My boxer is expecting. Can someone help me with the timeline?

Question

My female boxer is expecting. This is a PLANNED pregnancy. We took her to the male dog on September 10. The owners of the male dog have very busy lives and didnt "witness" a mating until September 17 although mating could have occured before this. We have confirmed the pregnancy by ultrasound but are unsure of the approximate whelp date. According to the ultrasound, she is carrying at least 8, possibly more. She has gotten a lot larger and is eating more and filling out more in the milk department (although no milk can be squeezed out yet). We can see the pups moving around when she is at rest very easily. Can someone please tell me about when I can expect her to whelp. I am a flight attendant and am away from home numerous days at a time and I need to plan to be here when she delivers. Any signs I should look for in particular?? Today is 55 days since she was put with the male but only 49th day since mating was witnessed. PLEASE HELP!!!

Although I truly appreciate all answers, I would appreciate it even more if answers could be limited to my questions at hand. I do not need critisisms and cut-downs, just answers. Thanks.

Answer 1

Ok Now your suposed to count from the 1st mating. But since it wasn't witnessed when that was. It can be hard to tell, because a dog with a large litter can go as early as day 58. Once milk can be depressed or starts leeking she will be having those pups anyday. The only thing you can do is start taking her tempreture. Normal temp is 101 degrees, 24hrs before birth their temp will drop to 98degrees, so just keep checking her temp. also right before whelping she will loose her appitite.

Answer 2

You should talk to people at the dog shows. Breeding is not something that should be done by traveling parents or to non-champion dogs. Papers and bloodlines are virtually meaningless if your dog hasn't been proven to be champion quality. You prove this by showing her.

While at the dog shows, you should have met some other breeders who will help you. If you aren't showing, don't have a breeder who can help you, and your dog isn't a champion, then you should not have bred. Please, read up on what a reputable breeder is and take this into consideration before you breed your dog again. Now that she's already pregnant, try calling a reputable breeder and ask for their help.

Both dogs have been certified free from genetic defects like Elbow dysplasia and Hip problems? Both have been certified free of defects like Hypothyroidism, Aortic Valve Disease, Cardiomyopathy and other heart ailments?

You have a contract that states that all 'pet quality' puppies will have limited registrations and must be spayed/neutered?

Your contract makes it clear that you, as the breeder, are responsible for each and every pet for their whole life? This means if the owners can't keep the dog ten years from now, you will take it back from them?

You have a Q&A form for each prospective buyer? You are willing to contact their vets and visit their homes?

You know the faults of both your dog and the stud? You can describe how they deviate from the standard and why you think that this mating will fix some of the problems?

You have 3-7 generations of pedigree and health information available to prospective buyers?

You already have a waiting list for most of the puppies and these are prospective buyers who have already been screened?

You have a list of all titles that your dog and the stud dog have claimed?

You offer a health guarantee?

Just some reminders of what a reputable breeder has prepared.

I hope that all goes well with the pregnancy.

Answer 3

Congratulations!!! The average time to whelp from first mating is 63 days... If she was put with a male but didnt have a confirmed mating until a week later, chances are she was not ready on the 10th... it is possible there was another mating prior to the 17th... Typically I dont put my bitches with the dog unless I am there to supervise, & have a confirmed ovulation date through hormonal testing @ my vets.

Now, 63 days is the average, they can safely go as early as day 58, and sometimes can run late... Signs that labor is beginning is she will be restless, want to be near you, begin panting & will look for areas to nest in (you should have the whelping box ready & have introduced her by this time).

My girls typically begin labor a full day before their water breaks, and begin delivery 6-12 hours after that. The morning of delivery (or perhaps the night before) most will refuse their meal.

My best guess is that she is within a week away from her actual whelping date. To be more accurate than this, you might want to check with your vet to see if an ultrasound can confirm more closely the development of the puppies. In addition, I would make sure your husband, family member, fellow breeders, close friend, etc, can stay with her from now until she whelps when you are gone, just to be sure.

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

It will vary with each dog. If she bred early in her visit (say the 11th or 12th) you can look for puppies to deliver as early as the 10th Nov.
If she bred as late as the 17th, expect puppies as early as the 15th Nov.

Dogs can deliver early or late, with normal being about 60 (normal for MY dogs) I would plan to be home, or have a competent sitter from the 10th through the 17th.

With the stud owner being so busy, I would go with the earlier date just to be sure my female isn't alone in case you need vet assistance for the big event.

I would check with my vet office of choice NOW to determine who is on call during the week you are expecting babies. In a stress related situation, you do not need to be trying to find a vet to carry you dog to. Your brain will not be functioning correctly, MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS NOW

Answer 5

Hopefully you are already prepared for the birth, because it sounds like it will be very soon. One way to tell that the birth will be within 24 hours is to monitor her temperature. Normally a dog's temperature is 101.5 degrees F. When they are about to give birth, their temperature will significantly drop to anywhere from 98 to 99 degrees. Check her temp every two to three hours. When you see the temp drop, you'll know you have a very busy day ahead. Good luck on your grandpuppies!!!!!!

Answer 6

WOW. Backyard breeding at it's best!!!!!!! I cannot believe the stud dog owner just LEFT them together and didn't have specific dates for you. That is prety darn irresponsible on BOTH your parts!!!!!
You could have avoided this by doing it the right way, and making it a top priority, or you should not be breeding. It seems you are all too busy for any of this.

Guess you didn't PLAN to well.

Answer 7

Hi around nov 13th if she was mated on the 10th sept or around the 20th of nov if she was mated on the 17th sept...if you need anymore help you can contact me thru my website
Regards Jake
Read my yahoo profile for my info or my website profile page http://ferretandfriends.piczo.com/