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My 52-day pregnant dog has mucus plug. Is she going into labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Female | unspayed | 2 years old

My dog is 52 days pregnant she is not eating as much. Is drinking plenty of water and laying around her temp is 99.8. She is losing a tiny bit of mucus plug. Will she have puppies soon?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 18th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Just like in humans the loss of the mucous plug is not a reliable way to predict the onset of labor. The rectal temperature usually needs to drop below 99 F. Stage 1 labor should start 10-24 hours after the rectal temperature drops below 99F. That sometimes isn't reliable either. 52 days is soon. Average gestation length is 60-63 days. I think you still have about a week left, give or take a day or 2. Good luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 20th, 2018

    Some astute owners can sometimes see some mucous discharge before labor but it could be several days before labor begins. It would be helpful to monitor Cookie’s rectal temperature twice a day leading up to her ‘due date’ - the temperature generally drops at least a degree 12-18 hours prior to the onset of labor. Your veterinarian could also send out a progesterone test.

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