How To Tell Your Dog Is In Labor
So you have most likely responsibly bred your dog and now you are so confused. Is she in labor? What are the signs? How long does labor last?
Usually we breed dogs 3 times. You will count 63 days from the FIRST breeding and that is your dog's due date. She can deliver as early as day 58 and can actually go past day 63. There are alot of things to consider, one being that she may have not conceived until the last day you bred her. Just like in a human woman, you will atleast have an idea of her due date!
How To Tell Your Dog Is In Labor, the signs
The first true tell tale sign is her temperature will drop to 98 degrees. Starting day 58, record her temperature morning and night. It will fluctuate between 99 and 101 degrees. This is normal. By taking her temperature twice a day you will catch the temperature drop sooner. once her temp reaches 98 degrees you can plan on seeing a puppy within 12 to 24 hours, so call work and let them know you will be taking the day off. We use the electronic thermometers you would use for a child that are plastic. Have someone hold your female and you can dip the thermometer in vaseline. It should go in easy, never force it.
How To Tell Your Dog Is In Labor, more signs
She will shiver, lick her vulva and pant. The shivering usually happens with the drop in temperature, but the other signs can happen weeks before delivery. She may refuse to eat or try to find a dark place to hide. I like to keep my female near me, so I can evaluate the situation.
How To Tell Your Dog Is In Labor, Labor Continues
Assuming you had the sure signs she will be delivering puppies withing the next 24 hours, you will notice labor progress. Panting will get more intense. When you start to see her push you know you are very close. The contractions look like she is pushing poop out. Sorry, just to give you an idea. This is considered heavy labor. Moaning and pushing will continue, you may even see some discharge. You should see the first puppy within 2 hours.
How To Tell Your Dog Is In Labor, Warning Signs
I always suggest to have your vets phone number on the refrigerator and be prepared to run there, if you need to. Know their hours and if they close, is there an animal hospital open. Go with your gut, if something does not seem right, take her in. Do not take a chance with her life. If you do not see the first puppy within 24 hours of the temperature drop, there may be something wrong. A puppy may be stuck in the birth canal. Play it safe and take her in.
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| How To Tell Your Dog Is In Labor, one of our English Bulldog Puppies |
Being able to tell your labor is not a complete science. With dog breeding I have learned that you should go with your gut and you can not plan to a tee. Just be prepared and read and learn everything you can or consider going in to the vet for a c-section.