is labour imminent??

Question
QUESTION: My staffy is 58 days today counting the first day of mating, she is huge and had a scan confirming 7 but maybe more, today she hasn't eaten at all and it is now 6.30pm, she is very restless and keeps digging up my daughters bed even tho she has a whelping box in my room, is it not too soon for the pups to be born shes only due on fri/sat so still got 5/6 days to go, will they be ok??

ANSWER: It sounds as if she's definitely feeling the pre-labor symptoms. She should be fine at this stage - it's difficult to know for sure when conception actually takes place & generally they whelp when it's ok to do so.

Keep a close eye on her & be sure to contact your vet if any unusual symptoms manifest.

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QUESTION: Thanks, its morning now and nothing yet, she still has not eaten either, how long can this go on for? She has been sleeping since 7 last night, but did go toilet at 12 and at 5am. I keep offering her water but she doesn't want it. How long can she go without food and water?

ANSWER: She can go without food for several days but of course do encourage her to eat. Water is much more important. If you have or can get some plain children's Pedialyte or in a pinch, even Gatorade that has some additional electrolytes which may help her. You might also try feeding her plain boiled rice with a little ground beef (drain away all fat) or chicken. She may not have any appetite & as lobor advances dogs will sometimes a few bouts of vomiting so don't be too alarmed if this occurs. Just urge the fluids, even try using an eye dropper or similar device to know she's taking in something.

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QUESTION: thanks so much for your advice, am boiling some chicken and rice, don't know what pedialyte is as am in the uk, but I think its the same as diaralyte which you give to kids with sickness and diarroah, electrolyte drink??She has had a drink this morning. She is still sleeping. She mated on day 15 and 16 which was 29/30 march. How long does the pre stage labour go on for??48 hours?? How long before I call the vet??Have got book of the bitch, but erring on the side of caution, thanks, sorry for being a pain!!!

Answer
Hello Faye:

Don't worry, you're not being a pain! You're obviously just very concerned for your girl & that's admirable. I wish I could give you more definitive information but it's very difficult to say how long these symptoms will continue. Normally, most dogs will exhibit similar behavior for a day or two. It might be best to check in with your vet just to be on the safe side. I'm sorry about the confusion over Pedialyte but yes, it sounds like the same thing. Many products made for babies & young infants are safe to use for dogs & particularly pregnant dogs & often even puppies. Just be sure it contains no caffeine.

Chances are she's feeling the early stages of labor & may be experiencing some mild contractions. If you see her having actual contractions, where she lifts her tail & pushes as if to expel something (similar to a bowel movement) yet nothing is produced within 2 hours seek emergency assistance ASAP. Normally you'd see her water break - if sitting, it may simply appear as a spreading puddle, if standing it will appear like a fluid-filled balloon. And trust me, dogs rarely IF ever actually use the whelping box we so carefully provide for them! LOL I don't even try for that any more - I just lie out some newspapers and a large old cotton comforter as well as some old towels. Once the water has broken, full labor begins within an hour or two but most likely within half an hour. It's  usually obvious - rapid panting, shivering, shaking, restlessness, digging, etc. Keep an eye on the clock - if this occurs & after two hours no puppy has been delivered seek emergency attention ASAP.

I'm including a few links to sites you may find very helpful. The more you know the better your chances of success & your dog's well-being. Although some may be breed specific, most of the information is essentially the same basics for all breeds. I hope this helps! And try not to worry too much - she can pick up on your emotions & being strong will help provide her with assurance & confidence. Please keep me posted & I'll be keeping you & your girl in my thoughts!

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/pregnancy-birthing-and-newborn-puppy-care/page1.asp

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/pregnancy-in-dogs/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/normal-labor-and-delivery-in-the-dog/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/normal-labor-and-delivery-in-the-dog/page2.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-to-expect-when-you-are-expecting-puppies/page1

http://www.lifescript.com/channels/healthy_living/Life_Tips/pregnancy_in_dogs.as

http://www.lifescript.com/channels/healthy_living/Life_Tips/pregnancy_in_dogs.as

One more - this one has a nice layout & helpful "along the way" suggestions:

http://www.hilltopanimalhospital.com/whelping1.htm

Hi Faye:

Just wanted to thank you for your kind words & congratulate you on your new brood! I'm sorry one was lost but alas, this often occurs. Please give your brave girl & all the little wiggle worms a big hug from me & one for you too! You did great! Feel free to let me know if you have any concerns - I'm sure you're exhausted so grab some sleep when you can. Congratulations again!