Is my dog in labor?

(It is normal for dogs to occasionally take a break from labor between pups, but that resting period tends to last just an hour or two.) Vaginal discharge turns green or involves large amounts of blood between deliveries. Your dog is in apparent distress or pain. read more

Hopefully your dog’s labor will be normal and uneventful and in the end mother and pups will all be fine, but the key is to be as prepared as possible. read more

About 12 hours to 24 hours before productive labor begins, the dog’s temperature will drop from 101.5 F, which is normal, to between 98 F and 100 F. If your dog doesn’t go into labor within 24 hours after the temperature drop, call your veterinarian. read more

Just Before Labor Begins: Pregnancy in dogs last approximately 63 days (56-69 days). Toy breeds may deliver a week earlier while large breeds often deliver later. Two weeks before your dog’s due date, begin to take its temperature at noon. Purchase a rectal or oral thermometer but use it rectally. read more