Does Dogs Temperature Always Drop Before Whelping? Unveiling The Truth

Is it possible for a dog to go into labor without experiencing a drop in her body temperature? Normally, a dog’s body temperature hovers around 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in the lead-up to labor, it is common for a dog’s temperature to decrease to around 98 or 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature drop usually occurs approximately 24 hours before active labor commences, serving as a valuable sign that puppies are imminent. This information was last updated on February 3, 2023.

Is it normal for a dog’s body temperature to fluctuate before giving birth? Yes, it is. Typically, about eight to 12 hours before a dog goes into labor, her rectal temperature may decrease by 2 to 3 degrees, dropping below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As the moment of whelping (giving birth) draws near, her temperature will then rise back to around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. During this critical time, it’s essential to provide her with a comfortable environment. Ensure she is in a quiet, warm room with appropriate flooring, such as plastic sheeting, and provide absorbent blankets to ensure her comfort and the cleanliness of the birthing area. This temperature fluctuation is a natural part of the pre-labor process and is a sign that labor is imminent.