My Pitbull is at 63 days

Question
My Pit bull is 63 days along and is breathing heavy her temperature has been 99 degrees or below since around 11pm last night and her temp a few minutes ago was 98.9.  She is breathing fast and heavy and just let out a moan when turning over. We built her a whelping area and she doesn't seem to want to relax in there with out my husband and/or myself lying in there with her.  Do you think she is close to delivery or does it sound like we have a while to go?

Answer
Hello Angela:

It's very difficult to say if she's merely experiencing pre-labor discomfort or full-on labor. Have you seen her water break? Can you see any obvious contractions? Normally along with the panting a dog nearing labor will shiver, pace, be extremely restless, refuse food & sometimes vomit. More than likely there's still a ways to go but I'd keep a very close eye on her if I were you. If the pups are over-sized, for example, she may be unable to deliver them vaginally & would need an emergency C-section. Not all dogs follow the temperature rule plus it will rise again after falling so it can be tricky to catch. Sometimes a walk while on leash will help things along but be sure to watch her carefully lest she begin delivering outside.