You should begin to
take your dog's rectal temperature once or twice a day as her due date approaches
. Normal body temperature is about 100-102°F. When the rectal temperature drops below 100°F this is a good sign that labor will begin within about 24 hours.
What are the first signs of whelping?
- Restlessness.
- Hiding away.
- Panting.
- Eating less.
- Vomiting (contact your vet if you are concerned)
- ‘Nesting' – digging, pacing and circling around her whelping box.
How do dogs act when labor is near?
Again, there's no definitive answer that your dog can sense signs of labor. But as you get closer and closer to delivery, your body will go
through some 11th-hour changes
that your dog might notice. And as a result, they may become extra protective and clingy, following you around the home to make sure you're OK.
How long does it take for a German shepherd to give birth?
The normal gestation period in dogs is
approximately 63 days
from conception, although this can vary by several days.
How do you know last puppy has been delivered?
If the dog is no longer whimpering, moaning, or panting, it may be a
sign that it has finished whelping
. Count the puppies just to make sure that you have the right number. Supervise your dog for at least two hours. If you're not sure if your dog is taking a break, continue to supervise your dog.
Should I leave my dog alone while she is in labor?
Should I be present during the whelping?
Some dogs like the owner to be with them the whole time they are in labor
. Others prefer to have their puppies in seclusion. If your pet chooses to be left alone, try to avoid intruding any more than necessary.
How long do dogs pant before giving birth?
She may also start pacing or digging. Many dogs will pant or shake. Some dogs even vomit. This is all considered normal behavior and typically lasts for
six to twelve hours
until the cervix dilates and she is ready to deliver her pups.
How many puppies can a German shepherd have in first litter?
German Shepherd Dogs can have anywhere from
1 to 15 puppies
in a normal litter. While the average is 8 puppies per litter, larger litters are often expected.
At what age can a male German shepherd get a female pregnant?
Breeding isn't recommended past the age of
8
. As your dog grows older the quality of her eggs will deteriorate and be more vulnerable to birth defects, and she'll be less likely to carry to term. Male German shepherds should not stud until they have reached sexual maturity and shown confirmation temperament standards.
When is the best time for a German Shepherd to get pregnant?
It's best not to breed your dog until she is
on her second or third cycle
. This can be very different depending on the dog. Even though most dogs can get pregnant between six and twelve months, this doesn't mean that it's best for the dog.
What happens after the last puppy is born?
Also known as the afterbirth
How do I take care of newborn puppies?
- Create a den. The mother and the puppies need to have a den area that is all to themselves. …
- Keep them with their mother. The presence of the mother is what sustains puppies when they are first born. …
- Watch for warning signs of sickness. …
- Contact your veterinarian.
Can puppies be born days apart?
Puppies are usually born
45-60 minutes apart
, but the mother dog may take a break of up to four hours between puppies.
Do dogs usually give birth at night?
Have help on hand. Your dog's labour should go smoothly, but it's useful to have help on hand to keep them calm and in case your dog runs into any complications. Get hold of your vet's out-of-hours phone number prior to your dog giving birth, as
delivery often happens during the night
.
Can dogs drink water while giving birth?
After all the puppies are born, cleaned and fed, it is time for mom to get some rest.
Offer water in small amounts frequently
. Most new mothers do not want to eat right away, so give her time.
How do you speed up a dog's labor?
When everything appears to be in place for a normal healthy birth, he may
inject her with a dose of oxytocin
. Dosages range from 2 to 20 units, which the vet can administer in 30-minute intervals. This drug will help to speed up and increase the strength of her contractions to facilitate the birthing process.
