Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
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
Become 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 is nesting, panting, low temp. When will puppies arrive?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 70 lbs

My bitch has been in nesting since about 8:30am, her temp is 98.4, and she has started panting the past three hours. When should I except puppies

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 19th, 2018

It sounds like puppies should come soon - I'm guessing that the temperature of 98.4 is a drop from her baseline temperature which means that puppies should come in the next 24 hours. If she is having contractions you should see a puppy within four hours, and if she is actively pushing a puppy should come in 30 minutes. If not, you should contact a veterinarian right away. Good luck!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 10th, 2019
With that temperature drop, Lavinia should have her puppies within 24 hours. Should it reach 12:30pm tomorrow with no sign of puppies, take her into a vet right away. It's normal that she is sleeping. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 4th, 2017
Yes they definitively are. She could deliver anytime now. If nothing happens in the next 8 hours I would suggest to contact your local veterinarian as medical or surgical intervention may be needed.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog is in labor, panting and nesting. When will puppies come out?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My pregnant dog is panting a lot. Is she in labor or too hot?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Snowy. She is likely getting close to delivering her pups. Most dogs will pant, pace and become restless in the hours leading up to labor. You can also monitor her body temperature. Usually the temperature will drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit approximately 24 hours before labor. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant dog is nesting. When should I expect her puppies?

Nesting can be a sign associated with the first stage of labor, and when this is the case you would expect puppies within 24 hours. It can also be a relatively vague sign that can occur weeks before puppies come. If Vill is nearing the end of her pregnancy it could help to monitor her rectal temperature 2-3 times daily. A drop of one degree or more usually means puppies should arrive within 24 hours.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant dog is nesting, whining, and her temp is fluctuating. Is she in labor?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Shadow. She is likely displaying nesting behavior. This is an early sign of labor. Body temperature typically drops below 99 degrees approximately 24 hours prior to delivering the puppies. She appears close to this drop. I recommend monitoring her closely as I suspect she will have the puppies soon. However, if you are concerned, please contact her veterinarian. They will know her specific case details and can give you more accurate recommendations. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Pregnant dog had discharge & panting. Was that labor? When's stage 2?

Stage one of labor can last up to 18 hours, and if Elly's temperature has dropped to 37.5C, she should have her puppies within 24 hours. Should 24 hours pass after this temperature drop with no sign of puppies, take her into the vet. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is my pregnant dog's panting, low temp, and pacing normal for labor?

Yes, this is normal and it sounds like Roxy could be heading into the first stages of labor if she is panting and pacing. Continue to monitor her closely, and if 24 hours pass after this temperature drop, have her seen by a vet right away. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant Chihuahua's temp is low, but no nesting. Is labor near?

Changes in appetite and temperature can indicate labor is close. If she's had a litter before, second and beyond litters will often be closer to 60 days than 63-65, so it is possible she is very close to her due date. I would continue to monitor her, and if she doesn't seem to be progressing to labor (contractions, nesting, waxing of nipples, etc) or seems to be in great distress, have her checked by your vet to make sure there isn't another cause, especially since she is having such a large litter for her size!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share