How to Calculate When a Pregnant Dog Will Go Into Labor

Skilled dog breeders can predict within a day when their canine will go into labor. They recognize certain signs, analyze conception dates, and recall past performances for that particular dog. For the run-of-the-mill dog owner, however, deciding when your dog will go into labor can be difficult. This guide will help the average dog owner calculate when new puppies will arrive based on statistics and behavior.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Calendar
• Rectal thermometer

1. Grab a calendar and estimate when your dog was in heat. Count 10 to 12 weeks after that and you will have a rough due date. This method is to be used when you have absolutely no idea when conception took place.
2. Calculate about 63 days after conception. If you know when your dog bred with another dog, the labor usually occurs between 56 and 72 days later.
3. Roll your dog's teats gently between your thumb and forefinger to see if you can extract any milk. Dogs begin producing milk a couple of days before they go into labor.
4. Use the thermometer and check your dog's temperature rectally. If it is below 99.2 degrees, labor should happen within 24 hours.
5. Check on your dog several times throughout the day and night. If she circles, stands up, and sits down a lot, labor is imminent.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want puppies, spay or neuter your dogs.
• Dogs naturally like to give birth alone. You can be present during labor, but be sure to be discrete so that labor does not slow down.