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My pregnant dog's temp dropped then rose. Is she in labor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 2 months old | 66.4 lbs

my dog is 60 days pregnant and her temperature has changed from 99.6 down to 99.1 and back to 100 what does that mean? this is her second litter and the puppies are moving ALOT in her belly.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 20th, 2019

A pregnant dog's temperature will often dip down up to 48 hours before going into labor. It usually drops to 98-99, then will go back up to normal (100-102). I would watch Tobie for any other signs of labor. If she hasn't had any puppies in 48 hours, it may be best to have her examined by the vet.

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9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Bette Isacoff

    Dog Trainer

    Published on September 22nd, 2015

    A [pregnant dog](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pregnancy/) will gestate between 58 and 68 days, with an average of 63 days. As long as she is not in [distress or straining](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/dystocia) for a long time without delivering, she should be fine. A large percentage of dogs will deliver, or [whelp](https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs), a litter without human intervention. Most dogs will begin labor within 24 hours of a drop in body temperature below 100 F. This does not occur in ALL dogs. Ideally, she should be examined by your veterinarian. An abdominal ultrasound can confirm the pups are doing fine and put a number to the litter. An abdominal x-ray can simply confirm pregnancy and also put a number to the litter.

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    86Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 31st, 2019

    Hello. While a drop in temperature can offer a clue that a pet will be going into labor, I have never found it to be a great predictor. I have the same issues with the temp going up & down, so I do not rely on it too much. It is best just to observe Lala for signs of impending birth with nesting, panting, refusal to eat & a clear to slightly bloody vaginal discharge. 63 days is the general average for a pregnancy, so she may have a few more days to go. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 22nd, 2016

    It should drop to below 100 24 hours before giving birth. Because it has dropped below 100 a couple of times, I would keep an eye on her for the first signs of labor. Look for a green vaginal discharge called lochia. This means contractions have begun. The first pup could arrive in a few hours. Watch your dog to see how she acts at her nesting site. If she scratches and digs, turns around, lies down and repeats the routine, labor is nearing. Notice whether she is panting, pacing, whining and licking her genitals. The time is almost there. You might also see the mucus plug, which is a clear vaginal discharge, escape. If Breeze doesn’t go into labor within 24 hours after the temperature drop, call your veterinarian.

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    45Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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