So, like I said Honey is on day 61. Scanned for at least 10 puppies at 5 weeks. Possibly 12-13 so a big litter.
She's a large gundog breed that are usually easy whelpers and usually have shorter pregnancies. The due date I have is from ovulation and not from the matings.
She is massive!!!
I really did expect her to go early and have them tues/wed time with nothing!
Her temp has been pretty stable at 37.7 ish over the last week. Yesterday, was slightly lower all day so I was waiting for that 'drop' and by 10pm it had gone back up. She didn't eat all day yesterday but otherwise is fine and happy in herself.
At this size, with this amount of puppies, just so I am prepared, how many days would you leave her before you start to worry?
She ovulated on the Monday, mated on the wed/thursday night.
I want to be prepared for inertia should it happen as she is sooo big.
What are the main things to look out for? My 2 mentors are now back from a champ show that was on yesterday so are on hand but wanted your advice as you guys have probably more experience of this. Of course, if I am concerned then a vet is first port of call along with mentors.
I know a few say that they can tell by their eyes but what else would tell you that your bitch was in trouble?
Wish she would just have them so I can stop worrying and know that mum and babies are safe and sound :-(

Thanks
Amy

One of my girls was very distended due to multiple  large puppies and I was concerned she my have difficulties.
As I had progesterone tested I knew expected delivery date and from due date I did progesterone test to establish if she SHOULD be going into labour. Once level is less than 2ng she should show signs of labour within about 24 hrs.
My girl did show signs of labour BUT could not get effective contraction going and first pup mal presented. By knowing what should be happening my vet was happy to c section without delay and all pups were just fine.
K

Earlier this year my girl (show type cocker spaniel) had 11 pups, she was massive, but still went to day 63 from 1st mating and delivered all naturally with no problems.  Because of how big she was I really thought she would go early, but didn't.

> I know a few say that they can tell by their eyes

I still say it's in their eyes.  It's why most people don't recognise it.  Very few first timers would recognise it.  If you know your bitch well enough you can see the total distress in their eyes.  They know they're in labour, even though there are no contractions.  It's why I don't listen to a vet telling me to give it more time.

I can't give you "other ways" as it's the only way I know.