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My dog had one puppy. Can she still have more hours or days later?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chow Chow | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old

My dog gave birth to one puppy few hours ago..I am unsure if there is more..but she kept on digging still..and occassional panting..she gave birth after we did some walk for about 30mins..the pup is alive and healthy..was there an instances that she might still give birth after few more hours or next day if the stuff she does means more.?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on November 20th, 2016

Occasionally, there can be 2-4 hours between puppies. If she is actively straining for an hour or more without producing a pup then she should be examined by your veterinarian right away. An exam and abdominal x-rays would be recommended in this situation anyway to confirm the presence or absence of additional pups inside Dhorina.

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9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If you believe that Dhorina still has more puppies inside her and it's been more than four hours since her first puppy was born, then she has to see a vet immediately. When it has been more than four hours between puppies being born, it means she is having trouble giving birth, and needs veterinary assistance right away. She will not be able to give birth to any more puppies without assistance at that point, and her life and the lives of the puppies still inside her are at risk without help. Puppies are not born the next day after the mother having one, they are usually born within four hours of each other if there are no complications. Please take her into a vet now if it's been longer than four hours, or when four hours have passed without signs of another puppy.

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 15th, 2017

    I would recommend taking Soots to the vet as soon as possible For an x-ray to look for more puppies. While dogs can go up to four hours in between puppies, any longer could be a sign that she or the puppies are in distress. She may need medications like pitocin, fluids and calcium to help her whelp the puppies or she may need a c-section. I hope she is still feeling okay, but even if she seems fine you should still see your veterinarian.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 18th, 2019

    It is definitely possible but because one puppy is not that common i would strongly suggest taking her to the vet ASAP in order to have an xray done, this will confirm or rule out the presence of other puppies. if there are other puppies she will most likely need a C-section surgery done.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 2nd, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Do you know how many puppies she had? She may have had only one puppy. If she had more then over 2 hours with out the birth of another puppy is an emergency. If she is acting fine I would take her in today when your Vet opens for an X-ray to confirm that she doesn't have any remaining puppies. If she is actively straining or has visible contractions for more than 2 hours she needs to be seen immediately. Good luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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