Stage 1

• Progesterone causes the temperature to drop
• As progesterone drops, the temperature drops
• Period of uterine contraction
• Period of cervical dilation
• Minimal external contractions
• Last average for 6 - 24 hours
• Temperature drops ~ as long as the temp is lower, nothing should be happening
• Nesting, shivering, anorexia, panting
• When temp increases to normal, bitch should start pushing in a few hours

Stage 2

• Cervix fully dilated
• Active Labor
• Alternates with stage 3
• Pushing pups out

Stage 3

• Begins when placenta is passed
• Alternates with stage 2
• Ends when last puppy is born