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My pregnant dog is overdue, no labor signs. Should I be worried?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I’m very worried that my pregnant dog may be overdue although I’m not sure, she was in standing heat during the end of October I didn’t record the date as I separated her from my male as I did not want her to have puppies and I didn’t see them tie therefore I didn’t think she was pregnant but now she’s huge and u can feel lots of puppies wriggling around showing no signs of labor isn’t nesting or restless or anything should I be worried

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 7th, 2019

Hello. Dogs are pregnant an average of 63 days, so your girl is probably due any time now. If she is acting relatively normal, just give her a little more time. Keep a mental note on how much movement you are feeling in her abdomen & if it begins to diminish, or she acts lethargic, ill, vomits or develops a dark discharge from her vulva without going into labor, see your vet immediately. She may need a C-section. Otherwise, your dates may be off a bit & labor will proceed when her time is due. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 6th, 2017

    It is quite concerning that she had discharge yesterday and has not progressed to full labour within 12-24hours. I would recommend a check up by your vet urgently and an ultrasound scan to assess the health and size of the puppies and any complicating factors such as a pup stuck - the longer she is in labor the higher the chances of complications and infections developing

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 3rd, 2019

    I cannot tell you if she is labor or not without examining her myself. If she is at 7 weeks then she is only at 49 days so I would not expect she is in labor but if she has vaginal discharge she may be having some type of complication.

    Did you make sure her vaccines and deworming were up to date before breeding her? Have you confirmed pregnancy with your vet so you know how many puppies to expect? I strongly suggest you have her checked out by your vet just to be safe.

    I would also suggest you refer to this link about what to expect if this is your first time whelping.

    ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs/ )

    Hope this helps.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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