A female dog will have a small amount of milk in her teats approximately 3 days, (sometimes 5 days), before giving birth . If you want to monitor the mom-to-be closely, you can take her rectal temperature 2x daily, It should average at 100-102 degrees until 24 hours before giving birth. At that time, her temperature will drop to 98-99 degrees, She will also stop eating at that time. This holds true of most dogs. If she follows you around, sit with her at her whelping site until she calms down and the labor begins. (My own dogs would not relax until I would do this-they are toys as well). Good luck!---PetCaretaker

