First Time Puppies: Tracking Labor

Since your bitch can’t talk to you and tell you what they are feeling, figuring out when they are getting close to labor is difficult. There are a couple of helpful indicators and markers to watch for.

First of all, dogs are very regular in their gestation period. Most dogs (over 90%) have their litter 63 days after fertilization. Usually you will have had multiple sessions to attempt a successful “tie” or insemination in general with the stud. You should be able to look out 63 days from your first attempt and know that from that day forward, any day up to 63 days from your last attempt is your window for delivery. This should give you a five day window or so.

For the week before that window, begin measuring your dogs temperature once a day at the same time each day. Yes, a rectal thermometer is the only way to do this. With a little lubrication your bitch should get used to the process. You still may want two people to help—one to hold, one to do the temperature reading—until she is more used to it.

Most dogs will experience a significant temperature drop (usually 1 degree or more) the immediately prior to beginning labor. The understanding is that their blood is moving to the uterus and internal organs in preparation, creating a temperature drop in other areas. Regardless if that is the case, it is a helpful indicator to watch for.

Additionally, watch for excessive panting. Panting is often a dogs only response to their perception of pain. In some instances, a bitch can begin to shake from the pain as well, pace, and show general signs of discomfort. Like people, they can experience pre-labor and false labor, so you may think you are getting close only to see it be delayed.

Be sure you are ready well before this ‘week prior’ period as you never know exactly how labor will go for your dog and when it will come, but hopefully this will get you much closer!