female in whelp - Page 1

Hello, what is the temperature of a female when she is ready to whelp? Is below 98.0 too low?

Below 98 and she's probably about ready to whelp. It's not too low if you're expecting the litter now!

yep - what MIGSD said. Be prepared for her to whelp within the next few hours if her temp is 98 or lower. molly

Thank you. My friends females temp is 97.8.

Under 100 for 24 hours puppies will come in next 24 hours. 98 not uncommon prior to birth. Morgan

Thank you so very much everyone.

How much time between puppies is acceptable? My friends female had two pups and has not had another one in about 3 1/2 hrs. The female is still big around.

I personally would take her to the vet if she hasn't had a pup with in 2-2 in a half hours after the first one. I would be very weary if I waited any longer. One could be stuck in the birth canal and not letting the others come through. JMO

Let me clarify that last post. I meant 2-2 in a half hours in between pups.

4 hours or even more is normal for "resting" in between pups. Females and pups are fine for even much longer than that - as long as she is not straining/having contractions. Pups are being supported via placenta and umbilical cord, so if they are "in limbo" it's not a problem. The problem comes if the female is having contractions, trying to have a puppy, and the puppy is not coming, stuck, turned or etc - then the puppy can die or the female can become exhausted and unable to whelp the rest of the litter - puppies still waiting can have their placentas separated due to the contractions, and they can die too if that happens. This is why it is very dangerous to give oxytocin to prompt contractions, if there are more than one puppy left to whelp. If she is resting comfortably, not having contractions, then just wait - should be fine even 4 or more hours between puppies. But if she is having contractions, then 20 minutes MAX. molly