Hi,
I've been reading these boards constantly in the past weeks, but this is my first post (and first litter). Tiffany woke me up about 6:00 this morning (It is Day 60) panting like crazy. I took her temperature and it was 98 degrees. Yeah! I thought... puppies will be here soon. She now seems uncomfortable and is digging a lot in her box, but most of the time she is sleeping! Is this normal? It has been 4 hours since she woke me with the panting, and she has not panted since. Appetite is good, and she's drinking some water, but she looks so unhappy! I'm a nervous wreck, and so worried about her. She is only 5 pounds, and I am really doubting my decision to breed her, so please don't say anything harsh about it, as I'm already feeling bad :( She is still very "glued" to me, which is normal for her, but she will let me out of her sight for longer periods than normal. I can feel the puppies moving a lot. Please let me know if everything sounds normal, or if there is anything special I can do for her.
Thanks!!

She sounds to me as she is in first stage labour, so don't panic. This stage can last a long time. Jasmine, my bitch was in first stage for over 24 hours so you have plenty of time. Stay with her because you never know when first stage will slip into second. Panting, digging etc are all normal symptoms. Keep the vets phone number handy and stay with her tonight, even if you have to sleep on the floor.

Hi
Sounds to me as she's in the first stage too..the digging and panting slows down and they sleep very soundly as if reserving their energy for later..don't leave her and watch every move..but not so she knows ha ha..good luck and if you need anything come on line and ask :) and if you get really worried call your vet.

Tracey

yep have to agree - first stage - ebbie was in first stage for about a day and a half

11 hours later, and she has had 1 puppy, a boy. She has been pushing on and off now for 1.5 hours trying to have the next one. I am scared stiff. Isn't 2 hours the max? It's night here, how long do I wait to take her to emergency? Thank you so much for your help earlier.
Penny

Pennyem, If you are worried then call your vet. Sorry I cant be of anymore help but im not a breeder. Let us know how you get on :-)

I did call the vet, several times :) She ended up having her second pup 20 minutes after I posted. She had a boy and a girl!!!!
Thanks for all of your help.
Penny

Penny, Was just reading your post. Congradulations!:) What breed is she? I have a yorkie who is 5lbs. and we just bred her. She's going into week 3. She's had quit a bit of morning sickness. Glad things worked out well for you.

Congrats :-) Hope both mum and pups are fine

Hi Penny
How many babies now....take a deep breath and relax !! :) it should be over by now or just about...keep us up to date :)
Tracey

She is a Maltese. It has been 12 hours since she had her last baby, and I kept thinking she might be having another because she was still panting. But that was all. She is still panting this morning, and as much as I hate to take her and the pups around any germs, I'm going to take her to the vet now. This has been very stressful for me. Especially the first pup, because she pushed it out and just left it, and I had to do everything, while shaking horribly. I think this type of job is better left to a calm person! After 1/2 hour she began taking her baby back from me, and know she'll barely let me pet her! Well, I'm off to the vet...

HI
Glad everything is ok, best to get her checked by the vet, it's difficult to know if there is one pup left unless you know what you're feeling for.
Let us know :)
Left to a calm person ???? do you think any of us are calm when we have a bitch whelping :) ...No way, we all know of the things that can go wrong :(
But you did ok, now the 24/7 care starts, get the matchsticks and place firmly in eye lids :)
Tracey

Mom and babies are doing great! The vet said she is just really tired out after all that hard work. Tracey- after last night I think I know what you mean :). One little squeek from a pup wakes you up. And though it's cute now, after a week of it I can imagine it's not soo cute! Mama can't stand for them to cry. She finally went outside to go to the bathroom. She took 2 steps out the back door, went all over the patio, then raced back in and down the hall to get back to her pups!! I imagine there will be a lot more fun times in the weeks to come.
:)

Hi, Glad all is well! I'm nervouse already with my dog, but all the information and support on this sight helps loads.:) Congradulations again! :)LOL

Hi PENNY
Hows Mum and babies ?? are you awake or just semi concious most of the time :) tiring isn't it...
Anyway hope everythings ok and babies are feeding , Mum sounds as if she's got the hang of it..most new Mums have a bit of a freak when the babies cry..look at the female who is collecting the mobile phone and taking it back to the whelping box when it rings ha ha.
Keep us posted ....when your'e awake :)

Tracey

Penny - congratulations to you and your girl. Must be something in the air as we had our pups yesterday too.

You are right about the "fun" times to come in the next few weeks........

Kate

Congrats Kate :D ..fill us in on the details..what breed, how many..boys? girls ? :D
Tracey

Swedish Vallhunds, one boy and three girls, the boy is a stump tail and the girls have full tails.

Kate