my bitch is 56 days into her 1st pregnancy, what do i look for to no when shes going into labour

if you type in the search at the top there will be loads of things regarding labour and what to look for. hope that helps

Well going from my experience with my toy poodle, 2-3 days before labour began she was ruffling up her bed (nesting). the night before she was extremely quiet and clingy. four hours before, she was sick, drinking lots of water, 1 hour before labour began she was panting quite heavily before getting into position, within 2 hours she was cleaning her 3 babies. I know every dog is different so somebody with more experience will be able to advise you soon.

Good luck and best wishes.
Amanda

Hi Stewpots,
I assume this is also your own first experience of whelping?  I hope you have already armed yourself with "The Book of the Bitch" - vital reading for anyone with an entire bitch, even if not intending to breed, but an absolute must have in your situation ;)  If you don't already have it I believe I've read on here before that pets at Home stock it - failing that you can order it express delivery from Amazon.com   If you're already clued up and in possession of the foregoing, my apologies :)
All whelpings are different hence signs of labour are too - are you still in contact with the breeder of your bitch?  If so ask what is usual in her bitch line.  Often they will know better than anyone how things are likely to proceed - such as if they usually go under or over due dates, if it's normally straightforward for their bitches or if it's likely to be a protracted delivery over a whole day/night, if c-sections are a likely risk, etc etc.  Of course all the info the breeder can provide will only serve as a guideline because nature takes over but it will nevertheless be helpful for you.
You don't say what breed you have - some breeds do have whelping difficulties so have you already researched this?
Sorry - I'm providing more Qs than As......  Teri :)

my breed show very little outward signs except being quite and clingy or taking to there bed ,some of mine have slept heavily prior to giving birth ,they also shiver.
Most bitches have a tmpreture drop 12 - 24 hours before whelping ,in my breed normal temp is around 37.8- 38.1 and the tempreture will drop to 36.8 to 37.2I have a bitch due on monday and the heat is not agreeing with her shes looking very fidgety  but her temp is normal.
im keeping a eye out just in case though!! :)
good luck
kate

My Bitch is also on her 56th day due the 25th :) , The book of the bitch is a great book ,pets at home sell it . Have you got any help ? The breeder or stud dog owner will probably be of some help if your worried or not sure about somthing .all bitches are different , Ive been taking my bitches Temp for the past 8 days Droping of the temp is an indication  hers has been between 36.7- 36.8 every second day ive been writing mine down in a book , going off food digging /ripping her bed  panting or shivering .is another sign
Oh be ready to inform your vet that shes gone into labour when the time comes , he /she can be ready incase somthing went wrong . Goodluck :D

Good luck to you as well kate My bitch is the same its probably  just the heat shes laying infront of a fan now it seems to be helping alot :)

my bitch is day 63 today and all signs point to her being in first stages .. trying to keep her cool coz it is hot but she refused dinner last night and breakfast this morning and she wont let me out of her site so looks like its going to be soon

Hi my bitch is five weeks gone ,and she doesn't like this heat at all. I hope all go's well for all of u ,good luck best wishes debbie. 

good luck to you both too have you any pups yet cazzie ? I gave my girl a cool bath tonight she was so hot , its all that fur she seems alot happier now. lets hope tommoro is a little cooler for our girls :)