Stage 1 labour seems to be quite variable. On average it lasts between 6 and 12 hours but can be as long as 18 hours. For some though, the first signs that whelping has started is the arrival of the first pup !
Common signs that can be visible during stage 1 labour are :
- restlessness and nervousness
- shivering and panting
- scratching and digging at the floor
- repeated lying down and getting up
- frequent licking of the vulva
- a clear, odourless, stringy vaginal discharge (like raw egg white) : this is the mucus plug that filled the cervix during pregnancy
It's now Wednesday night, 60-61 days past ovulation so I'm expecting it all to start very soon :) We've been taking her temperature since last night and it's been fairly constant at around 100 F. I need to finish assembling the whelping gear tomorrow, the list is
- box with bedding and hot water bottles should any of the puppies need to be temporarily removed from mum
- surgical gloves
- towels
- newspapers (lots of them)
- dettol wipes
- dopram v
- kitchen paper and gauze pads
- vet details !
- torch with fresh batteries
- glucose and water drink (for the dog !)
- bin liners for putting all the soiled paper in between puppies
and of course
- digital camera batteries charged
- video camera battery charged
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