Hi I am only a visitor to this site just looking for some advice.....

Not wanting to upset anyone and I really appreciate how much time and effort goes into this forum however I have a bitch just about to have her litter and there are a few things I am worried about.

Firstly I am worried about her having them unexpectedly are there any major signs other than contractions that I should look for I am really worried that she may have them in the night and I won't be able to hear her..... would I be worrying too much by sleeping downstairs with her ?????????????

there are a million other things I would like to ask but can't think of now so if anyone has any advice they can give to me to help our first litter I would appreciate it enormously...

thanks xxx

Hi guest, No you are not being silly keeping a close eye on her, most of us here sleep with our expectant bitches for a few nights prior to whelping and many nights after. Most bitches have a first stage of labour than can last up to 24 or so hours. She will seem restless, keep getting up and turning round, looking at their flanks, panting, digging, and generally seem uncomfortable. The contractions that you speak of are ( or should be) immediately before the pup pops out into the world. If you think of anymore questions that you would like to ask, register on this forum and then we can all try and help you. Best of luck with the birth

Here are some other things I find very handy for welping pups, plenty of warm facecloths, they are easier to rub down new born pups that a t towel, and I also alway give the bitch a drink of either Lactol or welpi with some calcium in it, this helps to stop pre-eclamsia. a heat pad is also useful for putting pups on while the mum is welping another pup. hope this helps. If you dont have a heat pad, a covered hot water bottle under some covers as the pups tend to slide off this. and last but not least, Plenty of patience, and don't panic !!!!!!! we all do!!!!!!

Hi, I breed rottys so I know what you will be going through, like the others say plenty of warm towels, newspaper etc. I sleep downstaires with cleo, take her temp every night and when it changes u will know she is going to go in to labour soon. The first signs cleo had was she would no sit down she was from one room to the next then she peed on my rug, which was her waters going after that it happened too quick to think, she had all 12 pups in 2hrs, it all went well and cleo was agreat mum and still is, i on the other hand have never gone so long with out sleep 6 full days with no sleep 10 mins here and there. So get some sleep now because you will need every minute of it.

Hi Guest
In the week prior to the due date I always check the bitches urine,it is usual for the bitch to pass a plug of white mucous and in my experience labour starts more often than not in the next 24 to 36 hours.After this she may pass small strands of mucous in her urine,don`t worry about this it is quite normal.

In this final week I introduce the bitch to the whelping box(in my case its in a bedroom so it is easier to keep an eye on her)so that when she starts
the 1st. stage of labour she is happy and used to her surroundings.The length of time a bitch spends `scratching up`i.e. making a nest varies from not nesting at all to tearing enough newspaper up to start a paper recycling plant.
I could continue but I think I`ve took up enough space already.I hope you have someone who is experienced at the end of the phone for when the labour starts if only for reassurance and also a flask of coffee to keep you awake as it can take quite some time .Best wishes for a happy and safe whelping
Regards Carole