Hi you may have read previously about my bitch being on Cefalexin. Well last night she started scratching the newspapers and then a bit of panting. But this morning its stopped altogether and she's eaten as normal so I gave her another tablet the thing is shes still got a cough and only two tablets left, but if this is a sure sign of labour commencing then what do I do I dont want the pups to die? Do you think she should still have a few days left before labour her date is 9/7/03 please help

This could be the very early stages of labour, my girl delivered on day 59, all the pups were fine, she also continued to eat as normal right up to the first pup being born, so you'll just have to keep a really close watch on her.

It could also just be her body getting ready for delivery, sometimes they show signs like those described days in advance!

Good luck

The first stage - panting and scratching can last a long time 12-48 hours on and off. What you must watch for are "proper hard pushing" contractions. Once she starts those she should deliver a puppy within 2 hours, if she doesn't or the contractions start slowing down/stopping then its time to ring the vet for advbice. Ring him anyway to say your bitch is in the early stages- they like to know just in case you do have problems they will be aware of whats happening. Good luck

Thanks for that but have you any advice on the cough?