hi is really fast breathing normal in 1st stage of labour? my bitch is nesting then sleeping deeply also she wont drink from her bowl should i wet her mouth for her?

panting and sleeping is normal in the first stage and if she wont drink try adding a teaspoon of glucose or a dash of milk to her water and just keep the bowl close so she can help herself when she wants to,  dont forse her as this could make her sick,  some bitches are a little bit sick when giving birth so she might not feel liking drinking.  good luck.

Fast breathing is perfectly normal, just make sure she isn't left alone right now, in case she needs your help.

thanks for your reply, she has been panting/ breathing fast since 1 oclock today and nesting  she hasnt lost very much mucus discharge but has done a few runny poos and is weeing lots, she is sleeping deeply now , i am sleeping downstairs with her. when should her contractions start

"when should her contractions start"

Difficult to say for sure. Probably within the next 24-48 hours.
Just don't leave her on her own. Try to rest while she's resting. And good luck!
Karen

It sounds like she's well on her way so you're right to stay with her, I know they can pant/nest for upto 24 hours but none of mine have been that long so you could expect things to start happening anytime now.

also im a bit worried that she hasnt had anything to drink today, is this ok?

also im a bit worried that she hasnt had anything to drink today, is this ok?

I wouldn't worry too much, sometimes they are almost trance like at this stage, just offer it her now and then  when she seems settled, you may need to hold the bowl up for her.  If you're really worried about dehydration, you could syringe a little into her mouth, but as said before she could feel sickly at the moment.

As you've said in an earlier post, Olly, she's been weeing lots.
If she was on the verge of being dehydrated, this would not be the case.
The start of the actual labour is dependent on if this is her first litter and
the size of the litter.  Some bitches hardly show any signs of the stage your girl is in right now.
Others dig, pant and act restless for quite some time. Sometimes you'll find that they are panting and digging,
only to go back to normal for a day or two, until it all starts again.
If you've monitored your girl's temperature, you'll see it drop a little only to raise again. This can
go on for some days before the labour starts. 
The runny poos are also normal. She's sort of cleaning out her body in preparation for the labour.
Karen

thanks, of course that makes sense (she cant be dehydrated because shes still weeing). i dont think im thinking things through properly , im naturally worried about her but trying not to panic.This is her first litter the vet thinks about 5 pups but i guess we'll wait and see

It's always worrying when your girl is due to whelp.
We all get a bit nervous then.
As long as you act calm and normal with your girl, everything will be fine.
If you seem happy and secure, so will she be.
Give her praise for being such a good girl, and stay with her.
Watch telly, read or do something else which is an everyday activity.
This will reassure your girl, and this will help things develop normally.

And CD is here all the time. All the knowledge in the world in one place.....
If you feel uncertain about your girl's wellbeing, don't hesitate to contact your vet.
It's better to call hime once too often, than not at all.

thanks for your advice and support, will keep you updated. Can't wait to see her babies .

hope all is well thismorning? hows your girl ? ,good luck xx

7 beautiful babies  i think there might be more on the way. my lovely girl has done  beautifully.will update later

well done :) thats great news x

Congrats!

So pleased,  she has done you proud.  :-)

update, 8 beautiful babies first one born 5.55am last one born 10.30 all robust and healthy.Off to the vets in the morning, mum is still  panting quite heavily is this normal? she has had plenty to drink and eaten a little. when will her milk come in?

Congratulations on your arrivals.
Yes panting is quite normal for quite a whilst afterwards. The milk will start soon , the more they suckle you will just notice it will be there.

panting is normal as long as shes settled with her pups ,i had a girl pant but wasnt settled every time she went out to wee she started pushing down ,she had a stuck pup ,we had to get her to vets ,we could save pup but mums was fine thankgod! x

Congratulations...nothing like new babies to bring a smile:)

> mum is still  panting quite heavily is this normal?

Some are worse than others, and have had bitches pant very heavy when making milk.  You have to remember that the body is now working overtime.  It takes a great deal out of a bitch.

Once your vet has confirmed that there are no problems, remember that the panting can go on for a long time (just so you don't worry.)

Congratulations Olly and new mum!
Well done to you both.
The panting, as said above is normal. As long as she seems settled in all other ways. She'll
have pains from the uterus contracting, getting back to normal size eventually.
She might get restless and start digging when the pain sets in.
This is one of the reasons why it's so importand to never leave a mum on her own with newborn puppies!

Milk will be produced on demand. Let the pups suckle as much as possible, this stimulates the production. Also
get something nurishing for your girl to eat or drink, to help her get started.
Good luck with the litter, and again congratulations!

mum and babies doing well, her milk has come in and pups are suckling away nicely. she has settled down loads overnight and isnt panting as much, she has had a bit of a dig in the garden and seems really well bless her. Im still amazed that she had 8 pups,and good sized ones at that, our vet said about 5 pups we guessed 4, i cant believe she had that many in there!

So pleased to hear everything is fine!

Congratulations x