Hi all you experienced breeders out there.  I have a Goldie who (hopefully) is pregnant.  I would like to try and palpate her myself as she gets so hyped up at the vets.  Please give me some advice about when you believe is the best time in number of days and exactly where to feel and how much pressure one can use - as I obviously don't want to disturb what happening in there!    

read the book of the bitch but personaly unless your experienced i,d leave it to a vet as there is a certain time when it can be done It explains it all in the book.good luck

I wouldnt do it,I dont like my vet even doing it,I just feel they are so delicate that they are easily damaged,you
could have her scanned instead.

I just purchased the book of the bitch. best buy ever, written in easy to understand english and crammed full of info. well worth investing in!

I have the Book of the Bitch - although mentions palpation, does not describe how to actually do it!  I think I'll wait and have her scanned - better be safe than sorry.  Thanks

It says not to do it yourself, and I never would, not having veterinary training where palpation is a diagnostic technique used for many things.

I wouldn't do it either.  If she gets stressed at the vet, and would be stressed by being scanned - you'll just have to wait and see.  (says me who rushes off the the scanner asap!)

i agree scanning can be stressful. cant you just wait to see what nature does? i was never certain mine was pregnant until a week before when i saw them moving- then you can gently put your hand on the tummy and feel them move- its lovely! id wait till then, but i know the suspense can kill you!

hello, I cetainly wouldn't try and palpate (even though in my nature to do so as midwife). Book of the bitch says no unless experienced as this is a crucial time for puppy development. I did have my dog scanned on first litter but only to confirm pregnancy and this was about 4 - 5weeks. 2nd time around i just waited, normally around 4 weeks you get clear discharge which is good indication and then around 6 weeks i could feel them move, she did have 6 and is a small to medium breed.

Be patient the time soon goes!

Thank you all for your responses - think I'll leave the palpating alone.  Ellie is only excited at the vets at she is so keen to meet everyone - not stressed - but would probably not stand still for long enough for the vet to have a good feel.  I go to a lady who scans in her own home, so the levels of excitement should not be an issue.  I am desperate to know what - if any - she's carrying.  Do I wait until I can feel them move around 6 - 7 weeks or spend yet more money to find out and possibly be disappointed earlier?  Trying to be patient....

I scan at 30 days. The vet does the scanning using a good scanner and the vets have lots of experience using it, but the number of pups has always bee underestimated on the scan. Not that I mind - I just want to know that the bitch is in whelp so that I can make arrangements.

[Unfortunately, my vet doesn't have much experience in scanning - only bought one 2 weeks ago so I have to travel.  It is only really for confirmation that I want to know as I already have a waiting list and the earlier you can tell people yes or no - the more time it gives them to look for another puppy.  Lady who scanned another bitch last year was spot on with numbers - got about another week to make up my mind.  I think the studs owners are keen for me to have it done as I've only paid a handling fee to date./i]

Hi lorripop, fellow midwife and dog fanatic here - just saying hello.  I was able to hear the pups heartbeats with my sonicaid when I bred.  It was about a week before they were due.  My kitchen was set up like a delivery room, gloves, oxygen, torch etc.  My bitch made it all look so easy compared with many of the human births I've attended.

Hi Dudley
I too listened with my sonicaid when Florence was in labour - i thought she had one left inside so listened in and sure enough the little heartbeat was racing along nicely.

I think as being a midwife and a 'low risk' one at that I am less concerned about how long Florence had been pushing as you know if progress is being made - i could feel the puppies moving down in the perineal area. Also not scared to put a gloved finger in and see if theres anything to feel!

It is much easy when you know the process!

Where do you work?