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My dog is in labor for hours with contractions. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mountain Cur | Female | unspayed | 40 lbs

My Kimmer Ker has been in labor since this morning. She’s been having obvious contractions for several hours. Her back end is VERY swollen

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2018

Poor Kimber! If she has been having obvious contractions for several hours with no signs of puppies, then this is a medical emergency. She should not be straining to push out a puppy for more than hour. This can be a sign she needs help giving birth, and she may need a c section to safely deliver her puppies. At this point in time, this is a medical emergency and leaving her without help can lead to the death of her puppies and possibly her. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck!

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