boxer in heat

Question
Hi there
My 5 year old pet, purebred boxer has had normal seasons, then has had two  "false"
heat, with her rear swelling considerably for perhaps a week, but never starting
bleeding.  Now three months after the last false alarm, she has swollen again and
commenced bleeding.  We would like to breed her for the first time and would like to
make sure we maximise our chances of success.  From day one of bleeding, when is
the best day/s to breed her, and after that, how long is gestation?  Thanks.  D

Answer
Hi. Breeding your girl this late in the game may not be a good idea. I would have a complete check up before I did it, and prepare yourself for a possible c-section. If she's starting to have problems with her heat cycle, I'd have her overies checked to make sure everything's good. Most people breed on days 11 and 13, or on days 12 and 14. Pregnancy lasts 63 days, although it can safely go between days 58-65.