My pregnant dog's temp dropped, no puppies. Should I go to the vet?

Question

Hello, I need some advice. My husky malamute mix is due any day now. Her temp dropped Saturday night at around 10pm to 98.8f. She was slightly restless and was panting a little bit. The next morning, she still had an appetite and was wanting to eat and begged for food most of the day. She whined occasionally and she painted for the vast majority of the day. I took her temp around 1 pm yesterday afternoon and it was 98.7f. Well I waited up all night with her and still no puppies. Do I take her in. Pet's info: Dog | Husky | Female | unspayed | 3 years old | 55 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! How many days pregnant is she? Usually they enter stage 1 labor about 24 hours after the temperature drop. They can be in stage 1 labor for up to 24hrs as well. I consider 70 days overdue. If she doesn't start going into stage 2 labor tonight then I would take her to the Vet tomorrow and confirm she is pregnant (if you haven't done so). and that she isn't experiencing a false pregnancy. I've attached a handout I provide my clients, in case it may help. I wish you the best! Stages of Labor: -Stage 1 tends to start 10-24 hours after temperature drop (usually below 99 F). -Stage 1: nesting. Can persist for 3-24 hours before abdominal contractions begin -Stage 2: Visible abdominal contractions. FIRST PUPPY SHOULD ARRIVE WITH IN 1-2 HOURS. -Stage 3: passage of placenta. Usually occurs within 15 mins of passing puppy. If it does not happen, don’t worry. When to worry/Call: -Strong contractions > 45-60 mins without birth of a puppy -Weak and infrequent contractions >4-6 hours without birth of puppy ->4-5 hours between puppies (after birth of first puppy without birth of the next puppy). On average a puppy is born every 45-60 mins. HOWEVER, the mother can often rest for several hours between puppies. This rest period is NOT associated with contractions and usually doesn’t exceed 4-6 hours. -If one puppy is born and she is having VISIBLE contractions for >2 hours without 2nd puppy. Recommend calling around 1 hour mark to talk to someone. -Failure to enter active labor (contractions) 24-36 hours after rectal temp falls below 99 F -Mother is in obvious pain: biting at vulva, crying) -No puppy within 2 hours of seeing green vaginal discharge -No puppy within 1 hour of seeing clear fluid from vulva (rupture of allantochorion) -No puppy within 1 hour of seeing a clear/water filled balloon at vulvar lips (puppy is in birth canal)

My pregnant dog's temp dropped, no puppies. Should I go to the vet?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?

Share