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My pregnant Rottweiler is in Stage 1 labor. How long is too long?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 10 months old | 78 lbs

My 4 yr old rott is at 63 days pregnant. This is her 3rd litter. Her temp dropped to 97.4 yesterday around 230pm. Her normal temp runs about 99.6. I'm pretty sure she's in stage I labor. She's pooped a lot, not really eating much and panting quite a bit since about 10pm last night but she will settle down and take short naps. How long is too long at this stage for her breed?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Jones VMD

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 7th, 2017

Stage I labor lasts 6-12 hours on average, but some dogs will take a little over 24 hours in this stage of labor. I would consider Sophie's decrease in appetite, panting and bowel movements last night as the start of stage I labor.
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