Another sign is nesting behavior, preparing for its puppies to arrive; and she will also often go into a corner or a quiet room and start scratching to make her bed. Your dog will also be a lot more alert during the second stage of birth. 63 days pregnant no sign of labor | UK Pet Forums Forum To check, press the tit of the mammary gland. At 6:00 p.m. the dam's temperature was 98.7more panting and mild digging. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behaviour, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Being highly alert and very heavy panting are in the second stage of labor, which means birth is only a matter of minutes away. Brushing and Coat Care: A How-To Guide for Puppies (and Dogs), How Long Does It Take for Dogs to Give Birth? The normal gestation period for female dogs is approximately 63 days. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. Stage I normally lasts 6 to 12 hours the dog will exhibit nesting behavior and her temperature will drop. This area should be warm and comfortable, and your dog should be able to get in and out as she pleases while keeping the puppies contained. This is her first litter. Talk to your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your dog when the time is right. Puppies born more than 8 days early will usually be unable to swallow or go to the bathroom without help. If the discharge slows down but suddenly becomes worse, this could also be a sign to have her examined. There are a few circumstances in which a female dog should be vaccinated during pregnancy. Your dogs rectal temperature dropped more than 24 hours ago and labor isnt starting. Uterine contractions, although occurring, are not as easy to see. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Dr. Croom also notes that a shrinking belly this late in the pregnancy could mean that the dam "was not actually pregnant at all and was experiencing a pseudopregnancy the whole time." A healthy dog will also notice a drop in her temperature: in a pregnant dog, a temperature of 99, or under 100-degrees Fahrenheit is average. Answer: First of all, it would be very important to have the correct due date. How can you be sure your dog's pregnancy is progressing normally? Early labor may not follow the normal stages. In my many years of breeding occasional litters I have never taken my bitches temperature so I can't help you with that. Also be sure to educate yourself about the process of canine labor and look for warning signs or red flags and take prompt action. If she does not remove this sac, you must manually remove it to stimulate the puppy to breathe. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ). Unless you plan to have an experienced breeder on hand, you will need to be prepared to step in when necessary during the whelping process. Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. While it's normal to feel anxious when your dog is getting toward the end of her pregnancy, there are definite signs that indicate you should seek medical attention for her right away. Expect some puppies to be born tail first, as this is not abnormal for dogs.