When your dog is about to have puppies it is important to understand her gestation cycle to keep her comfortable and to know what to expect. Dog pregnancies differ considerably from those of humans.
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Time Frame
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A dog's gestation cycle lasts 60 to 64 days.
Signs
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Dogs don't begin to exhibit signs of pregnancy until the fifth week. At that point the dog's breasts and nipples will enlarge.
Expectations
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At eight weeks the dog will begin to excrete a white or transparent liquid from her nipples. Around 10 days before the puppies are due, the dog will begin nesting--attempting to find a suitable place to give birth to her puppies.
Considerations
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Towards the end of the dog's gestation cycle she will begin to show a decreased appetite. Panting is also normal among dogs about to give birth.
Preparation
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Ten days before the scheduled arrival of the puppies, begin preparing a comfortable area for the dog to give labor. For a sure sign the puppies are coming, take your dog's temperature with a rectal thermometer. When her temperature is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, labor will begin within 24 hours.
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