My pregnant dog keeps licking her private area. Is she in labor?

Unfortunately if she is truly going into labor, there is not likely much you can do to stop the process. I am attaching an article here with information on birthing puppies at home: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=678 which provides lots of great information on how the birthing process goes and when to worry/call your vet. If she is truly t his early, I may consider bringing her in to your vet for a few reasons. It is possible she is panting and licking due to nausea or pain for another reason, and they may find this cause. It is also possible for the vet to evaluate the puppies for health/fetal distress with an ultrasound if the vet has access to one. It may also be helpful if the puppies are born early to have veterinary care available if any of the puppies do not do well and need help once born.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would have Hazel examined by a vet. I’d be worried about a miscarriage or a uterine infection (pyometra). Sadly there is nothing we can do about a miscarriage but a pyometra is serious and life threatening. The vet will do an exam, blood work, belly X-rays and maybe an ultrasound to see if the puppies are alive. I wish you and Hazel the best!

She could have an infection so she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can do a complete examine and then decide if treatment is needed. She might need an antibiotic to treat. If your vet has an ultrasound machine then he/she could do an ultrasound to check on the puppies.

H there and thanks for posting. If Stella is pregnant, then she could be in stage 1 of labor which can last 6-8 hours. However, the not getting up as well as the lethargic and bleeding from the vagina is concerning if she is pregnant. This may be an indication something is wrong with her pups and the pregnancy or she may have pregnancy toxemia. If she isn't pregnant, there is another medical reason behind her symptoms that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian in person. It is hard to say what exactly is going on without examining her first. My best advice is to have her seen right away by a veterinarian or taken to an emergency veterinary clinic. Best of luck to you and Stella!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. It is common for a female dog to have reddish brown discharge known as lochia for a number of weeks after delivering. However, I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. It is safest to ensure her signs are normal. The puppies can be started on dewormer as well. I hope this information helps!

A moderate amount of clear, sticky vaginal discharge is normal for a pregnant dog, especially close to delivery of the puppies. The increased hormone levels cause an increase in the lubrication produced by the vagina. As long as there is no evidence of dark green color in the discharge, a milky or creamy appearance or foul odor no treatment is needed. It does not mean that she will give birth earlier.

Hello, sorry to hear about Xena. She may be going into labor soon. Monitor her for any signs of labor without producing any puppies as this could indicate that she is having a dystocia. Signs may include lethargy, panting, vocalizing, pain, and eventually dullness. Otherwise, ensure Xena has a padded area that is warm and dry for her to deliver her puppies. Best of luck and hope this helps.