i have read that a sign of pregnancy is softening of the vulva does anyone know at how many weeks after mating does this occur or does this not always happen

I am not sure about the terminology "softening" but I can tell because the vulva doesn't go back to the pre season size.

The only time I notice a sort of softening, is just before they whelp, when the vulva goes sort of spongie <sp> and larger looking and like Blue has said, normally the vulva doesn't go back to it's preseason size!

My bitch's vulva started to swell about 5-6 days before she gave birth, then went soft & spongy the day before she whelped.

Hi
I'm new to the site. Have been reading this thread with great interest. One of my Yorkies Lacey is 5+ weeks post mating and her vulva has not gone back to its pre-season size. I am hopeful that this is a good sign. My other Yorkie Ellie was mated 3 times without success and her vulva had shrunk back to pre season size by 3 weeks.
I haven't had a litter of puppies for over 15 years so I am very excited. Once I lost my origional two Yorkies through old age I left it until my children were older to get another one.
I have The Book of the Bitch which I have devoured. Also about 4 other books, but it was a top Yorkie Breeder/Exhibiter that told me to look out for the vulva not returning to size as a good sign.
I will I am sure be looking for some advice & guidance in the next 4 weeks.
Helen

Just for info...My Lab is 25 days post mating and the 'jammy doughnut' [kids name for vulva!] is in the same 'backwards facing' position as when in season, but is soft now.... Pregnancy was confirmed on day 21 by ultrasound.   :-)

Hi
Thanks for info. Vulva still same and soft. First mating was 6 weeks ago tommorow. Starting to look as tho has bit of a "belly on her now".
Had my other bitch scanned at 21+ days after 3 matings and nothing, so thought this time I'd sit back and see what developed. With my other one vulva had returned to preseason size by 3 weeks. I must admit I am quite hopeful this last couple of days. My daughters friend came over today & Lacey rolled on her back to have her tummy tickled and Hayley said "shes definatley getting rounder" I will take her to the vets in next week or so just for a "once over" & so that they are aware of the fact she is (hopefully pregnant)
Helen x