An appendage growing from the stem of a plant. Leaves are extremely variable in form and function according to species. For example, the needles of pine trees, the spines of cacti, and the bright red parts of the poinsettia plant are all leaves modified for different purposes.
Take her temperature daily as her expected delivery date approaches. Normally a dog's temperature is between 101 and 102 degrees. When your pregnant dog's temperature drops below 100 degrees, that's an indication she'll have her puppies within 24 hours. Once labor begins, it can last up to 12 hours. If your dog's temperature drops significantly, she's ready to give birth soon.
A mucus discharge means labor is beginning. John Howard/Digital Vision/Getty Images. It's heading toward 63 days after your dog was bred -- the average canine gestation time -- and you're looking for signs of the impending birth. When early labor begins, your dog might pass a small amount of mucus from her vulva. If you see her pass mucus, she should enter the active stage of labor within 6 to 12 hours.