please help first time for both me and my bitch. i have read every book. we are not sure of due date vet said from ultrasound look out 1st week december.
shelby shows what i think are signs but then nothing? she has a swollen vulva, is leaking milk her stomach has dropped,and when asleep deeply pants.the last two day has had strings of mucus and thought i saw a water lost but ? because she very good at cleaning up could be salvia,today i have noticed she has softer bowel movements and very sleepy,still eating and drinking fine. can any body help should i start sleeping down stairs just in case 

You need to start sleeping with her about a week before her due date, as some bitches only go 8 weeks.  I don't go by what the vet says, I count from date of first tie.  When did you have her mated?

you need to be with the bitch 24/7 even when she goes out to toilet in the dark take a torch as puppies can be born outside because the bitch sometimes thinks she need to poo when it the first pup arriving.

Agree with Jean due date counted from first then second mating gives an idea of when puppies due.

Sounds like her plug re the stringy mucus.

I would says she is on her way but could be a long wait. Look at her eyes as they tend to  glaze over when she is in full labour.

thats the problem we had two accidents where my male dog jumped the stairgate. she came into season the 25 september,first time he jumped the gate was 1st week october but he didnt seem interested he usally lets us know when she ready he dont shut up bless him, second time round about the 12th but seperated them within minutes so cannot believe he mounted but he was very kine to get at her its possible but didnt tie so was thinking the earlier date.