I have a golden retriever ready to whelp any time. I have a couple of questions to get answered.?

Question

She is on day number 61 or 62 today, and her whelping area has been set up for a few weeks. She has been sleeping in it, until now. 36 hours ago, her temp spiked to 102, and I had been graphing it at between 100 and 101, and then about 24 hours ago, it dropped to between 98 and 99 and stayed there for 6 hours before climbing to what has been the norm. Does this happen often?

Also, she has had a clear colorless discharge for about a week. I have read so many different things about how long this can go on, that I am unsure what to believe. Today, it was more cloudy and mucus like.

She has been staring at her butt and licking it for the past 24-36 hours more than the norm and has chosen now to not be in her whelping box, but rather under the christmas tree digging at the tree skirt. She comes out when I call her and then coax her back into her whelping box, but immediately goes under the tree when I am gone. I think that she is determined to give us an early present there!

Answer 1

I see that you are probably a first time expectant parent. You are very intune with your dog. I used to raise Norwegian Elkhounds, but I have gotten out of it over the years. It got too hard to let the puppies go. I just go too attached. Anyway, 62-65 days is the norm for whelping. So, it sounds like you are ready to go. The digging behavior under the Christmas tree is perfectly normal. A dogs inbred nature is to dig especially in the ground into dirt. This is to dig themselves into a safe protected spot that is hidden and warm in the ground, as well as, protect them from predators, and help in hiding the smell. She is just doing what comes natural to her. Many times I have provided a lovely area for my dogs to have puppies in, only to find them tucked in or buried under a building somewhere. To them, they are just going where they think it is safe for them and their puppies. Where nobody can get to them. She probably thinks she is hidden under the Christmas tree. Perhaps, if her whelping box is a wide open space, you could get a large cardboard box and cover it for her. It may make her feel more at home and protected. I have done that before. The best thing really is just to relax and let her do it on her own. I know it is hard not to be excited and jump in and help, but really letting nature take its course is better. She will do fine. Make sure she has plently of water to drink. She will need that during labor and afterwards to properly nurse the puppies. It is doubtful she will require much food if any. I wish you and her luck, and enjoy your new family!

Answer 2

Sounds like she's close to whelping. She's trying to nest under the tree - maybe if you stayed with her near her whelping box she'd be more calm. If this is her first litter, she may just be nervous. I had one mom who would stop her contractions and stand in the doorway waiting for me if I had to leave the room for anything. I would just stay with her for now - give her a few hours. If she appears to be in distress, you should call your vet but she just sounds nervous.

Answer 3

You might what to have a Vet come out and check on her. Usually Vets will come out and check on dogs and if he says he can't ask him if there is a Vet he knows that will come out to your place. Also you might what to stay home a couple of days and keep an eye on her. It may also help if you stay in the whelping box with her just so she knows that you are there fo her.

Answer 4

Sounds like she is already laboring. She is confused and you need to stay with her. If this goes on for much longer I would take her to vet. Make sure you have towels and a box with you when you go. Good Luck

Answer 5

Lol... dogs are so funny... but just give her time... she'll have the puppies in plenty of time... but if in doubt... call the vet!