Is Dog's Pre-Labor Drop in Temperature Normal?

The PreLabor Temperature Changes in Dogs

Just a few days before giving birth, a female dog's body temperature begins to drop. Typically, her rectal temperature hovers around 38 to 39 degrees Celsius, dipping by 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius as labor approaches. A rise in temperature can signal that the dog is about to deliver. Around two weeks prior to labor, the mammary glands start to swell and fill with milk.

Two days before the due date, a small amount of milk may be expressed from the nipples. In the days leading up to the birth, the vulva will gradually swell, become soft and engorged, with the skin folds spreading and the mucous membranes turning bright red. The mother dog's appetite may significantly decrease, or she may stop eating altogether, displaying signs of restlessness, often scratching the ground with her paws, especially in firsttime mothers.

Three to ten hours before the birth, the mother dog may exhibit pain, frequent rolling, frequent yawning, groaning, or even screaming, along with shortness of breath. The frequency of urination increases, and her rump appears to sink. The vulva swells, and mucus may be observed, indicating that the dog is expected to deliver within a few hours. Typically, deliveries occur in the early morning or late evening hours.

Normal Dog Delivery:

As the first puppy enters the birth canal, the mother's abdominal muscles contract visibly to assist the uterus in expelling the offspring. A clear amniotic sac will then appear at the vulva, followed by the puppy's arrival. Instinctively, the mother will tear open the amniotic sac, bite through the umbilical cord, and lick the newborn to stimulate its first breath.

Artificial Assisted Dog Delivery:

In some cases, particularly with firsttime mothers or when labor is taking too long, a gentle manual pull on the puppy while the mother's abdomen contracts can help. The amniotic sac should then be broken, the puppy's body and nose should be dried of amniotic fluid, and encouragement should be given for the puppy to breathe.

This comprehensive guide to the temperature changes before a dog gives birth aims to assist all pet owners. Neglecting the birthing process can lead to serious infections, potentially causing postpartum sepsis and mastitis. If you're inexperienced, it's best to have your dog deliver at a veterinary hospital or to discuss the birthing process with a vet in advance.

For more information on dog deliveries, check out our pet birth information section!