Nina is about to give birth I think!

Question
QUESTION: Hello! Nina, my 2 yr old Maltese, she is a first time mom to be, and also my first time assisting a whelp. Today she is in her day #62 of pregnancy, counting from the last day of mating. The ultrasound was taken on day #60 and showed 2 puppies on the way. The vet took her temperature yesterday morning and it was 38.5 Celsius (101.3 degrees F), then I took it this afternoon and it was 38 degrees celsius (100.4 F), and last time was 3hrs ago and it was 37.4 celsius (99.32 F). Should I take her temperature again?
How long you think it will take until her water breaks??

She's been normal all day, not very active, but normal, she ate a bit and is drinking water. I also gave her NutriPlus gel as diet supplement at noon. Around half hour ago she started liking her vulva constantly, then she started like digging in her bed, and then she left the bed, and is lying around in the floor, constantly changing places. Are all these signs that she will start labor soon?  Once again, how long you think it will take until she actually starts giving birth, or her water breaks?

ANSWER: Hi Carolina

Dogs and humans differ in their birthing process.    First their water won't break.  They have a mucus plug that can drip for weeks prior and each pup is in it's own sac.

The thing with taking the temperature is do you know what your female's internal temperature is when she's not carrying?  Most people don't.  Also, you have to take the temperature when all the conditions are the same.  Laying in the sun will raise her temp, or cuddled in blankets.

The licking indicates that her plug has come out.  What she really needs is a whelping box lined with old sheets, towels or newspaper.  She can safely deliver her pups.  Some first time mothers can "freak out" and either ignore the pup or bury it.   If she is confined to a whelping box, you can a) find the pup and b) assist if need be.

With a whelp, it can take hours and hours. And at least 2 hours between pups.  

Patience is the name of the game.  You can make her comfortable and give her vanilla ice cream.  It will help keep her hydrated and help with contractions.

Good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your help. However Nina still haven't delivered. Today it is day #64 of pregnancy and I started to be worry.  She is still a bit active, is eating and behaving normal.

I just called the doctor and he suggested to induce birth with Prostaglandin. I made a quick research on this and basically says that prostaglandin promotes uterine muscle contractions that makes dogs.

Is this procedure safe? Recommended? Healthy? How good or bad is it for my dog Nina and for the puppies?

What should I do? Please helP!!

ANSWER: What should you do.  Boil water, and make a nice cup of tea, maybe find a book you've been waiting to read.

Day 64 is all good.  Why would you induce labor when she's still eating and behaving normally?   My advise, let Mother Nature do her thing.  

If however, you notice a blackish/green discharge then you can be concerned.

On a side note, I too am sitting on a female waiting to whelp. She's at day 65.  What can I do other than housework?  Patience is the word of the day, for both of us!

Peace

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I thought that 62 days was the normal for small dogs, Nina is a Maltese. When should I start worrying?

Answer
But if she didn't catch for 2 or 3 days AFTER you did the breeding, then she's only day 61 or 62.  

You should start worrying when a) she has blackish discharge b) she is straining and pushing with no result c) she goes to day 70.  

Don't go borrowing trouble.