My pregnant dog is nesting. When should I expect her puppies?

Hi there! Congratulations to Leila! You are correct as it is close to the end. The gestation period for a dog is about 63 days - give or take. It seems like you are watching out for the correct signs, like nesting behavior. I doubt the other dog is preventing her from giving birth, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to separate them during this time, so she can get comfortable and have access to her own private area. You can also start checking her rectal temperature routinely, a couple of times a day, so you will know for sure when it drops, indicating labor will start soon after. Another good idea (if you haven't already of course) is to take her to her veterinarian for an Xray. The veterinarian can estimate the number of puppies she will be having. This way, if you expect at least 10, and she only births 9, you know there is an issue. Her backbone, like you said, is most likely more visible because her body condition is changing. The puppies grow a lot from 40 days until the end, and they are using her energy to do so. She may be losing body condition (even if her weight is staying the same) because she isn't getting enough nutrition. I included a link below about how to feed a pregnant dog. I also will include one about birthing puppies that is great! It has a lot of good information so you know what else to expect aside from your current knowledge. I hope you find this answer helpful! Best of luck! https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-the-pregnant-dog https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951546

You can see puppies moving up to a week before giving birth. Take Bell's temperature rectally twice a day. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. Once it drops below 100F, she should have her puppies within 24 hours.

Great question! Once her temperature drops below 100F, Bell should give birth to her puppies in 24 hours. If 24 hours pass after the initial temperature drop with no sign of puppies, she will need to see a vet immediately, as she will need help giving birth to them safely.

In a [pregnant dog](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pregnancy/), milk can be produced a week or so before delivery. A dog’s gestational period is about 63 days. You can also [take her temperature](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-take-your-pet-s-temperature) twice daily at the same time each day to determine when she will go into labor A dog’s normal temperature is between 100 to 102.5F degrees. Her temperature may fluctuate during this time, but once her temperature falls below 99 degrees, she should go into labor in the next 24 hours.

Start taking Sally's temperature twice daily rectally. A dog's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F. Once it drops below 100F, she will have her puppies within 24 hours. Check out this article on the stages of dog labor and when to seek help: https://www.2ndchance.info/caninelaborstages.htm

Yes, you can certainly expect her to go into labor here real soon. Mucous discharge is normal for pregnant dogs, and the typical gestation period is 58-72 days, so she is definitely within those parameters. Here is a website link that talks about the stages of labor and what things to watch out for --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951546 I hope that Amara has an uneventful labor and healthy puppies soon! Best of luck and take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sasha. You should allow her to nest and birth the puppies wherever she will be safe and the most comfortable. Stage one labor (where the dog is restless and pants) can last for 12-24 hours. This phase ends when the first pup moves into the birth canal. At this point, she will begin actively delivering the puppies. I hope this information helps!