How do you know when a beagle is going into labor?

Question

I am dogsitting for a friend of ours. The dog (we call her momma) is a yellow creek beagle and she is pregnant. Our friend lives alone and in Mississippi so he can't be there to watch her during the day. So, 'Momma" has been here at my house since Sunday. I was told that she is due any day now. What are some signs that she is getting ready to deliver? Her belly is really big and her 'milk bags' are really full. She laid on me the other day and left milk spots on my shirt. I am 25 and I have a daughter of my own so don't be shy to tell me what to look for. I have never had a dog have puppies, (I keep mine far, far, far away from males when it is her heat cycle), so I'm not sure what the 'signs' of 'getting ready' are for a dog. Please help! Thanks.

Thank you all. She delivered 3 beautiful pups on April 14, the first one came around 4am and I sat with her until almost 6am to make sure mom and babies were fine. They are all doing great, mom had no trouble at all. I am going to miss them when they go back home. I might doggiesit more often. That was the first time I ever saw pups born, I am glad it was another restless night for me and I was awake to witness it. Thanks again.

Answer 1

The most common signs you might see are nesting. They will become obsessive about their bedding, circling and fluffing their beds. Usually the body temperature drops about one degree 24 hours before labor begin. Normal temp is 101-102.5 for a dog. Of course if you notice a membranous sac from her vulva u better get ready to have some pups quick.

Answer 2

She will start to nest, she will find a place and bunch up anything she can to make a warm soft bed. She will pant noticably and will keep licking herself , you want to get some old towels or something you can clean up the pups when she delivers. that could take several hours. if she exhibits the need to push and nothing comes out, notify the vet. Watching the birth of puppies is a beautifull thing to see. the care she gives them and the pups moving around with they're eyes closed making little grunting sounds. she will do most every thing, your'e there to make sure mom and baby's are ok.