My pregnant dog shows labor signs, but no pups. Is she in labor?

I strongly recommend you have her assesssed by a vet as these signs are all very suggestive that labour should have begun and she may have a pup that is stuck and unable to deliver naturally. A physical exam and possibly ultrasound or xray may be required to assess the position of the pup and if she is in fact dilated and ready to deliver. I would not delay the appointment as there is an increased risk of infection and fetal distress once the passage is open and any mucus or fluid is passed

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.

It is normal for a dog in the first stage of labor to whine and pace, but if you feel Abby is significantly painful that would not be normal and I'd recommend seeing your veterinarian. I think her vulva also looks normal but it is difficult to see in your picture, so again if you think something is wrong it would be safest to have a vet take a look.

Unfortunately if she is truly going into labor, there is not likely much you can do to stop the process. I am attaching an article here with information on birthing puppies at home: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=678 which provides lots of great information on how the birthing process goes and when to worry/call your vet. If she is truly t his early, I may consider bringing her in to your vet for a few reasons. It is possible she is panting and licking due to nausea or pain for another reason, and they may find this cause. It is also possible for the vet to evaluate the puppies for health/fetal distress with an ultrasound if the vet has access to one. It may also be helpful if the puppies are born early to have veterinary care available if any of the puppies do not do well and need help once born.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am concerned about Abby. If you are sure she was bred and is pregnant, being in stage 2 labor for 8 hours is serious for Abby and her puppies. If you aren't sure she is pregnant she could have an infected uterus (pyometra) and the discharge is puss. A pyometra is a surgical emergency. I recommend that you take Abby to an emergency clinic right away to have her evaluated. I wish you the best of luck!

If you are seeing clear fluid Soph is likely in stage 2 of labor and you should see a puppy within 2-4 hours. If you think Soph is in active labor and you have seen pushing for more than 30 minutes, or if you see green fluid you should see an emergency vet. They can sometimes check for signs of fetal distress and determine if intervention is necessary or if it is safe to monitor at home.

It can be a sign of labor. A mucus discharge is normal when labor gets close. If you notice a green or brown discharge and there is no progression, then I would have her checked as this is a sign of distress. She is likely doing that motions to try to push and keep herself clean