Tracker
Pregnant dog temperature log
Updated October 2026 · Information only, not veterinary advice
Add your first reading to start the log.
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The chart appears after your first reading.
How to take her temperature
- 1
Use a digital rectal thermometer
Keep one just for her. Lubricate the tip and insert it about an inch, holding it against the wall of the rectum until it beeps.
- 2
Check twice a day from day 56
Take readings about 12 hours apart, at the same times each day. Consistency makes the drop easy to see.
- 3
Record every reading
Enter each one above. The chart marks the 99.0°F (37.2°C) line so a drop stands out.
What the numbers mean
| Reading | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 100–102.5°F (37.8–39.2°C) | Normal | Keep checking twice a day |
| Below 99.0°F (37.2°C) | Labor is likely within about 8–24 hours | Prepare the whelping area and stay close |
| Above 103°F (39.4°C) | Possible fever | Call your vet |
Call your vet now if…
- Her temperature stays below 99.0°F for more than 24 hours and labor has not started.
- She is past day 65 from ovulation (or day 70 from mating) with no signs of labor.
- Her temperature is above 103°F, or she seems unwell, weak or very distressed.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What temperature drop means a dog is going into labor?
A rectal temperature below about 99.0°F (37.2°C) usually means labor will start within roughly 8 to 24 hours. Her normal temperature is higher, so the drop is clear when you have been tracking.
What is a normal temperature for a pregnant dog?
About 100 to 102.5°F (37.8 to 39.2°C). Take readings at the same times each day from about day 56 so you know her own baseline.
Her temperature dropped and then went back up. Is that normal?
Yes. Temperature can dip and rise again, and a single reading can be off. Look at the trend over several readings and watch for other signs such as nesting, panting and refusing food. If you are unsure, call your vet.
When should I start taking her temperature?
From day 56 from ovulation (or about day 58 from a mating date). Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
Does the temperature drop mean puppies are coming right now?
Not right away. It means labor is likely within about a day. If her temperature stays low for more than 24 hours with no signs of labor, call your vet.
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