Canine Pregnancy Temperature Chart
BulliesofNC
Richlands, NC
One of the most important parts in preparing for a litter of puppies is conducting temperature readings on the bitch. Not only is it important because it will let you know within 24 hours when the litter will be born but it can potentially save a litter of puppies that may have required a C-Section or other medical attention. Complications during birth isn't rare and knowing when a litter should be born is critical. Its sad when I hear about someone that had a litter of Bull Terriers and most if not all deceased during birth or the bitch required immediate medical attention which often results in loss of puppies. One of the main causes is when a bitch goes into labor and the contractions are either weak or non-existent. Continuing to wait on the female to push out a puppy can be a big mistake.
Recording temperatures will let you know when the bitch should give birth. In the event she doesn't go into labor and begin normal contractions at least you'll know early that she requires medical attention which may be as simple as the Veterinarian providing an Oxytocin shot or possibly the Vet recommending a C-Section.
Illustrated below is Litter Chart I recently used on one of my Bull Terriers which allowed me to know when she would give birth. She had no complications and the use of the temperature chart allowed me to know with accuracy when she'd give birth.
So you understand how I use this chart, I first type in the dates she's expected to give birth based off the 1st breeding. I made this chart with ample room to adjust for early or late birth dates. The Blue column down the middle is the predicted due date. Type the date in the yellow header panel at the top and then complete the dates before and after. There are enough columns to go back 1 week as well as advance one week. Once you've completed the dates begin conducting temperature readings one week prior to the due date which will put you in the first column. During this stage in the bitch's pregnancy you'll note her temperature to be lower than normal, usually in the 99's rage. It will fluctuate slightly each reading. Conduct the readings once in the morning and once in the afternoon. You'll know when she's almost ready to give birth when you take her temperature and notice that it jumped up to a normal temperature around 101.5. As noted on the chart you'll notice I have bold line indicator at 101.5 which is a normal temperature of a dog. When your female's temperature reaches that mark you'll know she's real close to giving birth. Shortly after her jump in temperature you'll see her temperature drop to less than 99 degrees letting you know she will be in labor within 24 hours. In the event she doesn't go into labor within 24 hours after her temperature dropped this would be an indicator that she may require medical attention and notification to your Veterinarian may be warranted.
There are probably several canine pregnancy temperature charts on the internet. However, none are detailed to alleviate confusion. This chart has always worked for us and I'm confident it will work perfectly for anyone else that decides to utilize it. Attached is a blank chart that you are welcome download. Those who know me know I care more about helping others to have healthy litters versus hoarding knowledge through experience that may very well benefit others. I'd rather share knowledge than see others make mistakes that would jeopardize the health and welfare of another Bull Terrier. Maybe one day other breeders will catch on to this concept and learn to help verse criticize and condemn.
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