how do i know?

Question
Hi. My name is Amber. I have a 1 1/2 yr old Lab mix. She went into heat a couple or weeks ago (it didn't dawn on me to keep track of the day) and there was a male mix breed dog living in our yard following her every where she went the whole time. Now her teats have grown and so has her belly. She keeps panting but I can't see any contraction's. When I feel her belly it's extremly harder than normal. Is she pregnant? She is an outside dog, do I need to bring her in (which I have done)? What can I do to make her comfortable? We had a jack russell that had about 3 litters should I be looking for the same things, or is it gonna be different?

Answer
Hi Amber. It sounds like she might be pregnant. You can take her into the vet for an x-ray if you want. It will tell you about how many she'll have, and about when she should be due. I'd suggest a trip to the vet for a check up anyway. Definitely bring her inside. make her a whelping box in a warm, out of the way room. Just watch her closely, and be there for support. That's all you really can do right now. She should show the same pre-labor signs that your other dog has. Some girls are different though. She may have different signs. It's really hard to say for sure. Just watch for her to loose her mucus plug, and to pant heavily and dig. Good luck!