Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog's labor has long gaps between puppies. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | unspayed | 5 years old

Hi My Dog gave birth to her first puppy yesterday at 16:45 then hour later another puppy. This afternoon at 13:15 another puppy is it normal that they give birth this long? She had a previous litter and gave birth over night to all her puppies however shes Very calm Doesnt seem in pain i often check up on her make sure she comfy and have fresh water etc... Im just abit worried though she seem fine and not stressed

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Leah. We normally do not see more than 4 hours pass between puppies, so it is concerning that she had so much time between the puppies. If you do not know how many puppies to expect (you didn't have an x-ray taken to count puppies) the safest course of action would be to have her vet examine her to be certain there aren't remaining puppies that need to be removed. You can read more about birthing puppies at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=678
Best of luck to you and Leah.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 17th, 2019

    If more than four hours pass between puppies and more are expected, then it's time to worry. Wait the four hours and if there are no puppies, take Snowy and the puppies she gave birth to into a vet immediately.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My dog is in labor. How long between puppies is normal? When to worry?
Normally, a delay of more than 2 hours between puppies is concerning. If Miss Priss is acting normal right now, you can give her some time to see if she has another puppy in the next hour or so. If not, I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam - if you're unsure if she has more puppies still inside her, your vet can take an x-ray or ultrasound her abdomen to find out and see if a c-section or other intervention is needed.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My dog had puppies, but there was a long gap. Is this normal?
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sis! No it isn't normal for puppies to be born 24 hours apart or to have so many still born or die after birth. It shouldn't be more than 2 hours between puppies. I would take Sis to the Vet for an exam to be sure she doesn't have an infection and an X-ray to confirm that there are no more puppies. I am sorry you are going through this. I wish you all the best!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is whelping. Only one puppy after 3 hours. Should I worry?
It is normal for dogs to have puppies between 30 and 45 minutes apart. If your pet is not straining or does not seem to be in pain, then this is less of a worry, however, dogs tend to hide their pain much better than humans. If you know that your dog had more than one puppy, then I would take her to a vet and make sure that there aren't complications. A breached puppy can cause harm to the mother and be life threatening if not addressed.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is in labor. How long between puppies & what to watch for?
You should look for signs compatible with more contractions and up to 4 hours in between puppies could be still fine. If more than that, you should ideally seek veterinary attention as soon as possible as c-section might be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog had one puppy. Can she still have more hours or days later?
Occasionally, there can be 2-4 hours between puppies. If she is actively straining for an hour or more without producing a pup then she should be examined by your veterinarian right away. An exam and abdominal x-rays would be recommended in this situation anyway to confirm the presence or absence of additional pups inside Dhorina.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My dog stopped labor for 5 hours after one live, one stillborn. Vet?
I typically recommend heading to the vet if it has been more than four hours between puppies. While it can be perfectly normal to take long breaks in between puppies it’s best to have a vet check for signs of fetal distress if it has been more than four hours, especially since one puppy was already still born. Good luck to Coffee!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My pregnant dog hasn't had puppies in hours. When to worry?
I am sorry to hear about Scarlett. I would recommend bringing her into the vet right away. We normally become concerned if more than 4 hours pass between puppies being born. You can read more about birthing puppies and when we become concerned at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951546
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog SuppliesDog ToysDog FoodDog Health & WellnessDog Collars, Leashes & HarnessesDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Anxiety MedicationDog Seizure MedicationDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Pain Medicine & ReliefStandard LeashesDog First Aid & RecoveryDog Blood Pressure MedicationDog Thyroid Medication & Hormone CareDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsDog LeashesDog Vitamins & SupplementsPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsPuppy Milk ReplacersPet Pharmacy
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button