, you need to be prepared.
Whelping supplies for breeders and newborn litters
Browse whelping supplies for your litter. Compare product contents, dimensions and care instructions, and check availability on each product page before ordering.
Related Categories:
-
Premium Whelping Kit Pink
A$289.00
-
Premium Whelping Kit
A$289.00
-
Digital Puppy Scales for Newborns, 1g to 10kg
A$61.99
-
Baby Pet Nursing Kit
A$43.99 - A$44.99
-
Pet Feeding Nipple
A$35.99
-
Troy Nutripet: High Calorie Diet Supplement
A$29.99
-
Troy Puppy and Kitten Worming Syrup
A$14.99
-
Troy Calcium Syrup
A$45.99
-
12-Piece Newborn Puppy & Kitten ID Collar Set
A$16.99 - A$28.99
-
Luxury Coral Fleece Dog Bed
A$49.99 - A$96.99
