PROESTRUSS

Question
During proestrus, I am aware of more frequent urination from the bitch!  My question is:

Is it normal for a rise in the bitch's temperature?

Thank you,

FLKulchar

Answer
Hi Larry,

To my knowledge, a bitch does not have a rise of temperature during the proestrus stage of her heat cycle. If you have not bred your bitch before its good to know that most bitches will begin to shed a lot, or "blow" their coat just before coming into season. This is due to hormonal changes. The shedding can be anywhere from 3 weeks before she begins to bleed to the week of proestrus.

If your dog became pregnant, taking her temperature three times a day during the last week of gestation can be helpful in predicting when she will whelp.

If you've been taking your dog's temperature, and her rectal temperature is higher than the normal range of 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, she might be ill.

I hope I've  been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti