Log and graph daily morning and evening rectal temperatures during the final 10 days of canine pregnancy to pinpoint the progesterone drop and labor onset within 12–24 hours.
The dam's temperature dropped to 98.2°F, falling below the critical threshold (98.5°F / 36.9°C). This physiological drop indicates serum progesterone has plummeted. Active first stage labor contractions typically begin within 12 to 24 hours!
| Date | Time | Temperature | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 58 | AM | 100.6°F | |
| Day 58 | PM | 100.4°F | |
| Day 59 | AM | 100.2°F | |
| Day 59 | PM | 100°F | |
| Day 60 | AM | 99.8°F | |
| Day 60 | PM | 98.2°F |
Stage 1 (12–24 Hours): Restlessness, nesting, panting, shivering, refusing food, dilated cervix.
Stage 2 (Active Contractions): Hard abdominal contractions. The first puppy should arrive within 60 minutes of hard straining.
Stage 3 (Placenta Expulsion): A placenta should be delivered with or shortly after each puppy. Count placentas carefully.
Emergency Veterinary Criteria: Hard straining for >45 minutes without a puppy, or >2 hours between puppies with visible resting distress.