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Pregnant Boston Terrier's temp fluctuating, no labor. Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 8 months old

This is my boston terrier first litter but friday we learned to take her temp every 4 hours bc we dont know how long she is. It went from 98 to 97 to 99 and after 24 hours back to 100 shes showing no signs of labor her temps been a steady of 100 till not now its 99.6. Is this normal she is getting really big and were very excited but we thought bc the temp from friday we would see puppies this weekend

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 2nd, 2019

Not all dogs have the temperature drop as a signalment of impending labor, but without seeing Gizmo in person, I can't say if this is normal or not. I'd take her into the vet asap to get checked out.

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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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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My Missy (Yorkie) temperature has been 99.9, 99.7, and today 99.5 but she still has not gone in labor. She is still very playful but appetite has decrease. How much longer before she will deliver
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My dogs temp keeps going up and down for the last two days.. it's been to 99.4 99.9 and today this morning it was 99.1 and just now it's 98.7!
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My dog started showing signs of labour on Friday then again today her temperature is 37.8 she’s digging at her bed been sick 2x had dirreah and not not eaten her temperature dropped last night so it’s been 24hrs she’s 66 days is this normal to show
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Updated on September 24th, 2025
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My dog is 57 days pregnant temp is 98.7 is she safe
The gestation period is anywhere from 57-65 days and pets typically will drop their temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit 24 hrs before the labor process, so this is normal. You should expect puppies soon! Make sure that mom has a nice warm, cushioned, slightly isolated nest to have her puppies. Here is more information about birthing puppies http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=678 But in general you should expect puppies to be delivered within 30-45 minutes after contractions start.
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My pomeranian is at 63 days gestation, her temp is 97.7. She is panting and pacing. She is so much smaller than her first litter of 4 pups, 18 mos ago, her tits do not appear to be very full. She still has an appetite is this normal? Monitoring h
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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 a
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! 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 infrequ
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My female is pregnant and just threw up yellow bile. Her temp Is 99.9 F and she's breathing heavy.
The temperature prior to labor depends on the species (dog or [cat](https://www.petcoach.co/article/queening-giving-birth-in-cats)). Your dog’s temperature should be between 101 and 102.5 Fahrenheit. When a [pregnant dog's](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pregnancy) body temperature drops below 100F, she should begin labor within twenty-four hours. This does not happen for ALL dogs however (99.9 is cutting it close to normal and does not necessarily mean delivering is happening soon). We need to look for other signs that [whelping](https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs) is imminent as well. During the first stage of labor the cervix begins to dilate and uterine contractions begin. These contractions are painful and perplexing to the dog. She will appear quite uncomfortable and restless - pacing, shivering and panting. She probably will not eat and she may even vomit. Some dogs whine persistently. Others occupy themselves building a nest. Uterine contractio
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My 3 year old Chihuahua is pregnant and is due anytime, not exactly sure of the number of days, But anytime now. Anyways, I began checking her temperature last week and everyday since. Her temperature varies between 98 and 99. She's not in any distre
It's possible this is normal for lady. Watching her behavior will help to predict impending labor and due continue to monitor her temperature. I recommend to have radiographs taken so that you know how many puppies to expect. Small breed dogs can have problems with dystocia if the puppies are too big or if there are too many. Here is a link about normal whelping: https://www.petcoach.co/article/whelping-giving-birth-in-dogs/ I hope this helps and that Lady has a smooth delivery. Please feel free to post any additional questions.
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My pregnant Rescue American bully has had an average temp of 98 degrees for 4 days and still no puppies .. she’s acting normal or as any pup who’s due at any moment does .. At would point should I worry ..
I would not worry unless she isn't acting normal or unless she is showing signs of distress or contractions. If there is signs of contractions or distress and puppies still aren't coming then you will want your vet to take a look at her. Your vet will be able to tell whether or not she needs a C-section or just some meds to help increased the contractility to help her have her pups. I hope this helps!
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