What Are Some Signs That a Chihuahua Is Close to Having Her Puppies?

Since a Chihuahua pregnancy is about 60 days long, you will have a good idea of your dog's due date if you bred her, although Chihuahuas may give birth earlier because of their small size. In addition, there are clues to tell when she's ready to whelp her puppies. Some Chihuahuas require C-section surgeries to deliver their puppies, so consult with your vet during the pregnancy to avoid complications.

  1. Take Her Temperature

    • Your dog's temperature will drop about 24 hours before she goes into labor. Her normal temperature runs between 100.5 and 102.5. A day or so before her labor begins, it will drop sharply to below 100 degrees. Take her temperature three times a day to be sure you don't miss the drop, starting the week before her due date. If your Chihuahua's temperature drops and 48 hours pass without labor starting, contact your vet.

    Appetite Change

    • Most dogs love their food. A pregnant bitch about to give birth will usually lose her appetite shortly before labor begins and refuse to eat. Expect labor to start shortly after this occurs.

      Your dog also may vomit just before she begins labor. This is normal and should not be considered alarming. Don't try to feed her now unless she wants to eat, but have fresh water available for her, and food ready for after her puppies are born.

    Nesting Starts

    • You'll know when puppies are coming.

      If you've prepared a whelping box for your Chihuahua and have introduced her to it, she'll go to it and dig. She is preparing to nest with her puppies by digging and circling. If you haven't established a place for her to give birth -- or if she chooses her own, such as a closet or under a bed -- she will go and dig there. She also may nest in her dog bed.

      In between nesting, she will follow you everywhere, and want to be close to you. You are her security. Reassure her and show her where her den is.

    Involve the Vet

    • Take your Chihuahua to the vet for an X-ray or ultrasound when she is about 6 weeks pregnant to find out how many puppies she is carrying and to help determine whether she can deliver normally or will need a C-section. Complications and C-sections can be common in Chihuahua pregnancies.

      Chihuahuas may deliver early if the litter is large. Pregnancy should not last more than 70 days. Alert your vet if this occurs. If signs of labor begin and she does not have contractions within a few hours, your vet's help may be needed to deliver the litter.

      A Chihuahua giving birth will experience pain and may cry during contractions. If the pain is intense, call your vet. If you know she is carrying multiple puppies and there is more than a two-hour delay after the delivery of one, contact your vet.