Expert: Liz Gregory - 4/22/2009

Question
hi
i am an experienced breeder of 13 years but have never had a bitch go over due with her pups i have two stud dogs one who will only run with the bitch and the other who you can assist.  the bitch who was due on the 18th of April on her first serving has not given birth yet or showing any signs of labor, the dog covered her up until the following week making her last day of possible whelp Monday the 27th April i am just a bit concerned that she is now four days over due from the first mating.  she is well in herself but large she is eating, drinking and active the pups can still be felt moving ok.  she had a small amount of milk in her teats on the 18th but nothing after until this morning.  i will try my vet later to see what he has to say about it but he is in a meeting at the moment.

many thanks
Katrina

Answer
Hi Katrina,
As long as your bitch doesn't seem to be in any distress she should be ok. Take her temp and see if it has dropped. If she is in distress than I would worry if no pups are produced. It sounds like a normal breeding, you may have gotten her early in the first breeding. I just had a bitch that was bred too early not produce anything but a false pregnancy. Since you can feel the pups that isn't the case. I would think that as long as she is comfortable she just isn't ready yet.
Good luck!
Liz