The average gestation period for a female dog is 63 days, explains Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, although the range is between 58 and 68 days. Around day 58, start watching for signs of impending labor and making a comfortable whelping box for the mother. Knowing the signs of labor in a female dog is vital for any dog owner.
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Decreased Temperature
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In the first sign of impending labor in a female dog, the body temperature will drop approximately 24 hours before labor, as stated by PetPlace.com veterinarians. The normal body temperature of a dog is between 101 and 102.5 degrees F, and the body temperature of a female dog ready to give birth is 98 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Seek medical assistance for a pregnant dog that does not go into labor 24 hours after her temperature drops.
Restlessness and Anxiety
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The second stage of labor is when the uterine contractions begin, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles. The dog shows visible signs of restlessness, such as panting, pacing, digging, whining, shivering and vomiting. Nesting behavior may also occur at this stage, explains Texas veterinarian Dr. Ron Hines. This stage lasts between six and 18 hours.
Visible Contractions
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In the third stage of labor, the dog̵7;s contractions become visible and she may begin straining in a similar way that she would when trying to defecate. The first puppy should appear within 30 minutes of the visible contractions, explains Dr. Hiles, and the dog should see a vet if this does not happen. Puppies are born approximately 30 minutes apart, but often the mother dog rests and it can be one or two hours between puppies. Medical assistance is advised if no puppy has appeared for four hours or more.
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