How can I tell if my dog is having Contractions?

Question

Besides heavy panting, are there any other ways to tell if my mini dach is having contractions yet? Today is her 57th day from the first "tie" with the male, and she is acting so unlike herself. She won't touoch her food and is laying around. She ate some grass outside and didn't throw up though. Her temp is 98.6 today, and she always likes to have her tummy rubbed but won't hardly let me touch her tummy today.
That's why I'm wondering if she's having contractions (maybe pre-labor contractions??)

Thanks to ALL in advance!

Answer 1

Ok to start with you dogs temp being 98.6 that means it is down and it should be 12 to 24 hours and she will start haveing her pups.

Normal they will go off of ther food when the temp goes down that is another way to know. Some times they will get a glassey eyed stairie look. Will hide in dark places. She also will dig like crazy!!! That is there way of coping with the pain. Now you will know when you Dach. is have contractions because her back will do this rochy thing almost like she is being tickeld. Her skin will contract it sounds weid but it is kinda hard to discribe. When you first start seeing the contractions they will be kinda weak but don't worry they will grow.

Answer 2

Do Dogs Have Contractions

Answer 3

Sounds like she might be getting ready to have her babies...temp drop, refusing to eat, and laying around are signs of impending labor...she should get restless when she actually starts having contractions...stay home with her today and maybe tomorrow.

If she starts pushing and in 2 hrs does not deliver a pup, take her to the vet (even if it is between pups).
After she has the last pup, ck for a normal bloody discharge...black or green is not a good sign, and she needs to go to the vet. It does turn dark after 24 hrs.
Stuck pup(breach)? gently, but firmly pull with each contraction...after 3-4 (maybe 6) pushes, if pup is not delivered, take her to the vet.

Dogs normally don't have problems when delivering, but complications do happen, keep your vets number handy! Ask your neighbors if they have ever delivered puppies before, never hurts to have an experienced midwife! LOL

Good Luck with your babies!

Answer 4

A dog's normal temperature ranges between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, once the temperature drops BELOW 99 degrees she will deliver within 24 hours. However, her temperature may drop and rise several times before it drops below 99 degrees. The amount of time that the temperature stays below 99 degrees varies with each dog, but she will not begin to deliver until her temperature begins to rise again. During this week prior to whelping you may notice that your dog's mammary glands become somewhat swollen and may leak some milk. Her behavior may change, especially the last 2 or 3 days prior to delivery. She may become restless and try to hide.

Usually dogs increase their digging, restlessness, panting, and nesting behavior within the last 12 to 24 hours before whelping (about the same time their temperature drops below 99 degrees). She may refuse to eat just prior to whelping. Do not leave your dog unattended once her temperature has dropped.

You should see her stomach tighten up if she's having contractions.

Answer 5

It seems too soon - the pups would be 6 days premature, but you should keep an eye on her. Does she have a whelping box ready? You should introduce her to it, and let her go in and nest if she wants to. She may settle down in there.

If she seems like she's in any distress, take her to the vet to check her out, and you'd know the signs, but if she's just not hungry for a day, don't panic.

Answer 6

You can actually see her muscles tense up around her pelvic area, they should have a 1 pup per half hour

Answer 7

take her to the vet to make sure everthing is ok

Answer 8

if you see another dog coming out of her... she'd probably having contractions....