How do i know when the puppies are due?

Question

Our lab is due for her puppies today. Her normal temperature is 100.7 degrees. It is now down to 99.5? Is this a sign that it is going to be soon? I have done TONS of research on everything there is to deal with the breeding, and the pregnancy. She is milking a lot now and her belly is very large. She has a HUGE kennel to have them in because she feels most comfortable in them. Please give me as much information as you can giving me details on what to expect and such. Also for your information she is papered and so is the sire we are not backyard breeders or whatever.

Answer 1

What the heck does papers have to do with it all?  Do you have any idea how many "papered" dogs there are.  Millions!  Papers mean nothing with regard to the quality of the Lab.  Also, since Labs are one of the most popular breeds, there are PLENTY of quality pups to go around.  What are the parent's hip scores, if I may ask?  I think the most important papers you will be needing are the ones lining your whelping box.

Answer 2

You absolutely ARE backyard breeders.

25-30% of the dogs in shelters are "purebred" and papered.

Papered does not make a dog breeding quality. It only makes them purebred.

You'll know that she's having puppies when puppies start coming out.

See, a responsible breeder would have known this because she would have been working with a mentor for 3-5 years.  

Added:

"just for your information they both have been hip & eyes certified and our male has been to several shows/hunts so you have no right to accuse me of being someting i am not. "

Great, they've had minimal health tests.  You aren't as bad as some of the other BYB's on here.

He's "been to" several shows/hunts?  Lol.  So has my dog.  But she's fixed and certainly not breeding quality.

I have every right to accuse you of it, because you are a BYB.  It's just that simple.  And my right stems from the thousands of dollars I donate to shelters who clean up messes from people like you and from all the hours that I personally volunteer with rescue groups.

Answer 3

I know! People can get so worked up over breeding!

Useually dogs go into labour about 63 days (9 weeks) After breeding, if you don't know when she was bred then take her to the vet and he/she would know! When they do go in labour their stomaches will get hard, and they'll useually pant.

Answer 4

60-65 day gestation is normal, just like humans they may vary a little longer to a little shorter when she starts to nest keep a watch cuz here they come . I had a Great Dane that took a little longer 68 days and she had 14 pups first litter and all but 2 passed on because 1)it was her first and 2 ) he must have been real potent normal litter is 3-5  

Answer 5

Yeah it could be she may well have them during the night so get some towels ready for the puppies and make sure they have something warm and comfy to sleep in and make sure there indoors not out cause they can get ill Goodluck :D x

Answer 6

.... Then why do you need info from complete strangers?

Answer 7

She will definitely be having puppies soon. I congratulate you on taking the best precautions necessary for breeding your dogs. No you aren't a backyard breeder if you truly are breeding your dogs to keep the breedline at top notch, and if you working with other professional breeders.

As for the people who "ripped you a new one" so to speak? Ignore them. They're a******s.

Answer 8

I wish the real CO was around to rip into you but since she's not I'll do it for her.

One - who cares if they are papered? If they don't come from champions doesn't mean squat. FAIL

Two - If you are working hand in hand with REAL professionals then you should be asking them this and not random strangers. FAIL

Three- Do either of them have Championships to their names? No? FAIL

Four - So you had the minimum tests done. what were the results?

Five - Pros as in vets or pros as in Reputable breeders for your breed who have been doing this for years and are actively working with their breed club and improving the breed?

When her temp is below 100 and stays there, restlessness, visible contractions water breakage. Why don't you know this already?

Final conclusion : FAIL

Answer 9

Because her temperature has dropped, she should have her pups within the next 24 hours (Your girl has gone into labour!).Make sure she is kept in a warm and quiet area and keep an eye on her.When she is due to give birth she will pant and a sack will appear.Once the pup comes out if the mum doesn't break the sack that the pup is born in, you must do this gently.I wouldn't wait any longer than 30 mintues between each pup.Make sure a close vet is on call and if you have any problems,call them.

Goodluck and don't forget, you need to get them to ingest colostrum from mum within the first 24 hours :)

Answer 10

Temp. alone isn't a clear indication.  Is she restless?  Nesting?  Clingy and following you everywhere?  Has she stopped eating? Ifi yes, don't let her go outside alone to make sure she doesn't drop a puppy outside.  All your supplies should be ready so you can assist her.

And by the way, a kennel is a terrible substitute for a whelping box.  I don't know how you expect to be able to reach the puppies in there to check on them.  Nor how you're going to be able to clean it properly and change the bedding without disrupting everything.  How are you going to help her if she's having trouble whelping?  Or make sure the puppies are all nursing well?  You need to be able to see the puppies clearly at all times and be able to get to them.  She's going to squish those puppies in a kennel because there's no guard rail in there to protect any puppies that get behind her.

Answer 11

well she might do what my dog did. wait until 2 am and then go into labor. I would watch her very closely for signs like panting heavily, burrowing and restlessness. good luck and don't worry about these people calling you names they just think they are so high and mighty because they "save" dogs and don't breed them they are hypocrites you just can't see it through the computer screen