Basic reproduction of the dog

Lecture Notes

The first sign that a bitch is pregnant is observed around five weeks, in the form of enlargement of the abdomen and mammary glands.

The bitch will gradually gain weight over the course of gestation. Her mammary glands will further enlarge during the last few days in preparation for feeding the newborn pups.

Within 24 hours of whelping, or giving birth, the bitch's body temperature will start to drop slightly. Temperatures will drop from a regular temperature of approximately 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees or lower. This is one indicator that is easily observed and so is frequently used by caretakers to estimate impending parturition.

The bitch will become increasingly restless as parturition approaches.