One cold afternoon, a pregnant dog showed up at my gate, visibly distressed and seeking help. She was 63 days pregnant, near labor, and this encounter turned out to be life-changing for both of us.
Pregnant dogs typically carry for 58 to 68 days, and at 63 days, labor can begin. Signs of impending birth include restlessness, nesting behavior, loss of appetite, and discharge. This dog, panting heavily and seeking comfort, was likely looking for a safe space to deliver her puppies.