She is 59 days gone and shows no sign of whelping soon she is in a normal happy mood and i have read that by this time the bitches are usually tired out and start nesting is this true? Is there anything wrong with my dog? Also can i have some advice as i am living by myself would i benifit from someone there to help me?

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63 days is a norm but can go over it is always good to have someone with you just in case and whelping can take a long time and the company is good to !!

ok thanks do you think its a good idea to take her temp? I haven't a clue how to do it though!

You would need an annal thormometer. My newfoundland bitch had her last litter at 62day and showed no out ward signs untill a couple of hours before she welped, she ate a hearty meal 2 hours befor the pups were born. Some bitch's only nest or find a quite place in the hours before welping Have you done all you reading up,The book of the Bitch, and follow each stage, have all the equiptment you may need in place from now untill required so you are not caught short,if you are very worried let you vet have a look at her, just to put your mind at rest, DO NOT panic as the bitch will sence this.Good Luck stay calm

i have everything thanx! I'll keep you posted on progress.

Hi Alexia,

try not to worry too much. As people have said the average pregnancy is 63 days...my bitch whelped at 59 days, but I've known bitches go longer that 70 days without problems.

The best thing you can do is stay calm (difficult, I know!!) and just make sure you have everything ready, whelping room, newspapers, old towels, etc.

I'm sure you'll know when she's ready to whelp...she'll be panting and trying to nest....the panting stage is the first stage of labour, and can last a while. My bitch went 12 hours, and I know it can be longer than that.

I hope everything goes well.
Best of luck

Lisa