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My pregnant dog lost her mucus plug. How soon will she go into labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bully | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 6 months old

Luna is 61 days pregnant today. She lost her mucus plug. How long until labor?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 12th, 2022

It can be anywhere from hours to days, but this is a sign that labor will be soon, so it's best to have everything ready that Luna needs, such as a whelping box, supplies to care for any rejected puppies, and your vet or an emergency clinic's number on-hand in case anything goes wrong. If you know how many puppies you'll be expecting, you can also use that to gauge how well labor is going for her (she should have a puppy within a few hours of each previous once labor starts). Other signs of labor include body temperature changes, changes in eating/drinking/bowel habits, and visible contractions along the abdomen.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 22nd, 2017

    I would definitely contact your vet. She may need to be seen to ensure these puppies are still viable. He will be able to do this if he has an ultrasound in the office. Your vet will likely want to do an exam on her to ensure she looks okay as well. Depending on how everyone looks, your vet may give her something to help with the contractions or they may recommend a c-section. I hope this helps and that her and the puppies are all okay!

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 6th, 2018

    Labor can follow hours or days after the loss of a mucus plug. Continue to monitor Sissy, especially her body temperature. Labor typically begins within 24 hours of a drop below 100F. Use a rectal thermometer and sterile lube to check her once or twice daily. Normal temp is between 99F and 102.5F. Be sure she has a quiet, clean, warm whelping box in a low traffic area of the home. Most dogs will give birth uneventfully and without human intervention.

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