Female dogs show a significant decrease in appetite before giving birth

The normal gestation period for dogs is generally about two months, and as the birth approaches, dogs will begin to exhibit some abnormal behaviors one after another. However, most of these abnormal behaviors are normal and are signs related to the upcoming birth, so generally there is no need to worry too much. We can understand some of these normal behavioral phenomena to feel more at ease when we see these unusual actions in dogs. But if some truly abnormal behaviors appear, it is best to take the female dog for a corresponding check-up to ensure the safety of the mother and puppies.

If the female dog has reached the due date but shows no signs, what situations can help determine that delivery is near? Actually, if a female dog is about to give birth, there will be very obvious signs. These include emotional responses and physiological changes, which dog owners can clearly notice by careful observation.

1. Female dogs will exhibit some abnormal behaviors:

Before delivery, female dogs will show certain abnormal behaviors. For example: loss of appetite, restlessness, panting, accelerated breathing, searching for a secluded place to give birth. Some female dogs exhibit nesting behavior; small indoor dogs often circle family members for help. The following behaviors are typical signs of approaching labor:

1. Abnormal eating: The most obvious symptom is a change in the female dog's eating habits; some dogs suddenly reduce their food intake, while others refuse to eat entirely and only drink water.

2. Starting to defecate: Before giving birth, female dogs will actively begin to defecate, sometimes producing soft or loose stools. This indicates the dog is clearing its rectum to empty it, allowing more space in the uterus for the puppies to be born, similar to bowel clearing in humans before childbirth.

3. Scratching the ground with paws: Female dogs may scratch the floor due to restlessness before delivery. This is an instinct where the dog first digs a hole to prepare for giving birth, which is also a way for the dog to feel more at ease.

Female dogs’ body temperature also drops before giving birth

4. Frequent entering and exiting the birthing area: Most dogs will frequently enter and leave the designated delivery room starting about 12 hours before labor, spending longer times inside the room and gradually going out less often.

5. Low vocalizations: About 1 hour before delivery (or 2-3 hours earlier in some dogs), female dogs often paw at bedding with their front limbs, scratch towels or rags inside the delivery area, may bite with their mouths, and emit low groans or sharp cries.

2. Female dogs’ body temperature will show corresponding changes:

Once a female dog is ready to give birth, aside from behavioral changes, her body temperature will also change accordingly: typically, the normal body temperature drops by about 1-2°C just before delivery.

Actual measurements show that the body temperature of most female dogs ranges from 36.4-37.2℃ about 9 hours before the first puppy is born (which is about 1 degree lower than their physiological normal temperature). Therefore, significant temperature drops in late pregnancy can help predict the exact timing of labor. We don’t need to worry too much about when the dog will give birth, as there are individual differences among dogs. By observing abnormal behaviors and the drop in body temperature, we can better grasp the birth signals and prepare accordingly to ensure smooth delivery for the female dog.