WHELPING
Your bitch's anticipated due date is ________________________________
- 7 days before this date, start taking her temperature rectally 3 times a day.
- Purchase a human rectal thermometer specifically for this purpose from any drug store.
To take the temperature:
- Apply small amount of petroleum jelly or lubricant to the tip of the thermometer
- Insert thermometer until wide part is at rectum
- Push button on the thermometer
- Remove when the thermometer beeps
- Record the temperatures
The temperature drops gradually. It is usually higher in the afternoon due to muscle activity.
A temperature reading of 98.5 to 99.0° indicates that whelping can occur at anytime. The temperature will rise to normal just before any puppies are delivered.
SIGNS OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
- Black, red, or green vaginal discharge before any puppies are born
- Hard straining for 1 hour with no puppy being delivered
- Longer than 3 hours between puppies (an x-ray should have been taken to give an
- estimated number of puppies the bitch is carrying)
- Any other concern you might have that things are not progressing normally during labor
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Feb 17, 2011.
