Pregnant wolves experience early signs of pregnancy: nausea, increased urination, fatigue, food cravings or food aversion, and dizziness are among the most common symptoms. Wolves do not show physical signs of pregnancy during this time and may be unaware that they are carrying.

A pregnant wolf's teats swell and become tender, the fur on their belly becomes thinner and they may develop a "baby bump" during this time. Wolves begin to experience cramping and general aches and their appetite will increase substantially. The early signs of pregnancy may also disappear or intensify during this time, depending on the wolf. By now, they should know they are pregnant and others will notice as well. Quickening, or feeling the pups moving, will occur near the end of this period.

Pregnant wolves become bloated and experience backaches and more frequent urination. Cramping is now common. They often grow restless during this time and will find or dig out a whelping den and exhibit nesting behaviors. The teats may express fluid as their due date draws near.

Pregnant wolves retire into the whelping den and become increasingly aggressive and intolerant of intrusion as they go into labor. They deliver each pup one at a time, remove the amniotic sac, and lick and nudge the pups until they show signs of life, after which the pups are placed near the teats to nurse. Wolves may eat stillborn offspring or they may choose to bury them. Complications can arise during birthing, but most wolves come out of it exhausted, but healthy enough.