how big are pups when born?

Question
Hi Penny,

My lab bitch is having pups and was scanned 2 weeks ago, the guy said she was having as least 12 pups and as there maybe more he didnt think she would go past weekend 6th feb, he measured them and they where 58mm 2 weeks ago, i asked this as i dont know the exact date that she was mated,as yet she hasnt shown much signs of labour, i have been taking her temp but it goes fromm 100 to 98 then back to 100, im just not really sure when she will go into labour, and thought having her scanned would give me a more exact date.

Thanks Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa.  Wow, 12 puppies!!!   Without knowiing the date that mating took place, it is hard to determiine the due date of the litter.  Normally the rule of thumb is the larger the number of puppies, the smaller the puppies will be when they are born.  On the other side, if the mother to be is only carying one to two puppies, there is more room for them to grow and more nurishment for them to become fatter.

It is not uncommon for the tempature to dip below 100 and then go back up again - not matter what you might have read on the internet.  I have had this happen to me with my dogs on several occasions.

Keep a close eye on her, and have everything ready for when the the time comes - this way you can relax.  Approxamately 24 hrs before your new mommy goes in to labor, her external genitalia will become enlarged and soft and upon examination, you will probably notice a mucous discharge.  In most cases (but not all) she willl refuse food and will become quite restless.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,
Penny DiLoreto
www.puppies-dot-com.com