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My dog is 68 days pregnant with no labor signs. Is she overdue?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 50 lbs

My dog is day 68 in her pregnancy from one tie on day 12 of her heat cycle which was June 4th. Her temperature still hasn't dropped and she's still acting herself. Is she still within normal limits of not having her puppies? My vet said up to day 72 However I was concerned and wondered another opinion. Puppies are still moving

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 11th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Your Vet is correct! The average length of a canine pregnancy is 60-63 days. We consider dogs overdue if 72 days. If she is acting fine and you are monitoring her temp just continue to watch her. Here are some tips: Stages of Labor: -Stage 1 tends to start 10-24 hours after temperature drop (usually below 99 F). -Stage 1: nesting. Can persist for 3-24 hours before abdominal contractions begin -Stage 2: Visible abdominal contractions. FIRST PUPPY SHOULD ARRIVE WITH IN 1-2 HOURS. -Stage 3: passage of placenta. Usually occurs within 15 mins of passing puppy. If it does not happen, don’t worry. When to worry/Call: -Strong contractions > 45-60 mins without birth of a puppy -Weak and infrequent contractions >4-6 hours without birth of puppy ->4-5 hours between puppies (after birth of first puppy without birth of the next puppy). On average a puppy is born every 45-60 mins. HOWEVER, the mother can often rest for several hours between puppies. This rest period is NOT associated with contractions and usually doesn’t exceed 4-6 hours. -If one puppy is born and she is having VISIBLE contractions for >2 hours without 2nd puppy. Recommend calling around 1 hour mark to talk to someone. -Failure to enter active labor (contractions) 24-36 hours after rectal temp falls below 99 F -Mother is in obvious pain: biting at vulva, crying) -No puppy within 2 hours of seeing green vaginal discharge -No puppy within 1 hour of seeing clear fluid from vulva (rupture of allantochorion) -No puppy within 1 hour of seeing a clear/water filled balloon at vulvar lips (puppy is in birth canal) Good luck!!

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21Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2016

    Gestation in dogs is 63 to 68 days, so if today falls within this time span, she may net be ready yet. She should start building a nest shortly before whelping. If you are not sure that she is pregnant, then it may be a good idea to take her to a vet for an x-ray where all the puppies will show up and can be counted. If she is beyond 68 days and does not show any intention of whelping, she needs to be examined by your veterinarian also. If she is within that time span, just make sure she has a nice quiet space where she can build a nest and have her babies.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 4th, 2019

    Start taking Marilyn's temperature rectally twice a day. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. Once it drops below 100F, she should give birth to her puppies within 24 hours. If 24 hours pass after this temperature drop with no sign of puppies, you need to take her into a vet right away. If she reaches 69 days of pregnancy without any sign of going into largo, you will need to take her into a vet. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 7th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think for your peace of mind I'd take her to your Vet tomorrow for an X-ray of her belly. At 60 days pregnant the babies should be seen on X-ray. We don't like dogs to go over 70 days so having a Vet in the loop to help you if she is late. Good luck!

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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