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My pregnant dog's puppies are moving a lot. Is she giving birth soon?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 17 days old

My dog is pregnant and I think close to having her puppies they are moving around like crazy In her belly does that mean she will have them soon?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 23rd, 2019

You can see puppies moving up to a week before giving birth. Take Bell's temperature rectally twice a day. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. Once it drops below 100F, she should have her puppies within 24 hours.

14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 19th, 2016
Dogs can begin producing milk starting around a week before giving birth. I'm not sure how far along she is in her pregnancy, but dogs are typically pregnant for 58-68 days with an average of 63 days. If she has been pregnant longer than 68 days, then you need to take her into the vet. It would be a good idea for her to be seen by a vet if you are concerned that the puppies are not moving like they were a week ago, but it is a good sign if they are still moving. If she is close to her gestation date, I would start taking her temperature twice a day. A dog's normal temperature is 101-102.5F, and once it drops below 100F, she will give birth within the next 24 hours. If Princess does have a small birth canal, you have to be prepared for the possibility she will have difficulty giving birth and she may require a c-section to safely deliver the puppies.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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When will my pregnant dog go into labor if puppies are moving?

I would recommend to start taking a rectal temperature on her several times a day. Normally if the temperature falls below 100 they will go into labor within 24 hours. You can find more info on signs of labor at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951546

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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.

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Pregnant dog's temp dropped, water broke. When will labor start?

Great question! Once her temperature drops below 100F, Bell should give birth to her puppies in 24 hours. If 24 hours pass after the initial temperature drop with no sign of puppies, she will need to see a vet immediately, as she will need help giving birth to them safely.

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My pregnant dog has milk and lost belly hair. Is she in labor soon?

A dog's milk can come in up to a week before giving birth, so it's not used as a sign of going in to labor. Dogs can also lose the hair on the belly in the weeks before delivery, so it is also not a sign she is going into labor. The best way to get an idea of when she will give birth is to take her temperature rectally twice a day. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. Once it drops below 100F, she will give birth to puppies in 24 hours.

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Her rectal temperature will be below 100.0 when she is within 24 hrs of her due date. So she has a ways to go still. Her digging seems like early preparation at this point. It is good that you have a whelping box already. : ) There is no way of knowing how long she has until her rectal temperature is below 100.0, so its best to check this daily. I hope that Coco has a smooth delivery for her pups. Here is more information on delivery of puppies and what to watch out for to indicate she may need a vet visit. --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951546 Best of luck moving forward with Coco. Take care! : )

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It is possible. the only way to know for sure is to have her x-rayed by your veterinarian. This would be recommended anyway so you know how many pups to expect. Since she is so close, start monitoring her body temperature. Use a rectal thermometer with sterile lube. Normal temp ranges from 100 F to 102.5 F. In most cases, labor will begin within 24 hours of a drop below 100 F.

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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

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