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My pregnant dog won't eat and is clingy. Is she going into labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog is 8 weeks and 3 days pregnant and is refusing food. She's only drinking water and really clingy. She has been like this for 24 hours.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on August 27th, 2016

Normally, the "due date" for a pregnant dog is anywhere from 57-63 days after mating. If your girl is 59 days pregnant, she is within this range so she may be getting ready to go into labor - pregnant females will often refuse food for the last day or so before having their puppies, and may also act restless or clingy. You can take her temperature with a rectal thermometer if you are comfortable doing this - if it's lower than 99 degrees, chances are good that she will be going into labor within the next 24 hours.

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32Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 18th, 2016

    Due dates are always approximate in dogs, and can vary from 57 - 63 days after the breeding date - so I don't get too worried unless the dog is acting like there's a problem :) Restlessness, panting, nesting behavior, and refusing food are usually signs that labor will begin within the next 24 hours, but I have seen many dogs who did not start labor until 2-3 days after these signs. As long as she isn't actively pushing and doesn't have any unusual discharge from her vulva, I would continue to monitor. If there is still no progress in the next 24-48 hours, it would be best to have her seen by a vet - he/she can do an exam and also ultrasound the puppies to see if things are okay.

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