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My dog is 8 weeks pregnant. When should I expect her to go into labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

my dog will b 8 weeks pregnant tomorrow can she go into labor anytime after that

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2018

A dog's pregnancy lasts between 58-68 days, so it is possible she could go into labor anytime after that. I would start taking her 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. Should 24 hours pass after this temperature drop with no sign of puppies or she reaches 69 days of pregnancy without going into labor, she will need to see a vet immediately. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 6th, 2017

    A dog's gestation length can go to as long as 68 days. I would start taking Cinnamon'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, she should see a vet immediately as she may need help giving birth. Should she reach 69 days gestation with no temperature drop or signs of labor, then she should also see a vet immediately. Good luck, I hope this helps :-)

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 10th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dogs are pregnant for around 63 days. I consider 70 days over due and the need to have the dog seen. You can start to track her rectal temperature to see when it drops below 99 F as they tend to go into stage 1 labor with in 24 hours. You are looking at ANY day now! Below are things to watch for and when to worry. 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 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)

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