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My 66-day pregnant dog is shaking, not eating. Is she in labor?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is 66 days pregnant and shaking a lot : she has also been sleeping a lot and not eating , should I be worried ? Or is she in the first stages of labor ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 10th, 2019

If she is 66 days I would definitely recommend seeing a vet as soon as you can. It’s possible that she is in stage one of labor, but at 66 days she is past the average gestation length and it’s possible that she is having difficulty with labor or that there are problems with the puppies. A vet can check to see if she is in labor and can also determine whether or not the puppies might be in distress. If you start to see active contractions your should see a puppy within 30-69 minutes and she should not go more than 4 hours between puppies.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 16th, 2019
Hello, and thanks for your question about Sasha. Usually labor starts within 24 hours of the temperature drop. It is normal for the dog to act a bit "off" just before labor starts, but if you're concerned that she's looking truly sick it wouldn't hurt to touch base with your vet. However, I suspect puppies should be coming very soon! Good luck and congrats!

Here's some more information that may be helpful:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs/

Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 21st, 2018
Gestation in dogs is from 58 to 68 days with an average of 63 to 65 days. I would observe her, make sure that she has a place where she can build a nest. The temperature method does not always work and is notoriously unreliable, in my opinion.
Here is some good information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs/

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 13th, 2017
The normal gestation length of a dog is 58-68 days, so your dog is still within the normal time to have her puppies. It sounds like from your description that she may be getting ready to go into labor. I would take her temperature rectally twice a day. A dog's normal temperature is 101-1025.F, and once it drops below 100F, she will have her puppies within 24 hours. Should 24 hours pass without any puppies, she will need to see a vet immediately. If she reaches 69 days gestation without going into labor, she will also need to see a vet right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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