What Symptoms Do I Look for When it Is About Time for My Golden Retriever to Deliver Her Puppies?

According to Utah Veterinary Clinics, "The normal length of pregnancy in dogs is 63-65 days from the last mating date." Therefore, breeding your golden retriever provides a good estimation as to the time she will deliver her puppies. Physical symptoms and behavioral changes present as your golden retriever approaches delivery. Observing these signs allows you to pinpoint the time of delivery to a 24-hour range, even if her pregnancy wasn't planned.

  1. Appetite

    • Your golden retriever's appetite will change as her pregnancy progresses. According to IAMS, "Pregnant dogs will need to consume 25 percent to 50 percent more than their normal food intake by the end of pregnancy, but energy requirements do not increase until about the sixth week." The golden retriever's appetite commonly diminishes with the onset of labor. Refusing to eat during labor will not harm your golden retriever; however, fresh water should be readily available for her.

    Nesting

    • Nesting is a behavioral change that begins as early as four weeks prior to delivery, while some golden retrievers wait until they are in labor. Observable nesting behaviors vary. When your golden retriever drags rugs, towels or blankets, etc., into a closet or under a bed, she is nesting. She is also nesting when she paws and tugs at a blanket, towel or rug, positioning it to her liking.

    Lactation

    • Lactation occurs when milk can be expressed from the teats. According to Veterinary Practice Staff, "about 24 hours before labor, milk is produced." Determining whether your golden retriever is lactating can be done by gently squeezing one of her teats between your thumb and index finger.

    Temperature

    • Temperature is a key indicator that your golden retriever is in labor. According to Veterinary Practice Staff, "The normal body temperature of a dog is 101.5 degrees Farenhiet with variations of one degree above and below normal." Your golden retriever's temperature will drop when she is in labor. Initially, the temperature will fluctuate. Typically, your golden retriever will deliver her first pup within 24 hours of her temperature dropping to 99 degrees.

    General Changes

    • Various behavioral changes will indicate that your golden retriever is in labor. Her carefree attitude will be replaced by anxiousness. In this anxious state, she will be hyper sensitive to her normal routine. Family friends that she welcomes may now be seen as foe. Her independent nature will revert to one that is clingy. Her clinging can't be disguised for she will stay very close to you.

      Various physical changes will occur when your golden retriever is in labor. She will pant excessively. Her genitalia will become very large due to swelling and the skin will become soft. Additionally, she will begin to produce a discharge shortly before the first pup is born.