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My pregnant dog is crying, restless, and nesting. Is she in labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | 1 year and 7 months old | 13.22 lbs

Hi my pregnant bitch is about 56days pregnancy... She act abnormally this week, she always cried and doesn't want to sleep at night in crate/cage as she always do. So i let her to explore the room and make some whelping box alike.... Is it normal if she cried and quite looking for place outside cage?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 17th, 2017

Most dogs have a gestation period of about 60-63 days, so it could be that Charlotte is getting closer to labor and so is searching for a place to have her pups. Dogs can become restless before going into labor and may pace, have a change in temperature or even stop eating immediately prior to having their puppies. You may also see enlargement of the mammary glands and some "waxing" or secretion of a milky substance just prior as well. If she seems very uncomfortable, in pain, or is becoming listless/lethargic or has pale gums/tongue in addition to the pacing behavior, or is actively in labor and straining to produce a puppy for several hours without success, then it is best to get her into a vet for care as it may indicate a stuck puppy or other underlying issue that needs to be treated.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 4th, 2020

    A dog's normal pregnancy is from 58-68 days, so if she is nesting, she is much further along than you think. I'd have Bailey seen by a vet today just to make sure everything is ok, and then set her up a nesting box.

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