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My pregnant dog is overdue. Should I try to induce her labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 45 lbs

How do I induce my dogs labor naturally? She’s getting close to past due.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2018

Please do not try to induce labor as this is not to be done by a lay person. It can endanger both the bitch as well as the puppies, Your bitch is not considered overdue until she reaches day 69 of pregnancy. You will need to take her to a veterinarian if there are problems with giving birth or when she reaches day 68 and shows no sign of giving birth,

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 29th, 2017

    I strongly recommend you get her assessed urgently by a vet 58-68days is the most normal gestation (63 days plus/minus 5) and any longer than this can lead to complications for both mother and pups. Dogs generally are not able to prevent labor and delivery due to other dogs etc and it may indicate a failure of the natural labor as a result of a small litter etc

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