Dog showing labor signs for 3 days, but no puppies yet. Is it normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Kerry Blue Terrier | Female
Hi my dog has been showing signs of labour for 3 days and still nothing is that normal?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 16th, 2018
Hi there. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Queenie is having this issue. It is difficult to say much without knowing what signs she is exhibiting. Also, have you taken her rectal temperature? How many days along is she? Please post again with more information so we can better help you. What I can tell you is that usually once the rectal drops below 98.6F labor usually starts somewhere in the next 24 hours. If she is actively contracting and nothing is happening you need to get her to a vet ASAP. You are welcome to post again with more information if you would like. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 16th, 2018
Thank you for the additional information. Her temperature has not dropped below the threshold that we normally see which would be 98.6F (37C). The average gestation is between 58 and 68 days so she is still within the window of time. I would wait until her temperature drops below 37C. If nothing happens 12-24 hours after that temperature drop then you need to get her to your vet ASAP. Understand there is not much we can tell you over the internet without examining the dog ourselves. It is always best for you to have your vet check her out if you are worried. You know Queenie best and it is always better to be safe than sorry in these situations. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
My dog started showing signs of labour on Friday then again today her temperature is 37.8 she’s digging at her bed been sick 2x had dirreah and not not eaten her temperature dropped last night so it’s been 24hrs she’s 66 days is this normal to show
Thank you for the additional information. Her temperature has not dropped below the threshold that we normally see which would be 98.6F (37C). The average gestation is between 58 and 68 days so she is still within the window of time. I would wait until her temperature drops below 37C. If nothing happens 12-24 hours after that temperature drop then you need to get her to your vet ASAP. Understand there is not much we can tell you over the internet without examining the dog ourselves. It is always best for you to have your vet check her out if you are worried. You know Queenie best and it is always better to be safe than sorry in these situations. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
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
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! 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
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, I need some advice. My husky malamute mix is due any day now. Her temp dropped Saturday night at around 10pm to 98.8f. She was slightly restless and was panting a little bit. The next morning, she still had an appetite and was wanting to eat a
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! How many days pregnant is she? Usually they enter stage 1 labor about 24 hours after the temperature drop. They can be in stage 1 labor for up to 24hrs as well. I consider 70 days overdue. If she doesn't start going into stage 2 labor tonight then I would take her to the Vet tomorrow and confirm she is pregnant (if you haven't done so). and that she isn't experiencing a false pregnancy. I've attached a handout I provide my clients, in case it may help. I wish you the best! 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 infrequ
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My female corgi chichihua is pregnant and I fear that she is not going to be able to have the pups because she is showing signs of labor as in whining, restlessness, shivering I believe she may have lost her mucus plug three days ago because she had
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question. I would check LaeLae's body temperature using a rectal thermometer. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102F, and if a pregnant dog's temperature drops below 100F, that's typically a sign of active labor. She may appear restless and anxious, and you could see panting, pacing, and a refusal of food. The loss of the mucus plug can occur anywhere from a few hours to four to five days before giving birth. The best way to know for sure is to have her seen by a vet. I'm concerned that she's been having these signs for a week, I would take her into a vet immediately to get checked out. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My Australian Shpherd is 52-53 days pregnant this is her first litter over the last 24 hours her temperature started at 100. 3 spiked up to 100.9 and has now dropped down to 99.7 she has milk coming from her teats as well as a pretty big chunk of cle
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! It could mean labor is soon. Mild can come in days to a week before labor. I'd want to see the temperature consistently stay lower. If it does it should mean stage 1 labor should begin in 24 hours. I just want to be sure you have confirmed pregnancy. If not then keep in mind pseudopregnancy and an infected uterus. I've attached a handout I provide for my clients. Good luck! 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 p
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog lhasa apso is 60 days pregnant..shes hungry but eats less and sleeping alot..puppy movements are felt..digging behavior seen..no milk discharge.. no signs such as panting seen..shes aggressive when i try to check rectal temperature..when shoul
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! The rectal temperature can help but sometimes it is not accurate. Digging can indicate stage 1 labor which is nesting and decreased appetite. Panting and discomfort can also indicate impending labor. I would say she is soon to go in to labor! Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My pitbull was bred and tied for 1 minute on 10/08/17 the dog gave up. Them i inseminated her on the 10th 11th and the 12th of october. Shes passed due and tittoes swellen but not that big, and no milk and shes acting energetic and normal no panting
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! Was it ever confirmed she was pregnant with an ultrasound or an X-ray? If the 10/12 breeding is the one that took she is exactly 63 days today. If she has a small liter or a singleton she could go later. I agree with your Vet that 70-72 days is overdue and concerning. I would try to confirm she is pregnant, if that hasn't been done. By day 50, the the skeletons of the puppies can be seen on X-rays. I also would start taking her temperature daily to track it. Dogs tend to enter stage 1 labor 10-24 hours after their rectal temperature drops below 99 F. I hope this helps and I wish you and Dutchess the best!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
New Pet
My Aussie Collie is on day 65 since first tie, 64 since second tie, and day 63 since 3rd tie. Her temp has only dropped down to 99.4 since 10 am yesterday. Her temp is the same today. She woke up around 7 am panting and pacing, as well as whining a b
Hello. It sounds like Kona is in stage one of labor. Besides the signs you are seeing, you may also see Kona vomit a time or two. This is all normal & all you can do is make sure she has fresh water always available. If she gulps down water & vomits, replace the water with a big bowl of ice cubes. This stage is the longest one, lasting 6-12 hours & will end when her cervix is fully dilated. At this point, she should start delivering puppies. If she is still showing signs of stage 1 labor past the 12 hour period, or she is having strong contractions with no delivery after 15-20 minutes of pushing, then you will need to call your vet for further help. But, it sounds like she is progressing normally. Good luck & thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Our Boxer is 61 days pregnant we think and are anxious and worried about what to expect for signs of labor. She was bred on three occasions, which the first she seemed more interested than the other two so we think she conceived the first time. Her t
Hi and thanks for using Boop by Petco! Great to hear about Addie. Dogs gestation periods are from about 57-70 days and the average is about 63 days. I have seen dogs temperatures drop to under 100 degrees Farenheit and not deliver puppies for a few days to one week. My advice would be to watch her very closely for signs of nesting. That's where female dogs build "nests" to deliver the pups. Once she begins active contractions and labor begins, a puppy should come out within 20-30 minutes. If contractions are active and no puppy has been delivered in 30 minutes you should take her immediately to see your vet or at least call them and describe what is going on. Labor can last quite a while and that is normal. If no active contractions then it's ok to wait in between puppies but again if the contractions are active and a pup hasn't been delivered in 30 mins please contact your vet and consult with them. I wish you the best of luck with Addie
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I’m very worried that my pregnant dog may be overdue although I’m not sure, she was in standing heat during the end of October I didn’t record the date as I separated her from my male as I did not want her to have puppies and I didn’t see them tie t
Hello. Dogs are pregnant an average of 63 days, so your girl is probably due any time now. If she is acting relatively normal, just give her a little more time. Keep a mental note on how much movement you are feeling in her abdomen & if it begins to diminish, or she acts lethargic, ill, vomits or develops a dark discharge from her vulva without going into labor, see your vet immediately. She may need a C-section. Otherwise, your dates may be off a bit & labor will proceed when her time is due. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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