How to Tell If My Papillon Is in Labor

The papillon is a small, jovial breed of companion dog. Hailing from England, France and Belgium, the papillon has grown in popularity and spread around the globe. Papillons come in an erect-eared variety known for their large, butterfly-shaped ears and a drop-eared variety commonly referred to as the phalène. Papillons are fairly easy to breed, although you should keep a close eye on your pregnant bitch for signs of impending labor.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add 63 days to the date of your bitch's first successful mating to get an estimate of her due date. Dogs normally gestate for nine weeks, but small breeds such as papillons may carry their litters a few extra days.

    • 2

      Observe how much your female is eating as her due date approaches. Pregnant papillons often will stop eating in the days leading up to whelping. Feed your female on a set schedule to monitor her food intake, pouring her normal ration in a bowl and allowing her to eat for 15 minutes before removing the bowl. If she isn't interested in food, she may be close to labor.

    • 3

      Take her temperature twice a day in the week prior to her due take. A healthy papillon's temperature is approximately 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and a pregnant female's temperature will drop by a degree or two in the 24 hours prior to delivery.

    • 4

      Watch your female for signs of nesting. As labor approaches, your papillon will move the blanket with her teeth, scratch at her bedding and pace in circle in an effort to make herself more comfortable. She also will lift her tail and repeatedly lick her hindquarters.

    • 5

      Place your hands along the female's abdomen and feel for contractions. Her abdominal muscles will rhythmically tighten and loosen as labor begins, and a small whitish sac will emerge from her vulva. She may grunt and roll from side to side as each puppy is born.