Temperature falling - but no puppies yet!
 

My 3 year old yorkie (Kira) is having her first litter (my first litter too). Her temperature at 11 p.m. last night fell to 98.8. Today at noon it was 97.8 -- she has been sleeping in her whelping bed all morning (and even now). Seems very lethargic (sleeps and whimpers when I touch her). Is this normal behavior? Also I have a heating pad wrapped in a towel for when the puppies arrive -- I've read somewhere to keep the heating pad only on the low setting, but this doesn't feel very warm. Does anyone turn it to medium? Thanks.

Hi! Welcome to the breeder's section. I am not much help on this issue because I am due for my first whelping soon also. I would say that you would need to give more information like when she is due from the first tie. My pup is due May 18 and she has been lethargic for a long time..just miserable because she is so huge! She also whines sometimes when I touch her and when I don't because she is so miserable. Good luck with your whelping. I hope someone will jump in and help you!

Her due date was on Sunday (day 63 after first breeding). Today is day 65. She just isn't acting like all the descriptions I have read about (nervousness, shaking, restless, etc.) ... she just isn't moving and is whimpering -- my other 2 yorkies are lying outside her whelping box (obviously aware that she is not feeling well and are concerned).

WOW! Sounds like you better get ready if today is day 65..any minute now! You should join our May puppy thread for all the expecting mommies! Maybe someone will help you out.

Each delivery is different, and not all girls are the same... I'm not an expert but it sounds to me it'll probably be today.. Her temp is at the right point I do believe, and usually they rest alot prior to the big event..

OOO puppies! The waiting rooms stoked with snacks and all the aunts & uncles" are ready to pace!

GL and keep us posted! :aimeeyork :p

I know the excitement is a bit overwhelming and kinda frustrating sometimes. Hope all goes well, praying for a healthy delivery... Do you know how many your having?

My vet gives 24 hrs to produce pups after a temp drop (one that stays down)
One female I have has no nesting no digging no panting she all of a sudden is pushing out puppies.
If you are concerned call your vet!
Has she made any progress ?

I would consider her low at noon her temp drop. If it is staying down she is in 1st stage labor, she is dialating and getting ready for the big event.

Nothing yet -- she's still just lying there. The vet told me not to worry -- if nothing happens by tomorrow morning -- then I'm suppose to call her. The vet counted 5 puppies last week in the xray. I feel so sorry for my yorkie -- when you watch her belly you can see little legs kicking her from inside non-stop. (temperature still 97.9)

Her temp will stay down for 12 - 24 hours...During this temp drop it is not unusual for mom to stay in their box and sleep...They are resting up for the big event...As the temp starts to climb its way back up you will probably see her start to dig and become more restless...

If she does not progress to second stage labor, panting, pushing...after the 24 hours then you will want to talk to your vet...Good luck and we will pray for a smooth delivery!

All 5 arrived by midnight .Kira was restless and digging for only about 20 min. and then they all started popping out 10-15 minutes apart. Kira knew exactly what to do (amazing isn't it) but tired near the end and laid down so I had to break the sack and cut the cord on two of the puppies. Kira had 4 boys (3 are 4oz and 1 is only 2oz) and 1 girl (3 oz).

My questions are:
1. I only saw 4 placentas, is there always 1 placenta for each puppy?
2. The two tinier puppies are having a harder time finding a spot to nurse -- don't think they are feeding as often as the other puppies -- do I supplement -- how much and how?
3. I'm still curious about the temperature of my heating pad (low or med) -- I have at on low right now.
4. Kira won't stop licking her puppies -- is this normal -- she's always been neurotic about licking her toys, etc. (will this hurt the puppies).

Wow! Still can't believe how those five puppies fit in her little belly - but they are so little also -- what an incredible experience -- I am so fortunate that things went well -- now I just have to really watch those 2 tiny ones.

Congrats on your new angels! Sounds like you and mom did a great job. Now it's your turn to take care of mom so she can take care of her pups.
1. There should be a placenta for each pup. She may have eaten one before you saw it or it may still be retained. Mom can push it out hours later so keep an eye on her. If she doesn't deliver it than you may want to take her to the vets to get a PIT shot. Meanwhile watch her temp for infection.
2. Make sure that you get the smaller pups on the teat. The colestrum is very important for them and they may not have the strength yet to battle their bigger siblings for position. Do not suppliment at this point, work on getting them to nurse.
3. Mom will stay very close to pups for a while so if you use the heating pad at all keep it on low with a towel over it. Watch mom to make sure that she isn't getting too overheated. Keep the heating pad on only half of the whelping box so that mom can get away from the extra heat if she needs to.
4. Yes it's normal for her to lick, sometimes it even seems rough. It stimulates and warms the pups and helps her to bond to them and them to her. If you feel like she's getting too rough with a pup distract her by patting her and talking to her while you move the pup to an other position.
That's a good sized litter with some tiny babies, keep a close eye on them and enjoy.

congrats. glad everything went smoothly

Congratulations on your first litter and a smooth whelping! I will check back later and hope to get to see some pictures of the new family!

If the smaller pups are having a hard time getting to mama teats, give them some alone time with mama so that the bigger pups can't push them off.