1st time whelping boxer

Question
QUESTION: Our almost 2 year old boxer just 1/27 am started digging in her whelping box.  It's her 1st litter.  I've NEVER birthed no dog babies before so hopefully I've got it all ready including vet.  She's having 6 pups all normal size.  She's been digging and periodically panting for 4 hours. Right now she's sleeping,....aggghh!  Her due date is 1/28.  Is this/sleeping normal?  I'm a horse breeder by day/night so this is new to me.
Thanks much,
Ann

ANSWER: Hi Ann. This is normal behavior for a dog. This can go on for about 24 hours before real labor actually starts. She'll sleep for awhile, dig for awhile. It'll drive you nuts. :-) If you need any help, let me know!

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QUESTION: Hello again!
My boxer is still panting hard after 10 hours with really little or no visible signs of contractions.  She's digging a lot and whining.  I've fed her about 3 cups of vanilla ice cream over this time period.  Is it time to call the vet?
Thanks much

Answer
Hi! As long as she's not having contrations without producing a puppy, and as long as she doesn't have a colored discharge before the birth of the first puppy, she's ok. They can pant and dig for about 24 hours before whelping. You can call you vet, and tell him what's going on. He may want to do a check up, just to be safe. Either way, he'll be prepared in case you do need him. Good luck! :-)