Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my pregnant dog shivering and shaking? Is she in labor?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is 64 days pregnant and she’s been shivering & her back legs have been shaking for the past 13 hours. I haven’t seen any signs of her trying to push yet. Should I be concerned?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2019

Hello, congratulations on your new coming puppies. Its possible that she is beginning to have signs of initiating the first part of labor. During this time, their temperature may decrease and they may shiver. Keep an eye for any evidence of active contractions. If you are seeing contractions without production of a puppy that lasts longer then 2 hours, then she should be evaluated by her veterinarian immediately. If she seems lethargy, weak, and is not interested in food or water then she should be evaluated sooner.

If she does deliver her puppies on her own, you may assist in cleanig the puppies and drying them so that they may begin to nurse shortly after birth. Hope this helps and best of luck.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on March 25th, 2019
Without knowing how far along Willow is, it's hard to say. If she is in the beginning stages of labor, and is near her due date, then pain or contractions may cause her to shake or be in a bit of distress. If she is not near her due date, or she is showing severe signs of distress, pain, or other illness, then this is not normal and should be seen by a vet.
20Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my dog shivering and panting during early pregnancy stages?

Be sure to continue to monitor your pet as closely as possible and keep a close relationship with your local Veterinarian. There are many complications that can arise during pregnancy. This shivering and panting may be due to exertion. You'll want to be sure to provide her with plenty quiet time to rest and a very comfortable place lay down.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant dog is panting, shaking, but not nesting. Is this normal?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Skye. Every dog will behave differently during labor. So while nesting is common, not every dog will display this behavior. If she is panting and shaking, she may very well be starting labor. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My pregnant dog is shivering and won't eat or drink. What should I do?

I would recommend taking her to your veterinarian to have her examined. It's possible that she has gastroenteritis, an infection, or any number of other diseases. Your veterinarian can take her temperature and may recommend an ultrasound to check the puppies' heart rates and make sure they are not in distress. I typically recommend feeding a high quality puppy food to pregnant dogs, but your veterinarian might recommend trying a higher calorie therapeutic diet. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant dog is panting, shaking, whining. Is she in labor?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Quinn. It sounds like she could be in the first stage of labor. That can last up to 18 hours, so keep monitoring her. If 18 hours pass and she has not progressed to the second stage of labor (contractions and giving birth), get her into a vet immediately. If you feel she is in a lot of pain, you can take her into a vet now to get checked out to be safe. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My pregnant dog is nesting, whining, and her temp is fluctuating. Is she in labor?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Shadow. She is likely displaying nesting behavior. This is an early sign of labor. Body temperature typically drops below 99 degrees approximately 24 hours prior to delivering the puppies. She appears close to this drop. I recommend monitoring her closely as I suspect she will have the puppies soon. However, if you are concerned, please contact her veterinarian. They will know her specific case details and can give you more accurate recommendations. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it normal for a pregnant dog to shiver and refuse breakfast?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since you are seeing a vet tomorrow and Izze is eating and everything else is normal I wouldn't panic. There are many reasons for a dog to shiver: fear, maybe the babies are starting to move causing discomfort, a fever (though her temperature is normal), and pain (she wouldn't be acting normal). I wish you luck for her ultrasound! Have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share