My pregnant dog is overdue and not in labor. Should I worry?

Poor Abby! Yes, I would definitely be concerned. It is very abnormal for there to still be a puppy left inside her after all this time, so it’s clear that things did not go properly when she was in labor. I would be very concerned that there could be more dead pups inside her, or that she could develop a serious uterine infection from this. I would recommend taking her to an emergency vet today for an exam. The doctor there can take x-rays and ultrasound her uterus to check for additional puppies, and can also start her on antibiotics or other treatment if needed depending on what is found.

Average gestation period is anywhere from 58-72 days with an average of 65 days, so technically she is not overdue, just longer than the average. I would continue to monitor since she is not showing any signs of being in distress or trouble. If she goes past day 72, then certainly it is worthwhile getting her seen by your vet to ensure the puppies are still healthy and to consider a c-section. Here is a website link to help guide you moving forward --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951546 I hope that things work out well for Marshmellow moving forward. Best wishes and take care. : )

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Tara. I would recommend bringing her in to your vet for examination. If your vet has an ultrasound machine they can use it to check the puppies and ensure they are doing ok/ are not in distress. What concerns me is it sounded like she was going into labor a few days ago, and normally dogs labor will progress and not stop. I would be concerned she is not going through a normal labor, and if she seems lethargic today that is even more concerning. I would get her in to ensure her safety and that of her puppies. You can read more about birthing puppies at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951546

Normally, a delay of more than 2 hours between puppies is concerning. If Miss Priss is acting normal right now, you can give her some time to see if she has another puppy in the next hour or so. If not, I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam - if you're unsure if she has more puppies still inside her, your vet can take an x-ray or ultrasound her abdomen to find out and see if a c-section or other intervention is needed.

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!

I would not worry unless she isn't acting normal or unless she is showing signs of distress or contractions. If there is signs of contractions or distress and puppies still aren't coming then you will want your vet to take a look at her. Your vet will be able to tell whether or not she needs a C-section or just some meds to help increased the contractility to help her have her pups. I hope this helps!

If she’s having contractions and is not able to push the puppies out through her pelvis she needs immediate veterinary treatment. They will need to do a Caesarean section to remove them and they should spay her at the same time to prevent this from happening again. If she can’t give birth the puppies will die inside her and cause her to become sick and die also. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lucy.