Temp Taking Times
Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 7:18PM 
Jeannie's Temperature at 715pm TodaySome females stop eating during the last twenty-four hours before labor, although this is certainly not always the case. The rectal temperature will drop between 97.9 and 98.2. This tells you that usually between 2 and 12 hours pups will arrive.
A temperature of 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius) is normal for a dog. In the last week I have found it does drop a bit below this and goes up and down. But a true drop is close or at 98.0. We will not have pups tonight. :-) I can sleep. I didn't expect them tonight but I figured it was best to start checking temperatures. I won't check again till morning.
First stage of labor:
(This stage often goes unnoticed if you are not intuned to your girl (I am), and takes place in the 24 hours following temperature drop.)
Temperature FINALLY drops to 98°F from its normal 99, 100, 101°F (you should have been taking it regularly for a few days).
If you are really committed, the temperature taking does work. You will find her temperature around 99 to 101, and as soon as it starts to drop below 99 and continues to drop (now you take it every hour or two) you have about 12-24 hours from the start of the drop. When it bottoms out to 98 or 97.9, then you have about 2-12 hours.
You may find your dam much more restless and not able to get comfortable. She will stretch out on her side.
You may find her eyes different; they will dilate, and she will stare at you.
She may not want you out of her sight. She may go to her whelping box.
She may vomit. She may try to have a bowel movement from the pressure. She may urinate frequently.
She will refuse to eat and seek a quiet spot, like a closet or under a bed. This is the time that you MUST take her outside on a lead always. They will do crazy things like hide under the deck to have their babies. We had thsi happen once. Crawling under the deck in mud was not fun. Fool me once....
She may have some mucus discharge, and her vulva area will become puffier. This has not happened to Jeannie yet.
Second stage of labor:
Your female may go to her whelping box, or couch, or wherever she has chosen to have her pups, and start digging.
She may start shivering and panting, examining her rear, and licking her vulva.
She may have mild contractions, vomiting, pooping and urinating more.
Third stage of Labor:
Water sacs present and break
Shivering and panting may continue and get stronger, as well as digging.
Contractions will become stronger and closer together.
Vomiting, grunting and pushing.
Reader Comments (1)
So glad you'll get some rest. Saw the photos from the show...what gorgeous dogs they are! Sweet dreams Jeannie.