How to know if your dog is in Heat, Pregnant or About to go into Labor

If you own a female dog ( bitch ) then chance are you have questioned whether or not your dog is in heat, pregnant, or about to go into labor.

Learning if they are in heat, pregnant or about to give birth is an urgent matter when you are in the situation. I hope that this information helps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A book I recommend: Breeding a Litter: The Complete Book of Prenatal and Postnatal Care - by Beth Harris
• Bitches Britches or Diapers
• Kennel
• Whelping Box
• First Aid and Supplies
• Vet on Call
• Vet experienced in spaying

1. 
   golden retriever puppy

   HEAT
   Females (bitches) have heat cycles on average 2 x a year starting normally at 6-10 months. It is called "estras" lasting about 3 weeks.
   
   *SIGNS can include: enlarged and softened vulva, males sniffing the vulva. Bitches may become more laid back. Bitches Britches to protect from bleeding is recommended. If a bitch ties with male there is mismate shot that can be given within 24 hours by vet. It is not always recommended.

2. 
   golden retriever puppies

   PREGNANCY
   Pregnancy lasts 63 days and can be confirmed by veternarian at 30 days. The vet can run blood test, palpate and x-ray for confirmation. Emergency spay/abort can be done also.
   
   *SIGNS can include: increased affection, less interest in playing, more laid back. Tight abdomen sometimes swelling, nipples sagging and swelling, There may be vaginal fluids discharged. Increased appetite soemtimes ravenous appetite.
   
   Near the last weeks you can feel movement the dog becomes restless near the end.
   
   * Food during this time should be a high quality puppy food from day 30 through until the pups are weaned. A vet should be consulted to deworm and advice procedures and risks for your dog.

3. 
   Newborn golden retriever puppy

   WHELPING - or birthing or labor
   * SIGNS can include: Temperature drops to below 100. Birth is usually within 24 hours when temp drops to 99. I just use a cheap digital thermometer from Walgreens Drug Store. Loss of appetite, Hiding in closet, nesting, restlessness,Panting, Vomiting, Shivering, Extra affectionate, restlessness (in & out, pacing etc.) a decrease in appetite (try to keep broth and yogurt on hand for supplementing).
   
   Please read books recommended above and have proper set up and supplies on hand -your life will be easier if you do.

4. 
   Remember those puppies from the top of the article - a few weeks later? Everybody dance now.

   WHEN TO HIT PANIC BUTTON: (This is by no means comprehensive )
   * If no puppies are delivered and labor has been strong for 1 hour.
   * No labor 1 day after temp drop (24 hours below 100 degrees)
   * Obviously in great pain.
   * 4 hours pass between pups - our longest was one hour (beef broth helps keep up energy )
   * Your dog is overdue.. (63 being norm)
   * If bitch is lethargic and not able to do much..
   * Green discharge before labor
   * Afterwards if there is anything unusual, infected teats, lack of nursing, lethargy, etc.
   * If your bitch does not nurture one of the pups you will need to address that with vet and ask for instructions on tube feeding and raising by hand.
   * I hope that this article is useful and that at the very list you will become more prepared and have book resources, mentor and vet ready to consult with.

5. 
   Golden REtriever bitch and puppy

   One last thing... If you do end up with a litter of puppies, make sure to be responsible about screening home and potential buyers.
   
   Make sure they have their shots and vaccination and worming done before leaving your home.
   
   Socialize them and start their house breaking and training for different commands. You can find puppy training books and even online training videos at various websites. On book I recommend is MY SMART PUPPY for all prospective puppy owners. I have link to it in resources and you can order right there.
   
   Read my article also on Parvo and get vet advice so that your puppy litter does not come down with this deadly disease.
   Good luck

Tips & Warnings

• Find a mentor if your dog is pregnant oryou plan to breed
• Interview vets and know what to expect
• Have a credit card set aside for dog expenses or apply for care credit
• If your dog is in heat consider buying a large kennel and make a 10% bleach solution for cleanup.
• Talk to vet about spaying to avoid "accidents". Accidental litters can overwhelm rescues. Having unexpected vet expenses from breeding gone wrong can wipe out a savings account fast. One outbreak of parvo for 10 puppies would be thousands of dollars.
• All this information is gleaned from experience and reading. Please do not depend on it alone. All bitches are unique and may exhibit different signs. Always check with vet when it doubt as it is less expensive to prevent than cure problems.
• Buy dog or pet insurance some cover cost of spaying.

Resources

• ASPCA Health Pet Insurance
• List of books for Bitch owners
• Care Credit emergency payment option
• MY Smart Puppy

[karileighk]

on 7/10/2009 Very detailed, and helpful. My friend has a dog. I'll send this to her.

[Elizabethknows]

on 5/29/2009 I was curious about how often my dog could go into heat. It seems like she is all the time. lol 5*

[greatgreat8]

on 5/7/2009 this is a great article

[thedogshrink]

on 1/15/2009 Food article. So glad also that you mentioned the need to vaccinate before leaving your home and responsibly adopting them into screened homes!

[Punkuns]

on 1/13/2009 Very detailed information! I had no idea how to tell if a dog was pregnant or about to go into labor! Thank you!