So today is day 57. I was advised to start taking my dogs temp. I've just taken it and it's 37.6. She's also started digging in her welping box. What temp wouod suggest a dog is about to start labour? Could this be the start? Or does temp not really work and is it just as and when.

Ideally you start taking her temperature three times a day from a week before her due date, and plot it on a graph to make it easier to understand. It'll rise and fall by about a degree every day but the very early stages of labour will trigger a big fall, usually to about 36.5 before it starts to rise again. When I see this big drop I know I'll have puppies within 24 hours.

I've never taken temp as reliable in 45+ years.  I guess we are all different in what we do.  I always say that if you kept sticking something up my bum when I was due, I would not be a happy bunny.

Did you progesterone test?  or are you counting 57 days from mating only?

No didn't progesterone test. But when scanned she measured and said 33 days s9 gone from that date.

depending on when she actually ovulated then you could be closer than you think! 

> I've never taken temp as reliable in 45+ years.  I guess we are all different in what we do.  I always say that if you kept sticking something up my bum when I was due, I would not be a happy bunny.

This is how I approached temperature taking!!

Sorry me again. So day 60. She's acting stranger pacing around a bit laying in her welping box a bit. She's also got a bit of a discharge. All completly normal right? Her tummy is pretty hard and swollen now tho can still feel the little ones wriggling inside. She's dug her bed around and gone to the toilet more than normal. I'm hoping this may be the start of things for her.

Sure signs would be refusing food and or vomiting, a far away look about her face, needing to go out but not really wanting to toilet and the panting/digging which doesn't always happen, make sure you go outside with her every time so you don't miss waters breaking or discharge and the walking outside sometimes speeds up the process, obviously keep to the garden.  Keep us posted

> make sure you go outside with her every time so you don't miss waters breaking or discharge and the walking outside sometimes speeds up the process

Yes, go with her, especially at night - it has been known for a bitch to drop a puppy, only to find it next morning, not survived.   Also a car trip often gets things moving too so if you need to take her to your vet, make sure you have somebody with you to watch mum, and your whelping gear + a box with a warm pad/bankets/towels with you.   And be prepared to pull over!

My dogs on day 62 today. She's being more picky with her food (she's raw fed and normally gobbles it down but is currently only grazing yesterday and today) she's had a bit of a discharge that's sticky and crusts over last 3 days. I've been taking her temp and it's been between 37c and 37.4 last 4 days. She's been digging in her welping box last week or so and is starting to leak small amounts of milk. But she's not shaking or crying or making any sounds and her vulva hasn't got any bigger than its been throughout the pregnancy. I was told smaller dogs went earlier. Does all this sound ok? And more to the point will she go soon. At what point should I be worrying. She's a bit figity/restless tonight but is acting so calm and normal. I had her scanned and she said she was 33 days and was carrying 4. So by that she would be 62 days today. Don't know what to expect when and it's driving me crazy. Honestly say I won't be breeding her again I'm a nervous wreck.

If she doesn't go tonight, I'd be calling the vet for advice...especially if she is a small breed.

Good luck!

Turns out she was in labour. 5 beautiful puppies born this morning. 1st born at 6am. Surprise 5th when scan only showed 4. Day 63.