The Taking of the Temperature

Oh the indignity of it all! Lucky Stoker gets to have her temperature taken every morning and evening between now and when the puppies come. Generally pregnant bitches during the last trimester will have a baseline temperature somewhat below what is normal. A significant rise in temperature, followed by a dramatic drop to under 98.4 F usually indicates that labor will begin within about 24 hours. Taking Stoker's temperature can help give us some advance warning of when the puppies may make their appearance.