Whelping - expecting the pups
The gestation period of a bitch is around 63 days from the date of the first mating when the bitch co-operatively accepted the dog. Three days early is within the realms of normality, provided the bitch shows no signs of distress, nor has any blood or green coloured discharge. However even without these signs, an overdue bitch can be a reason for concern.
The first sign of eminent labour is usually a drop in the bitch's body temperature which is normally around 38.6 degrees C or 101.5 degrees F. A temperature drop of around 2 degrees is usual a day or two before the bitch begins to strain. Some bitches refuse food during this period, some scratch around in their bed, and some just pant and shiver. An observant breeder will notice some or all of these signs. It is important to have a warm room and/or bed ready, so the pups and mother can be kept at around 21 degrees C or 70 degrees F during the birth and at least for the first critical week or so.