My bitch is 59 days pregnant and over the last few days her temperature has dropped from 100.3 to 97.5 being the lowest today at 11am. It has remained consistent since then.  For those of you who work by temperature would you take 97.5 as her temperature drop time for gauging the 12-24 hour period? She has been panting heavily since 4pm

my bitch has whelped 7 days ago her temp dropped for 48 hrs with panting the only answer is to stay with her and be ready.

Hi Wuppy.. I would most definately take 97.5 as the temperature drop and to give her 48 hours maximum as long as she is not showing signs of distress.  My bitch panted heavily for two days nearly also starting and stopping for a whole 6 hours at times.  Don't let her out of your sight now though as she is almost definately in the first stage of labour.  Don't leat her go out into the  garden to relieve herself on her own - especially if its dark.  Once she starts pushing give her a maximum of 1 hour for the first whelp to be born..  This obviously also as long as she is not  distressed.  Looks like you are in for a long night - and maybe even two long nights.  Good luck and keep us informed.  IF you have any worries whatsoever about the situation with your bitch - if she is distressed or anything like this then call the vet straight away to ask his advice.  Do you know how many whelps she has ?

Yes temperature down that low ( themometer being accurate) would be the sign for me. I would expect labour to start within 24 hours. 

how exciting for you! any puppys yet?

Thanks for your replies.

Everything is just the same at the moment.  We understand she is expecting 6 puppies, she was scanned by a vey reliable sheep scanner.

I to would take that as a sign- stay close- best of luck, hope all goes well :)

Hi all.  Thanks for all your replies and advice. Update for you, we have 9 puppies total, 5 boys and 4 girls!  Last puppy was born 7.20pm, I think she may be finished now, I will let you know if anyone else arrives.

Wow :-)

Wow, so much for the sheep scanner!
Congrats to you.

Karen :)

Know that feeling re scanning mine was to be 6 and ended up as 12!!!!
Congratulations on the pups and good luck with sleep (if you can get any!)