Tracker
Whelping tracker
Updated October 2026 · Information only, not veterinary advice
Before labor
Puppies expected
Log the first puppy when it is born. The timer starts then.
How to use it during labor
- 1
Enter the X-ray count
If you have one, add it first. The tracker then shows how many puppies remain.
- 2
Log each puppy as it is born
Record the time, sex and, once you can weigh safely, the weight. Tick the placenta box when it passes.
- 3
Watch the timer
The gap since the last puppy updates every minute. Keep your vet’s and the emergency clinic’s numbers where you can see them.
Normal timings
| What | Typical |
|---|---|
| Gap between puppies | 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes up to 2 hours |
| Placenta after each puppy | Within 5 to 15 minutes |
| Whole litter | 3 to 12 hours, longer for large litters |
Call your vet now if…
- She strains hard for 30 minutes or more without a puppy.
- More than two to four hours pass since the last puppy and more are expected.
- Green or bloody discharge appears before the first puppy, or she is weak, collapsed or in obvious distress.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long between puppies is normal?
Most puppies arrive 30 to 60 minutes apart, but rests of up to two hours can be normal, especially in big litters. If more than two to four hours pass and you know more puppies remain, call your vet.
How do I know when all the puppies are born?
Compare the number born with the X-ray count. She will usually settle, relax and start nursing when she is done. If the number born is lower than the X-ray count and she is restless or straining, call your vet.
What should I record for each puppy?
Time of birth, sex, birth weight, and whether the placenta passed. It helps your vet and later lets you track each puppy’s growth.
What if I miss a placenta?
Some are eaten or pass unseen. If the count is short, tell your vet. A retained placenta can cause infection.
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