Your dog will most probably require medical treatment, either for an illness or to remove stillborn fetuses. Being able to predict when your dog will whelp will help you prepare her and your home for the arrival of her puppies. While it's mostly a matter of waiting for nature to take its course, there are a few signs that will let you know when your dog is about to go into labor. The Three Stages of Labor. Scientists and animal behaviorist claim that dogs sense oncoming labor due to a combination of scent and feeling the changes in human behavior. Knowing and understanding normal labor and delivery, as well as proper pregnancy care, can help make the process go more smoothly and help you know what is normal and when it is time to get the veterinarian involved. Observe the dog closely for the signs of labor. Although not every dog will show these signs and not everytime they act oddly means you are going into labor soon, be aware that it is a possibility. The puppies will arrive in 12â24 hours after the dam's temperature drops to 98 degrees, which means that the labor process will soon begin. Licking of the genitals, restlessness and a reluctance to eat are some of the signs that she is within 24 hours of labor. However, your dog could go into labor a few days earlier or later, so keep an eye out for signs that your dog is going to give birth such as: Dilation of the vulva and pelvic ligaments. "The night before my induction my dog ⦠Start to take your dog's rectal temperature 2 to 3 days prior to the expected birth. Signs of Whelping - 12 Hours Before Birth. This does not happen in all cases. This is generally the longest stage, but it can go ⦠You can make this prediction by working with your vet and looking for signs at home that your dog is about to whelp. Some dog breeds cannot whelp their own puppies (English Bulldogs), and veterinary assistance will be required. If your dog suddenly becomes your shadow â more than usual â you might be going into labor very soon. If your dog is going into labor early, immediately contact your veterinarian or call the nearest emergency veterinarian for guidance. The first stage is actually a âpre-laborâ which can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. As you now know, a dog's pregnancy ends in week 9, with delivery usually taking place between days 60-63. Stage 1 General Practice amp Preventative Medicine Theriogenology BE PREPARED Giving birth can be a frightening, confusing and painful experience for both the dog and the owner. Living and Management. The gestation period for a dog ranges from 56 to 69 days, with 63 being the average. Start taking the temperature of the dog twice a day during day 60 and watch for a drop in baseline temperature. 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