When you dog gives birth it can be a wonderful time, but there are also lots of worries that go with it. Many people find that one of the worst parts of a dog giving birth is unless you know what to look for, the owner has no idea when the birth will happen. In this article there are five clear ways to know when your dog will give birth.
Your dog may exhibit some or all of the following sings when in labor. Often there is a ten-fifteen minute gap between puppies being born.
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- Temperature drop Your dogs temperature may drop to around 97-98 degrees approximately, around 24 hours before giving birth. This is normal, and a good sign that your dog is going into labor so you can get prepared early! If your dog does not begin labor within a day of the temperature drop, you should contact your local vet. You can check your dogs temperature using a dog thermometer.
- Your dog refuses to eat Most bitches will refuse to eat before they go into labor, which obviously isn't normal for dogs. This can be another good early warning sign.
- Finding a den A natural reaction of most female dogs is to try and find a den or hideaway where they can give birth. A very common place is under your bed, as the dog feels safe and enclosed there. If possible, find a comfortable place beforehand where the birth can take place.
- Shivering and sickness Another dog labor symptom is when the dog begins to shiver and even vomit. This is completely normal, and the best thing you can do is make sure there is fresh water available at all times.
- Wanting you near The dog is likely to stare at you and want you near to her at all times. Like number three, this is a comfort thing.
Finally, go by your gut instinct! If your dog is acting strangely or differently, it is probably trying to tell you something.
Remember that dog pregnancies are quite short, only around 63 days, so make sure you are prepared in dog time. These are just some of the dog labor symptoms, and although common, it is not unheard of for labor to start almost unannounced.
Dog Labor Symptoms - 5 Ways to Know When Your Dog Will Give Birth
Richard Cross is owner and webmaster of Dogsandyou.co.uk [http://dogsandyou.co.uk/]. To make sure your dog has the least stressful labor, visit the Dog Labor Products page [http://dogsandyou.co.uk/dog-births/].