Expert: Renee Cox - 9/17/2008

Question
My boxer was first bred on 07/19/08 this is her second litter.. I am not sure how old she was when she had her first litter, since we got her after that but she is sooo huge now and we bred her to a 90lb male and our baby was about 46 lbs.... i am trying to make sure I am there with her when she gives birth just to make sure a c-section is not going to be needed....is there any way I can be sure to know to stay home with her like a sign that gives me time to prepare before she gives birth?? All i have found is that it can be any day now between yesterday and Sunday... I just checked on her about an hour ago and did not see a sack or anything and she did urinate and had a bowel movement....
thanks

Answer
Hi Melissa. Dogs will lose their mucus plugs about 24-48 hours before going into labor. It's this thick, clear glob of a discharge, you can't miss it. Te dog may go off of her feed, and be restless. About 24 hours before labor begins, she'll pant heavily and dig like crazy. Did you have an x-ray done?