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

Pregnant dog 56 days, temp 99.9. Is labor near or too early?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 9 months old

Today is day 56 of my Australian cattle dogs pregnancy. Her temperature was 99.9 tonight. Is that low enough for labor to be near? Is 56 days too early? She's a medium sized dog. (About 33 pounds before pregnancy) She seems tired and miserable. Last time she was in labor she went to my closet and hid and was clearly restless. Now she is just sleeping a lot in a chair. This time she is much bigger. She had four pups last time. im thinking it is more due to her size.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 16th, 2016

This temperature isn't enough of a drop for me to think labor is occurring. It would be down around 99-98F. At 56 days, yes it is still a little early, but because a due date isn't an exact science, more of a guesstimate, it could happen. A dog's normal gestation length is 58-68 days, and if 68 days pass without a sign of labor, I would take Sissy into the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Is my pregnant dog in labor at 56 days? What are the common signs?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant dog's temp dropped then rose. Is she in labor?

A pregnant dog's temperature will often dip down up to 48 hours before going into labor. It usually drops to 98-99, then will go back up to normal (100-102). I would watch Tobie for any other signs of labor. If she hasn't had any puppies in 48 hours, it may be best to have her examined by the vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pregnant dog due date passed, no labor signs. Is this normal?

Dogs will gestate anywhere between 58 and 68 days. Typically, the progesterone level will drop to around 2ng/ml about 48 hours prior to labor and then again to 1ng/ml about 24 hours before labor. You should also monitor her temperature. Labor typically follows within 24 hours of a drop below 100 F. If your vet is not concerned, be patient. Bella is almost there!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant dog's temp is 98-99. Is this normal before giving birth?

It's possible this is normal for lady. Watching her behavior will help to predict impending labor and due continue to monitor her temperature. I recommend to have radiographs taken so that you know how many puppies to expect. Small breed dogs can have problems with dystocia if the puppies are too big or if there are too many. Here is a link about normal whelping: https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs/ I hope this helps and that Lady has a smooth delivery. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

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

My pregnant dog is tired. When will she have puppies and need help?

Start taking Sally's temperature twice daily rectally. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. Once it drops below 100F, she will have her puppies within 24 hours. Check out this article on the stages of dog labor and when to seek help: https://www.2ndchance.info/caninelaborstages.htm

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

First-time dog mom: Is my dog in labor? What's a normal temperature?

Dogs reliably deliver their pups between 63-65 days, so that should be your marker. Dog temperature varies between about 100 and 102, so her temperature is very normal. What you describe does make me think she is uncomfortable. I would recommend watching her belly closely for signs of contractions. If she goes outdoors go with her. You don’t want her delivering a pup outdoors and leaving it. If 3-4 hours go by with no progression you may want to have her evaluated by your veterinarian. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share