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Why are my pregnant dog's back legs swollen before giving birth?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chinese Shar-Pei | Female | unspayed | 40 lbs

Is it normal for a pregnant dog to have swelling in there back legs close to time for birth?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2017

You can find significant fluid retention in dogs near birthing time. It is similar to the swelling you see in human's feet. If she seems to be unwell or off form I would consider a vet visit as a precaution to check her hear and blood pressure. Most likely it is just a bit of retention due to the pressure on her lymphatic system.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Hi and thanks for using PetCoach! Thanks for inquiring about Biscuit. Normally this isn't something expected during pregnancy but anything is possible. I would be starting to think about another cause. Those include Sharpei Fever which I am including a web link for, circulatory problems or lymphatic drainage problem in the rear limbs. Here is the link for Familial Sharpei Fever or FSF. http://www.cspca.com/health/fsf.asp
    I would advise that you have your veterinarian take a look at Biscuit as soon as possible to determine what course of action to take since she is pregnant. Good luck.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 19th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. No, this is not a normal symptom to have happen during pregnancy. There are so many changes occurring with the body during pregnancy that this could be due to a protein imbalance or other systemic change. I would recommend having her blood tested to make sure that there are no imbalances that need to be addressed right away and have her examined by a veterinarian. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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