Hi, is it a given that all bitches lose their appetite when they start their labour, or does it differ amongst different dogs depending on litter size etc.

I'd say some do and some don't.  One of mine was scoffing right up to the last minute (but then I own a somewhat greedy breed! )

Ditto Kennel Maiden and I always give mine goats milk with glucose during labour.

My last 2 didn't go off food at all, in fact the youngest & most recent whelping, she had small meals throughout 1st stage labour along with glucose & goats milk

Thanks. That's good to know. My bitch is on day 57 now and has just started stage one of labour but her appetite has not diminished in the slightest.  She is absolutely ravenous all the time.  No real sickness either, which I'm pleased about. She has got quite a large litter for her breed so I did expect it a few days early.  Scanned for 8 at 32 day with the possibility of one or two more apparently.  So we'll see what happens.