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Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed
I have a 3.5 year old Jack Russell/Beagle mix female, Pickles who is pregnant. Best calculation is that she is 7 weeks - puppies are active within last 3 days. How much longer before she gives birth and what do I watch for?
2 Answers

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 4th, 2018
Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on August 3rd, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Great to hear about Addie. Dogs gestation periods are from about 57-70 days and the average is about 63 days. I have seen dogs temperatures drop to under 100 degrees Farenheit and not deliver puppies for a few days to one week. My advice would be to watch her very closely for signs of nesting. That's where female dogs build "nests" to deliver the pups. Once she begins active contractions and labor begins, a puppy should come out within 20-30 minutes. If contractions are active and no puppy has been delivered in 30 minutes you should take her immediately to see your vet or at least call them and describe what is going on. Labor can last quite a while and that is normal. If no active contractions then it's ok to wait in between puppies but again if the contractions are active and a pup hasn't been delivered in 30 mins please contact your vet and consult with them. I wish you the best of luck with Addie
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