My pregnant dog is leaving wet spots. Is this a sign of labor?

It certainly sounds like Xena may be showing signs of stage 1 labor. It would be a good idea to start monitoring her rectal temperature - I typically recommend checking 2-3 times a day. You can establish a baseline and if and when her temperature drops by 1 full degree it is usually a pretty good indicator that you should see puppies within 24 hours. This article might also help: https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs/

If your [pregnant dog](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pregnancy/) is having some fluid discharge and she is at or near her due date, expect her to have her pups soon. Confine her to an area that is quiet (if she isn't already in a whelping box) since noise or stress can cause her to delay the delivery. If you've been [monitoring her temperature](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-take-your-pet-s-temperature-in-7-easy-steps/) and it has fallen below 100 degrees, the pups should come in the next 24 hours. [As labor nears](https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs), she may become agitated, getting up and down or licking herself. Once you see firm signs of labor, simply monitor her. Most dogs will deliver a litter without human intervention. If she does not begin pushing within 2-4 hours of the start of labor, a call or visit to your local emergency vet to ensure everything is still going fine is strongly recommended.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Zoey. Yes, she is likely getting close to going into labor. Due dates can vary a fair amount. Monitor her for other signs such as pacing, panting, restlessness and nesting behavior. If you have any concerns, be sure to have her evaluated by her veterinarian. It is important to have x-rays taken to know how many puppies to expect. I hope this information helps!

A dog's "water" doesn't break as noticeably it does in humans. It usual happens during the second stage of labor when the dog is actively pushing or straining. Shorty after, a pup is produced. If Ninja is behaving normally and not straining, she likely urinated. If she is close to term, there isn't much room for her bladder in there among all the puppies!

It sounds like she might be showing signs of early labor, but it also could be normal behavior for the end of pregnancy. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian for an exam and an x-ray if you haven't already seen them recently - it is very helpful to take an x-ray to count puppies late in pregnancy. That way you know approximately how many puppies to expect. You should also start checking her rectal temperature with a well lubricated digital thermometer three times a day to establish a baseline (make sure it's at the same time every day) - usually a dog's baseline temperature will drop by one full degree prior to labor. If Luna's temperature drops but you don't see puppies within 24 hours you should see a veterinarian to make sure everything is okay.

A moderate amount of clear, sticky vaginal discharge is normal for a pregnant dog, especially close to delivery of the puppies. The increased hormone levels cause an increase in the lubrication produced by the vagina. As long as there is no evidence of dark green color in the discharge, a milky or creamy appearance or foul odor no treatment is needed. It does not mean that she will give birth earlier.

Unfortunately your photo did not attach to your message. Please try again and hopefully it will go through so we can evaluate it. A good rule of thumb is that if you are seeing black or green discharge, then that is considered abnormal and she should be seen by your vet right away. Her whining sounds a little concerning as well, especially if she is doing it continuously and seems to be in distress. A vet visit sounds like a good option for her @ this point. I hope that things work out well for your pregnant doggie. Best wishes and take care.