Living and Management. 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! You can make this prediction by working with your vet and looking for signs at home that your dog is about to whelp. Observe the dog closely for the signs of labor. If your dog suddenly becomes your shadow â more than usual â you might be going into labor very soon. Stage 1 "The night before my induction my dog ⦠As you now know, a dog's pregnancy ends in week 9, with delivery usually taking place between days 60-63. The first stage is actually a âpre-laborâ which can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. Scientists and animal behaviorist claim that dogs sense oncoming labor due to a combination of scent and feeling the changes in human behavior. Drop in body temperature. Being able to predict when your dog will whelp will help you prepare her and your home for the arrival of her puppies. About 12 hours to 24 hours before productive labor begins, the dogâs temperature will drop from 101.5 F, which is normal, to between 98 F and 100 F. If your dog doesnât go into labor within 24 hours after the temperature drop, call your veterinarian. The Three Stages of Labor. 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. 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. 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. Licking of the genitals, restlessness and a reluctance to eat are some of the signs that she is within 24 hours of labor. Start taking the temperature of the dog twice a day during day 60 and watch for a drop in baseline temperature. This is generally the longest stage, but it can go ⦠Do this three times a day -- at the same time each day -- and record the results. Appetite loss. Start to take your dog's rectal temperature 2 to 3 days prior to the expected birth. 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. Some dog breeds cannot whelp their own puppies (English Bulldogs), and veterinary assistance will be required. The gestation period for a dog ranges from 56 to 69 days, with 63 being the average. 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. This does not happen in all cases. 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