shih-tzu pregnancy

Question
My shih-tzu  was bred with a chihuahua and I marked it on the calender when they mated and had the due date figured out to be nov. 5th she never got big or looked pregnant. I thought I may have felt one in her but wasnt sure. she has milk and has stuff leaking out of her back end and has been licking back there since the 5th but hasnt went into hard labor yet should I be worried?

Answer
Hi Julie

Gestation is 63 days from ovulation not necessarily from the date of breeding.  Did you have the male and female both tested prior to breeding?

"Feeling" for a pup is a science, and what feels like a pup can actually be the liver or kidney.  You are best to do ultra-sound or x-ray.

If she's licking, chances are her mucus plug has become undone and whelp can begin anytime.  I would however, advise x-rays.  A singleton can be hard to whelp especially if it's breach.

Good luck