Quote:
Originally Posted by She-ra's Mama  Nothing here yet...I know my calculations are all wrong...since I was gone and all. She still feels like there is a pup in there and she actually bit me this morn when U tried to rub her belly. Is that an indication of upcoming labor? She has been nesting etc for a few weeks...but nothing excessive. I also noticed she left ALOT of her food from last night...somebody help! |
First stage of Labor:
(This stage often goes un-noticed, and takes place in the 24 hours following temperature drop)
Temperature FINALLY drops to 98°F from its normal 99,100,101°F (you should have been taking it regularly for a few days)
If you are really committed, the temperature taking does work. You will find her temperature around 99 to 101, and as soon as it starts to drop, below 99, and continues to drop. (now you take it every hour or two) ;you have about 12-24 hours from the start of the drop. When it bottoms out, to 98 or 97.9, then you have about 2-12 hours.
You may find your dam much more restless, and not able to get comfortable. She will stretch out on her side.
You may find her eyes different, they can dilate, and she can stare at you.
She may not want you out of her site. She may go to her whelp box.
She may vomit. She may try to have a bowel movement from the pressure. She may urinate frequent.
She will refuse to eat, and seek a quite spot, like a closet or under a bed.
She may have some mucus discharge, and her Vulva area will become puffier.
The normal body temperature for animals is generally higher than for humans. The normal rectal temperature of a dog is 99.5° to 102.5°F. The normal temperature of a puppy at birth is 96-97°F. The temperature gradually increases with age until it is 100°F at 4 weeks of age.
Second Stage of Labor:
Your female may go to her whelp box, or couch, or wherever she has chosen to have her pups, & start digging.
She may start shivering and Panting, examining her rear, and licking her vulva.
She may have mild contractions, vomiting, pooping and urinating more.
Warning Signs: Twitching, green discharge. (Green discharge is only Normal AFTER a pup is born)
At the first sign of a contraction, give her some calcium. Offer her vanilla Ice cream, or chew a tum and spit in her mouth, or use Calsorb
This info is from dogbreedinfo.com