If your dog suddenly becomes your shadow — more than usual — you might be going into labor very soon. "The night before my induction my dog … Although not every dog will show these signs and not everytime they act oddly means you are going into labor soon, be aware that it is a possibility. Stage 1 The Three Stages of Labor. However, your dog could go into labor a few days earlier or later, so keep an eye out for signs that your dog is going to give birth such as: Dilation of the vulva and pelvic ligaments. Do this three times a day -- at the same time each day -- and record the results. Approximately 12 hours before the pups are born your dog's (a female pregnant dog is called a bitch) temperature may drop below 100 from the normal range which is between 100 to 102. If your dog is going into labor early, immediately contact your veterinarian or call the nearest emergency veterinarian for guidance. You can make this prediction by working with your vet and looking for signs at home that your dog is about to whelp. Appetite loss. Being able to predict when your dog will whelp will help you prepare her and your home for the arrival of her puppies. The first stage is actually a “pre-labor” which can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. This is generally the longest stage, but it can go … Some dog breeds cannot whelp their own puppies (English Bulldogs), and veterinary assistance will be required. Your dog will most probably require medical treatment, either for an illness or to remove stillborn fetuses. Licking of the genitals, restlessness and a reluctance to eat are some of the signs that she is within 24 hours of labor. While it's mostly a matter of waiting for nature to take its course, there are a few signs that will let you know when your dog is about to go into labor. Living and Management. About 12 hours to 24 hours before productive labor begins, the dog’s temperature will drop from 101.5 F, which is normal, to between 98 F and 100 F. If your dog doesn’t go into labor within 24 hours after the temperature drop, call your veterinarian. As you now know, a dog's pregnancy ends in week 9, with delivery usually taking place between days 60-63. The average length of dog pregnancies is 63 days. Knowing and understanding normal labor and delivery, as well as proper pregnancy care, can help make the process go more smoothly and help you know what is normal and when it is time to get the veterinarian involved. Signs of Whelping - 12 Hours Before Birth. The puppies will arrive in 12–24 hours after the dam's temperature drops to 98 degrees, which means that the labor process will soon begin. Drop in body temperature. Start to take your dog's rectal temperature 2 to 3 days prior to the expected birth. General Practice amp Preventative Medicine Theriogenology BE PREPARED Giving birth can be a frightening, confusing and painful experience for both the dog and the owner. The gestation period for a dog ranges from 56 to 69 days, with 63 being the average. This does not happen in all cases. Observe the dog closely for the signs of labor. It is important for you to know the beginning of dog labor symptoms, so you can get your dog into her whelping box, and also make sure you are going to be home for the big event! Scientists and animal behaviorist claim that dogs sense oncoming labor due to a combination of scent and feeling the changes in human behavior. Start taking the temperature of the dog twice a day during day 60 and watch for a drop in baseline temperature. Is actually a “pre-labor” which can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours 1 Do this times. First stage is actually a “pre-labor” which can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours suddenly... 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