Our 2 year old bitch gave birth to a beautiful puppy.  The birth went well with no complications at all.  We're into the 3rd day and now our bitch is behaving very oddly.  Her panting has increased (there is almost a squeal to it), and she appears to be nesting again and has become restless.  She doesn't apear to want to each much other than wheatabix and milk!.  Her temperature is fine and the puppy is feeding well.  We have expressed some milk on the advise of the vet.  Jess has left the welping pen to toilet. Is this usual behaviour?  This is our first litter so we're just learning together.  Kind regards and appreciation.  Chris.

Most bitches pant and dig for few days after the birth if not longer sometimes, I would say it some pain from a contracting uterus. Did you see the placents for the pup? It is important that this has been expelled.

If she's not eating much i would definitely try to get her on something far more nutritious than wheatabix if possible - you could try chicken or cooked mince perhaps and i wouldn't give her cows milk, see if you can get some goats milk intead most supermarkets sell it.

Glad puppy is doing well.

Hi, i give my girls collocal D after whelping, it can be a lack of calcium that causes behavior like this, but she has only one pup so it might not be that.
I think maybe you should take her to your vets for a check up, you will be able to get the Collocal D there too.
It is normal for them to pant and dig as she will be having after pains and yes its normal to leave the whelping pen to go to the toilet.
Your vet might scan her to see if there is anything left inside.
Congratulations on your puppy.
LIz

Hi there, the placdeta was passed and she was subsequently scanned everything looks fine.  I'll try the chicken and goats milk I know she particularly likes that.  Thanx for the advise!  Chris.

Thanx Liz.  Jess has calmed down this morning but we have reduced the heat settings in the room following some advise I'd read earlier today.  The scan has been done and everything appears fine there.  I have to say the puppy is gorgous but I guess we all say that!  Take care. Chris.