My dog is showing signs of labor. When will she have her puppies?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Luna. You are correct that there are three stages of labor in a dog. There can be some overlap between them. Stage one is when the uterus begins to contract and cause the cervix to dilate. This can last 6 to 12 hours in the dog. At this point, you may notice Luna becoming restlessness, panting, pacing, or starting to next. Stage 2 refers to active delivery of the puppy. Stage three results in the delivery of the placenta. This means the dog will alternate between stage 2 and 3 as it delivers a pup and the placenta and then another pup. I hope this information helps!

Hello. This very well can be the first stages of labor, & this can last 24-36 hours. Once you start to see her having contractions ( can see her actually pushing ), she should start having puppies in the first 15-30 minutes after observing this. If she starts pushing & no puppies are delivered within an hour, you may need to have her evaluated by your veterinarian, but it sounds like she is progressing nicely for now. You may have puppies very soon! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Quinn. It sounds like she could be in the first stage of labor. That can last up to 18 hours, so keep monitoring her. If 18 hours pass and she has not progressed to the second stage of labor (contractions and giving birth), get her into a vet immediately. If you feel she is in a lot of pain, you can take her into a vet now to get checked out to be safe. I hope this helps!

Hi there. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Queenie is having this issue. It is difficult to say much without knowing what signs she is exhibiting. Also, have you taken her rectal temperature? How many days along is she? Please post again with more information so we can better help you. What I can tell you is that usually once the rectal drops below 98.6F labor usually starts somewhere in the next 24 hours. If she is actively contracting and nothing is happening you need to get her to a vet ASAP. You are welcome to post again with more information if you would like. Best wishes.

Hi there! Congratulations to Leila! You are correct as it is close to the end. The gestation period for a dog is about 63 days - give or take. It seems like you are watching out for the correct signs, like nesting behavior. I doubt the other dog is preventing her from giving birth, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to separate them during this time, so she can get comfortable and have access to her own private area. You can also start checking her rectal temperature routinely, a couple of times a day, so you will know for sure when it drops, indicating labor will start soon after. Another good idea (if you haven't already of course) is to take her to her veterinarian for an Xray. The veterinarian can estimate the number of puppies she will be having. This way, if you expect at least 10, and she only births 9, you know there is an issue. Her backbone, like you said, is most likely more visible because her body condition is changing. The puppies grow a lot from 40 days until the end, and they are using her energy to do so. She may be losing body condition (even if her weight is staying the same) because she isn't getting enough nutrition. I included a link below about how to feed a pregnant dog. I also will include one about birthing puppies that is great! It has a lot of good information so you know what else to expect aside from your current knowledge. I hope you find this answer helpful! Best of luck! https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-the-pregnant-dog https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951546

56 days is a bit early, but it is possible she could be in labor, or closer to her due date than thought. Signs of labor can include visible contractions, changes in body temperature, lack of appetite, and waxing of the nipples (producing a milk substance). I would keep an eye on her, and if she doesn't have any puppies within a few hours of signs of labor, or she seems in great distress/is extremely exhausted take her into your vet ASAP for care to make sure there isn't a stuck puppy or other illness or complication causing her early symptoms.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sasha. You should allow her to nest and birth the puppies wherever she will be safe and the most comfortable. Stage one labor (where the dog is restless and pants) can last for 12-24 hours. This phase ends when the first pup moves into the birth canal. At this point, she will begin actively delivering the puppies. I hope this information helps!