laboring dogs

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 year old female boxer that is due with her first litter any time she has been panting heavily off and on for about 11 hours is this normal?

ANSWER: Hi Tom

Panting in dogs is part of the whelping process.  You want to make sure she's not straining, that could indicate a problem, like a blocked pup.

Nesting, panting and even whining is common.  You can give her a bowl of vanilla ice cream.  That will give her a boost of calcium, keep her hydrated and lower her temp.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: how long should stage one last

Answer
It could start a few days before she actually whelps as the pups start moving down the horns.

To help things along you can take her for short walks, make sure you carry a towel, or if you are walking her at night, to bring a flash light. You want to watch whenever she squats that she doesn't expel a pup.