The body's temp will drop 2-3 degree from normal before whelping. It always drops, but it is not always caught. The temp drops when progesterone levels drop...which must happen before she delivers. It is good to take the temperature 3 times a day, this way at the very least you will know if there is a problem and she has a fever.
At this point I would never leave her alone, especially since you have never done this before. Some will eat the day they whelp, some won't. She may start digging (nesting) in her bedding, this usually becomes more frequent as the labor progresses. They can occasionally nest for up to a week before puppies arrive.
Small breed dogs do not deliver early, all dogs have their puppies 63 days from the day they ovulated. So she can whelp anytime from now until a few days from now.
Can you feel the puppies moving?
Just make sure you always have a vet available.
The waiting is the hardest part...wishing you lots of luck!
I would highly recommend having her spayed once the puppies are weaned. Not just so she does not get pregnant again, but this is in the best interest of her health. With each heat cycle she is at risk for pyometra (pus filled uterus) which is life threatening.
__________________ Jackie JaLa Yorkshire Terriers |