How to check my pregnant dog's temperature before she gives birth?

It's not difficult to take your dog's temperature rectally, but it is a task best performed by two people. Have someone hold the dog still, preferably someone the dog knows and likes. If no help is available, make your dog lie down on her side and hold her as best you can, while talking to her soothingly. After shaking down the thermometer (or use a digital thermometer) and lubricating it well with petroleum jelly or K-Y, lift his tail and gently push the thermometer in. Insert the thermometer from one to three inches, depending on the size of your dog and hold it in place for at least two minutes (or until it beeps, for a digital).

After you remove the thermometer, wipe it clean and read the temperature by the height of the silver column of mercury on the thermometer scale. A temperature of 100.5° to 102°F degrees is normal.