Gestation period overdue

Question
Hi,
6 months ago, our neighbor gave us a 9 year old terrier poodle, named Bea.  We don't really know much about her, as her previous owner has moved and Bea is going on 10 weeks!  She seams to be doing fine but we are concern.  Please advise?  Thanks.

Answer

Hi Ray,

Is it possible you got the day that fertilization occurred wrong?

A dog's pregnancy generally is 9 weeks long. Sometimes dogs with small litters can be pregnant for longer than 9 weeks. It's best to have your dog examined by a veterinarian though, since he or she is the real expert in matters where the health of your dog's litter is concerned.

Best of luck,

Patti

PS. Nine years old is too old for a dog to carry a litter. Because dogs don't have a menopause as humans do, they can get pregnant into their elderly years. After your dog's current litter has been weaned, you should have your dog spayed, so there won't be any chance of her getting pregnant again.