thumbnail
Mikayla

She is currently 64 days pregnant and I’m unsure if I should take her to the vet her temp dropped to 99.9 yesterday I haven’t been able to check again since she won’t let me

thumbnail
Stella
Dog, Mixed
1 year 1 month, Female
Issue details
Main concern
Others
Duration
2 day(s)
Ongoing
vet-thumbnail
Dr. Valliyatte
Dr.Tail Vet

When a pregnant dog's temperature drops, it can be a sign that labor is approaching. Typically, a dog's normal temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and a decrease to around 99 degrees often occurs within 24 hours before labor begins. Given that her temperature dropped to 99.9 yesterday, it would be a good idea to check her temperature again if you can.

Keep an eye out for signs of labor, such as restlessness, nesting behavior, or contractions. If she is showing these signs, it's important to prepare a quiet and comfortable area for her to give birth. Ensure she has access to water and that the environment is calm and stress-free.

If you notice any signs of distress, prolonged labor, or have concerns about her health or the puppies, I recommend contacting a veterinarian for guidance. They can offer advice tailored to her specific situation and help ensure everything goes smoothly.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.

illustration_askavet

Having similar issues? Ask a Dr.Tail Vet what concerns you and gain peace of mind.

Mikayla

She seems to be nesting and restless she gets up and moves from one spot to another and hasn’t started panting or anything yet but moving blankets around and I’ll try to check her temp again

thumbnail
thumbnail
Dr. Valliyatte

It sounds like your dog is showing classic signs of nesting behavior, which is a positive indication that labor might be approaching. It's quite common for dogs to become restless and start moving blankets around as they prepare a comfortable space for their puppies.

Mikayla

Stella gave birth to 5 puppies two nights ago I helped deliver she cleaned and ate each placenta and umbilical cords. she hasn’t had much of an appetite yet. I know she delivered all placentas after each pup. And no foul smell or anything noticeably wrong she is panting a lot when feeding them (I know probably feeding 5 pups is hard) is that normal for the panting ?

thumbnail
thumbnail
Dr. Valliyatte

It's wonderful to hear that Stella delivered successfully and is caring for her little ones. It's quite normal for a mother dog to pant after giving birth, especially when she's nursing multiple puppies. This is because nursing can be quite demanding and may cause her body temperature to rise slightly, leading to panting.

But because I can't be sure, it's important to keep a close eye on her. Make sure she always has plenty of fresh water available, as nursing can make her quite thirsty.

Also, watch for any signs of distress, such as excessive panting, lethargy, or any changes in the color or smell of her discharge. These could be signs of complications like an infection or a retained placenta. If Stella's panting seems excessive or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to take her to a vet to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.