Can Dogs Give Birth Prematurely?
also see Kitten Birth Canine gestation typically lasts for 63 days, although it is perfectly normal when dogs birth their litters within five days of this time. Premature birth in dogs is uncommon but it does occur occasionally. If your dog is pregnant and approaching birth, be aware of the signs of whelping: • Lowered rectal temperature (below 100 degrees Fahrenheit) • Loss of interest in food • Preparing an area for birthing by scratching Most dogs can give birth without assistance, but premature pups will need immediate attention in order to survive. Pups born prematurely will have difficulty suckling and may require human assistance to eat. Mothers may even reject premature pups, leaving them vulnerable to their environment. In this case, make sure that the pups are situated in a box with a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and several moist towels to approximate the mother’s cleaning routine. If these conditions are not maintained, the pups may die from exposure. As premature p
