Dane not giving birth yet

Question
My friend has 2.5 yr old Dane bitch and her last breeding date was September 1st. She has been exhibiting signs of whelping however has not. She has been licking herself, looking at her belly, barking at owner, pacing and is restless. She does go and lay in her whelping pool. She is not very big at all neither are her teats. Her temp two days ago was 99. My friend is at a loss on what is going on and would like some advice. Should she take her to the vet today? Also, when let outside she runs like a mad dog and lays in a pile of hay. She is eating just vertain pieces out of her food and was taken off puppy food 10 days before anticipated whelp date.

Answer
Hi Mary

Have you confirmed that the female is in fact pregnant?

Larger breeds can go a bit longer than the 63 days.  I had a Mastiff go 75 and produce a beautiful litter of 10.

If she's licking herself, I suspect that her mucus plug is dripping.  

I wouldn't panic yet.  Mother Nature keeps her own schedule and it doesn't sound like this female is in distress.

Good luck