Gestation for dogs is between 56-69 days. In smaller breed dogs like chihuahuas it's good practice to be observant as the time grows nearer.
An expectant female's temp will drop prior to labour. From about two weeks to due date daily temp recordings will indicate labour onset. Pups are usually birthed within twenty four hours of this incident. Normal core temp for dogs is between 38.3 and 39.1 degrees C. If the temp drops to below 37.8C, it's a sure sign labour is due to begin. Check the whelping kit. It should be stocked and close at hand from now on.
As Lady's time draws nearer we need to observe for signs of her labour.
In dogs we can break these up into three distinct stages.
Stage 1.
In the first stage of labour the contractions begin and are painful and uncomfortable. For first timers this is also a bit overwhelming and anxious for them. They become restless and may show signs of nesting. Where up until now the mother would have had a large appetite, onset of labour will make them more than likely go off their food and may even vomit. When this happens it is a good idea to move them into the prepared whelping box. Place the box and mum in a quiet, darkened room or area. Ensure it is somewhere you can still easily observe her.
Panting and shivering will increase as the labour progresses. This is the longest stage of labour lasting anywhere between six and eighteen hours. During this stage it is a good idea to boost the dog's stamina with some supplement nutrients available from your vet or pet store. (This should be one of the essentials in the whelping kit.) Keep your phone fully charged and the vet should be notified that labour has begun in case of emergencies.
Stage 2.
During this stage the contractions become more forceful and signs of straining will be seen. As the labour progresses. The placental sacs will rupture and a yellow fluid is expelled. Each puppy is encased in it own sac and are expelled one after another sporadically during this period. They are usually born within about thirty minutes of forceful straining. (WARNING any longer than an hour of forceful straining without a birth is dangerous and a vet should be consulted.)
As pups are birthed, allow the mother to lick and chew the sac and umbilical cord free. This contains hormones which will stimulate milk production and allows her to bond with the puppies. The rough licking of the pups stimulates the pup to breath and improves their circulation.
If the mother does not do this, as is the case of first timers, intervention may be needed. If this occurs, check and do the following:
Check to see if the mother has cut the cord. If not tie off the cord in two places and cut the cord between the two ties. (Don't leave long pieces of cotton or string as the mother may eat the cord at a later stage.)
Tear the sac and clear the pups face of fluid. Rub to pup vigorously in circular motions with a warm but not hot towel to stimulate breathing. If the pup is still unresponsive after ten minutes, administer a small, gentle puff of air into the lungs. Too forceful can injure the puppies lungs and is not encouraged unless the puppy has not taken a breath for more than ten minutes. (Don't be too quick as it not unusual for pups to not breath within the first ten minutes.)
Allow the mother to suckle her newborn pup in between pups. Ensure the pups are warm through out the process. Whelping beds can be kept warm with heating pads or similar items wrapped in a towel and placed under the whelping bed. Ensure the bed stays at a constant temperature.
The mother may eat some of the afterbirths. It's normal for the mother to take rests between labour and sometimes up to four hours may pass between puppies. If this period extends beyond four hours and you are certain there are more pups a vet must be consulted. Again, it is not advisable for the mother to go for more than hour of prolonged straining without producing a pup. Consult medical specialists if this occurs.
Breech births are not uncommon and the mother may need assistance if the legs are protruding and the pup is not being birthed with forceful straining. As pups are extremely delicate and even more so in small breeds it is advisable to consult a vet or vet hospital before attempting to assist the pup free.
Stage 3.
The final stage of labour is the expulsion of the remaining placenta and fluid. Once all the puppies have been born the uterus will contract to its normal size. The mother will experience some painful contractions for a few weeks after birthing and may continue to pant until the uterus returns to normal.