Yorkie Whelping

[jexxie]

Hello everyone. I am new to this site and about to be a new "grandmother" to a litter of yorkie pups. I just have a few questions. This is my first time having pups and I have done a tremendous amount of research about whelping etc. I didn't know for sure if my girl was pregnant or not until a couple of weeks ago. I was pretty sure she was because she gained alot of weight, but then I started to feel the pups move around. We got all the supplies we needed and have started taking her temperature. The first day she bred was Sept. 13th and was bred 3 times bewtween then and the 20th. The last day or so she has become very restless and clingy. She doesn't want to sleep in her whelping box, but our bed instead so I let her because she seems anxious to be alone. Anyway, she wouldn't let me take her temp rectally and everytime I tried she would squirm and I was afraid it would injure her, so I have taken her temp 3 times in her armpit and the temp ranged from 99.5-100.7. Well, I took her temp twice in the armpit tonight and it had dropped a degree since 12 hrs ago. I read that armpit temp wasn't accurate and finally got her to hold still earlier and her temp rectally is 98.9.. Doesn't this mean puppies are soon to come? It still seems a few days too early but from a pregnancy calculator I used it said she can go on the 11th safely. Just curious if anyone else can tell me any useful info. I haven't seen her lose her mucous plug yet unless it has already happened and I somehow didn't notice and she isn't licking or looking at her vagina so can someone tell me if they think she is in pre labor? Or if shes just fat and uncomfortable. The temp really worries me though, so I'm going to retake it in an hour and see what happens. Please anyone with advice reply, quickly..lol..

[yorkiekist]

I would go to the vet and have an x-ray done to see how many puppies she has. I always do this about 5 days before delivery date. That way you will know how many pups and placentas to expect and if there might be any delivery problems(big puppy, small pelvis).
I dont think an arm-pit temp is as accurate as a rectal so you might be getting false info from your thermometer.
Does she have milk yet? Is she restless and panting? Any loss of appetite? Any digging or nesting?
Best of luck. Please take her to the vet.

[jexxie]

I did take her to the vet. They didn't do an x-ray though, just palpated her stomach. No, the armpit temp isn't accurate and I did finally get a rectal temp that read 98.9 but when I retook it an hour later it said 99.9 so I don't know whats going on with that. And yes, she's had milk for about a week already.

[Susan123]

she's not going into labor right now. At least not according to her temp. Look for it in the low 98s or lower, and it'll stay down. It's typical that they drop but some never do. She has a normal pre-whelp (within a week or so)temperature.

[yorkiekist]

Originally Posted by jexxie

I did take her to the vet. They didn't do an x-ray though, just palpated her stomach. No, the armpit temp isn't accurate and I did finally get a rectal temp that read 98.9 but when I retook it an hour later it said 99.9 so I don't know whats going on with that. And yes, she's had milk for about a week already.

Its important that you know how many to expect and if there will be possible whelping problems. Your bitch and her pups lives depend on that. And at least you will have a vet prepared for whats going on as well and maybe not have to go to the emergency vet, who in my opinion, are useless and only their for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[willowrest]

hi this is molly mom cant give advice waiting as well molly was mated on 17 sep to the 20 sep just found out a week ago never delivered puppies before she has got verry clingy sleeping in bed with me wont sit in the box she is verry small im verry worried best of luck:

[jexxie]

Wow Willow.. Sounds like we are due about the same time. I can't give you much advice because I'm new at this as well, but it was pretty obvious when my bitch poofed out.. Her belly got noticabley bigger and the main give away was that her nipples really got swollen. Are you sure your dog is pregnant? I mean, not all dogs get pregnant when they are bred. You may have to get an xray. Some dogs may just stay small especially ones that only have one pup. Keep me posted please.. and good luck.

[jexxie]

Oh, and my dog is very clingy as well, won't sleep in her whelping box either and only sleeps in our bed..

[willowrest]

hi jexxie any news from your girl how is she doing molly still the same her tummy is big now going to vet to morrow for check still wont go in the box tired and verry clingy wants me to carry her around all day let me know when you have news what size is your little girl good luck willow

[manolos mom]

HEY GUYS, HOW ARE YOUR NEW MOMMAS TO BE DOING...Stay with them, I had to call in sick from work a couple of days. They need to be watched. Lola did not break open her pups bags the first time. I had to..Be prepared for anything. And take care of momma after by cleaning her and putting clean towels in the box. Good Luck and please keep us informed.......

[jexxie]

I am so confused right now. I still have no pups but this is only day 60. Her temp was around the 100 degree range for about 24 hrs then dropped to the high 99's and earlier it dropped to 98.6 but now it's back up to 99.6 again. I just don't get it. Are these temp. fluctuations normal? And do all dogs temps drop? She has been doing a little digging but no visible contractions that I can notice. The pups are moving around alot, though. Looks like they're doing somersaults. I found vomit on the floor earlier but I don't know if it was from her or one of the cats. She has been really really clingy and sleepin with me all night long and as soon as I get up she wakes from a dead sleep and is right by my side. Its kinda cute, actually. But, I can't even leave the house without taking her with me..lol.. I just wish this process would get to moving. Oh well.. gonna do so more research. Thanks for the posts, gals.

[willowrest]

me for a hi jexxie willow here on computer doing reserch to cant do anything else molly on my lap all the time think the puppys will come on my lap cant feal the puppies as much as yours they move for a while then they go quite dad has just come for a cuddle he is being snapped at all the time think he is confused keep in touch let us know how you go good luck

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by jexxie

And do all dogs temps drop?

No, they don't. I have a female who's temp never drops significantly.

Changes in her behavior are going to be your best indicator. But as you said, you've done a tremendous amount of research...so you should be able to recognize any danger signs or of the start of her whelp.

[erickajm]

Don't stress yourself! She knows what to do...just like in humans, it will happen when it happens. Just sit back and have the necessary items ready for when it does happen. I know, easier said than done!

Good luck and don't forget to post pictures when it happens!

[jillcrump]

I, too, am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Hannah's first litter. She is on day 64, and the little ruggers are moving about like they are in a parade. I have pics in my album on day 54. The other one is Harlan, the proud papa to be.