Regarding temperature on pregnant dogs.

Question
Hello Joyce-

I have two pregnant female Chihuahuas. One is about 54 days old pregnant and checked her first temperature was 100.8 degree. Then another one is about 47 days old pregnant and her first temperature was 100.3 degree.

My question is...are their temperatures okay? completely normal? i've scheduled them an appointment for x-ray to determine how many puppies and sizes in order to avoid the c-section.

In the meanwhile, what is your best suggestion for me to start by monitoring them just in case if they are ready to born? Because this is my first time and I wanted to be there for both as much as I can. I am a bit confused since some people said they can have puppies before 63 days or even from between 49 to 57 days? Help! :)

Answer
Hi Vonnie

Pups born prior to day 62 usually don't make it.   But what most people forget when they are counting the days is, were the eggs fertilized at breeding?  

After a female releases her eggs, it takes 7 days for them to mature, and sperm can live for up to 72 hours. So the count can be off by a few days.  

When checking and recording temperatures, it's important to remember a few key points.  What is their body temperature prior to conception? What were they doing before you took it (sleeping in the sun,  running around the yard, or drinking water?). All these activities can change their temps by degrees.  

Good luck.