Golden Retriever only 3 puppies

Question
Our 6 yr golden went into labor yesterday and delivered only 3 puppies. She has had 1 litter before of 9 puppies. She had all three puppies in a 3 hour time period then nothing. I missed seeing the birth of the 3rd puppy so do not know about the afterbirth but she is amazingly clean- the last time she was pretty messy. She doesn't act like anything is bothering her but I am concerned as there are only 3 puppies.

Answer
Hi Wendy

Your female is 6 years old.  That is getting up their in dog breeding years.  

If you are unsure if the afterbirth was delivered, I would watch her over the course of the next few days.  If you see a bloody black discharge or notice a foul odor, you want to take her to the vet for an oxytocin shot.

Good luck.