hi my dog is on day 56 of her pregnancy , im a bit worried because she keeps going in the garden to strain for a poo but nothing comes out

Watch like a hawk and don't let her alone in the garden.  My bitches regularly whelp on day 56, pups are perfectly viable.  If she's straining are you sure it's not contractions?

shes been doing it on and off all night , il be staying up with her tonight

hi shes just been outside doing it again ? its like shes strainning to go toilet

Sensible thing to do IMHO.  I know people feel cheated if their girl doesn't whelp when they've purposely stayed awake, but I prefer to be cautious.  If a bitch gets into difficulty I want to be able to jump in the car and get her to a vet quickly.

This is why we look so haggard when we have a bitch mated.  It's our punishment. 

I hope all goes well for you and your girl, sending positive vibes.

> its like shes strainning to go toilet

Looks like she's ready to empty her bowels ready to give birth.  Take a torch out with you just in case.  You're not allowed to tell me what breed, but what breed group is she?

thank you when they have contractions do there vuulvas contract ?

shes a large breed

Ok I only ask because it gives some idea of when to call in the cavalry.  With tiny breeds you need to be far quicker to get intervention.  They are far more likely (in my experience) to have problems with inertia.  With larger breeds they are more likely to go through to the following day.  Do you know how many pups she's carrying?

the vet thought 6 but wouldnt give a definate number , shes not panting or nesting just keeps wainting to go outside and strain for a toilet with nothing coming out

I do hope that someone who is used to breeding bigger dogs comes along.  While I'm very experienced, it is with toy breeds, and the rules do differ!

> do there vuulvas contract

No, it is the uterus.  If you are a novice you really do need an experienced breeder there to help your bitch.  Most novices will have been with their bitches breeder and watched how she whelps her bitches.  Would you recognise inertia?  Have you read The Book of the Bitch?

hi i think she was constipated as shes just passed a large hard stool , the book of the bitch is my bible at the minute , iv also got  a breeder of my breed on hand for advise as well as my vet , shes in her bed now sleeping but im gonna stay awake tonight

Any news?

hi no news yet , were on day either 59 , 60 or 62

Thanks for reply.  I do hope that all goes well for you.  Nail biting times.

thank you

hi update is mabel gave birth to a girl today she had her with ease but when she didnt seem to be contracting after 2 hours had gone by i took her straight to the vets worried she had inetria , vet xrayed and she was completly empty , so iv just got the one girl who vets say is strong and mum is fine and healthy