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My dog is in labor and struggling to push. Should I call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Newfoundland | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 10 months old | 100 lbs

My dog is in labor she's a healthy Newfoundland, so far she having a hard time pushing the rest out she seems uneasy

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 20th, 2017

Hi there. In large breed dogs like your Newfie that commonly can birth their own offspring without c section-when they are having a hard time it is due to one of two things: they are overtired from a very large litter (or it is their first time and they are very stressed), or potentially a puppy is stuck in the birth canal with a breech or sideways appearance. If she will allow you, see if you can lift her tail and see a puppy or any placenta protruding from her vulva. If no, and you are a very experienced breeder, she may allow you to feel for a puppy stuck in the birth canal. If you can feel one, she may allow you to manipulate the puppy into a more deliverable presentation. If she will not and continues to push without producing puppies, it is time to call your vet and take her in or risk losing the rest of your litter. if she cannot pass the puppy she will tire herself quickly and stop pushing altogether. Do not allow her a long period of time before you take her in-if she has been pushing for a while (more than 20mins) and you cannot readjust-time to go in immediately.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    So far this sounds normal, the whole giving birth process can take up to 24 hours, once the contractions start to be more frequent every 5 minutes) then you would expect the first puppy to come out within 1-2 hours, followed by another puppy every half an hour if everything goes well. if she starts looking exhausted and the contractions stop or become very week, then there is a problem and you will need to take her to the vet.

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