Whelp Watch

Kitty is my rescued dachshund. We are expecting puppies between 6/3 - 6/11 according to our vet. I will be streaming the birth when it starts:

www.ustream.tv/channel/dachshund-whelping

I am not a backyard breeder and my experience of whelping dogs goes as far as seeing a couple litters born when I was a kid. Kitty came to me pregnant, along with another rescued dachshund, which may be one from one of her previous litters, also pregnant. I am open to any advice from experienced breeders.

Maybe someone can answer one question, how long before a dog goes in labor does her vulva start to swell? I have noticed Kitty has a swollen vulva and she is shedding a lot of hair.

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WHELP WATCH OWNER NOTE:
While Whelp Watch only permits purebred litters, an exception has been made in this case. The sire is unknown in this case, but the bitch is a rescue bitch. The owner rescued a bitch and her daughter, both pregnant. Since the owner has no experience, we permitted her on whelp watch for assistance.
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My dog hasn't started labor yet, I was planning on running the webcam during the process. I'll give it a test run tonight to make sure everything is working properly. Her temperature was 99.8 yesterday and 98.1 today. After reading on temperatures I would imagine we are going to have puppies soon. She was still eating a lot of food today. Do you have any experience with dog temperatures and labor?

Okay, sounds like you're getting close. I'll put a notice out on our facebook page to get people to pay attention to this thread. I'm sure it will help you to have folks holding your hand a bit during this event!

Why don't you post a picture of your girl?

Dian

The picture didn't go through, I'm attempting to attach this again.

The pictures have to be a specific size and type. Send it to me ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and I will post it for you.

kitty's picture, sent to me by her owner:

second image

Kitty is breathing heavy and a little shaky, I think labor is starting. I will be streaming tonight in an hour or so, once I get her settled in her whelping area.

Sounds like she started more than a bit ago. If she's shaking, she's probably moving right along!

I won't make a general announcement until you have the camera on. It's getting late here. Any chance you can get the camera on sooner than an hour from now?

She has done this before, been shaky and whiny, with nothing after. She is seeming to settle a little. I'm putting the cam up right now. It will be on for sure when she has the puppies.

done this before with this litter?

Yes, I thought she was in labor a few days ago doing the same thing. Not sure if you can hear her breathing, but she is grunty.

Kitty is beautiful! I will be watching when I can.

I see Miss Kittie is still pregnant ☺ Any updates?