Any advice is appreciated!  My girl is due her puppies today and since this morning has been digging at her bed at random points throughout the day. After lunch she started panting and her digging became more frequent.  This lasted about 1-2 hours and I thought they where on their way.  She has since stopped had something to eat and settled herself back down.  From my own experience (not this bitch), once panting has started the puppies have followed.  Is it normal for them to stop, like this?  Her due date is today from the first mating, so they are not overdue yet.  I have felt allot of good movement and strong heartbeats from the pups, so I am sure they are all okay, as I said any advice is appreciated.  If anyone thinks I should get her to the vets, then that is what I will do! Thank you x

Yeah, would expect pups within 24 hours of that happening.  Good luck.

Are you charting her temperature?

Thank you!, No I have never found taking their temperature very reliable.  x

The fact that she has now stopped panting is that okay? 

OK.  That's my guide to know when to worry.

mine panted for 24 hours before starting to push. if she stopped i wouldnt worry, she will start again when ready

> No I have never found taking their temperature very reliable

Nor me!  :-)

If she had been panting and had contractions I would be more worried.  It does sound as if she is not quite ready yet.  Of course, you do know that they do this to worry us don't you?  They love us to have grey hair.  :-)

i agree with jean here i dont worry about them panting on and off ,1 of mine panted very bad for about 38h on/off then her contractions started she didnt have 1 pup for about 6h after that and had them over 26h :O was a long labour but all was fine ,good luck let us know xx