pregnant dog!

Question:
 i just took in a dog off of the streets and i noticed her nipples were a bit swollen as well as her other area...i figured maybe she had just went into heat recently....well as weeks passed her belly grew and so did her nipple area.....her nipples are swelling with milk and i put my hand on her tummy to feel and i felt a lot of movement......kicks and turns and bumps......i have taken in pups and mom in the past but never had an actual whelping (sp?) experience before so i am nervous....i do not know how far along she is and plan on taking her to the vet when i save up some money....she got pregnant before i took her in and i plan on getting her fixed after her pups are weaned....i am switching her food to puppy food and going to make her an area to give birth......my question is if i can feel the pups moving around as well as see them kicking her and such, about how much time could i have to prepare for the birthing....also i heard that i should take her rectal temp and when it is 100 degrees or less then she has 24hrs before labor....is there a special thermometer to use or can i use one people use? and what is the safest way to take her rectal temp without stressing her out? one more question... i know when my cat had kittens in the past that the momma cat took care of everything if you know what i mean...she cleaned up afterwards....can i expect the same with dogs? will she cut the cord herself ...i know sometimes assistance is needed and maybe even a call to the vet but is it the same as it is with cats for the most part? any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Answer:
 Yes you can use a people rectal thermometer. Normal for a dog is 101 - 102 degrees & yes when it falls under 99 she is ready. Have someone hold her head while scratching her ears while you take her temp. It sounds like she is very close. How are you going to be able to vet the puppies? Is this a large dog? I hope its not a smushie face or tiny dog because they often need a C-section. Yes the dog SHOULD clean everything. Is there a kennel club in your town that may direct you to a breeder that could help you? Do you have a vet that you can make payments? Ask the vet about the AAHA Helping Pets Funds. There is also CareCredit. Imom, Help-A-Pet, The Pet Fund are just some of the orgs. offering financial aid to pets that you can try.
Answer:
 Get a book on whelping and google it also. Learn all you can and fast. It doesn't sound like you have much time. The milk will come in a few days before she delivers. Check her breasts. Also check for spotting or a mucus plug. This is easier if you keep her inside. You should keep her in the house except for pottying and exercise on a leash the last week or so of pregnancy. My dog always delivered within 48 hours of passing the mucus plug. This is a messy slightly bloody mass not large depending on the dog. Check for the tightening of the muscles along her sides. Watch for tightening up of the muscles. As in people there will be a quickening of contractions after a period of more time between contractions. Most dogs will do all the work. The puppies will emerge entirely enclosed in a sack. The mom will chew the cords then lick the puppy off. If the cord bleeds too much you will need to tie it off with some string or dental floss. Some bleeding is normal. If she will let you help you can use a clean dry towel to remove the sack from around the pups face while she works on the cord and placenta. In any case watch carefully to see that the pup breathes and then tries to find mom. Count and be sure you see a placenta for each pup. If don't see a placenta watch the mother for signs of distress. I have run out of space. Do get a good book. Read well before the pups come and have handy on delivery day. Good luck. Then git her spayed!