HI everyone, some of you may know some of my history from previous posts.

I recently rehomed an airedale following the loss of my beautiful airedale earlier this year.

I have just learnt that she is pregnant! I thought she had a womb infection or possibly a phantom pregnancy.

Today my vet has confirmed a pregnancy but wasn't able to say how many pups there were.

We think she is due in the next week.

I have nothing at all and no experience. I have a room I can designate for her. I have three other dogs.

I would really like to know how many pups she is having and when she is likely to give birth. I've read about a sheep scanner. How do you locate this?

Any help would be appreciated please.

hi, wow what a surprise for you was she from a rescue and was she mated to another airdale? a know of a sheep scanner but he is not in your area, hopefully someone will be along to help you with one near to you? there may also be someone on here who is near to you and maybe able to help you

Thanks very much for your prompt reply. I bought her from a breeder. The breeder is in as much shock as me. I do know that she has mated with either an airedale or a labrador as she had both breeds. I also have the date of her last season.

I am trying to locate a sheep scanner but I've been told by one farmer that it is very expensive to call out for one dog. But I will keep trying. I just feel this information would be very helpful in terms of dates and how many pups to expect so I know they are all born.

Also where on earth do you buy whelping boxes from? They don't stock them at my local pet shop!

Did he say how far gone she is?????? You could get her scanned which the vet can do for you???? Not sure on the sheep scanner, unless you ask around, your vets may tell you someone who have one.??

Care of Mother Dogs and Puppies this link may be of interest to you.
I used a large carboard box and put in an old quilt with old towels on the top and newspapers at the bottom end of the box, or you could put lots of newpapers in a box for her and a thick towel for her to lay on. You will needs loads of newspaper as she will dig is all up and rip it making her nest for her puppies.
Heat Pad to keep puppies warm.
Nutri Cal.......which I gave a little of to bitch during hard laour and inbetween birthing of each puppies. I also had some vanilla ice cream and did the same as I did with the Nutri Cal. It will give her a boost of energy.
Phone number of vets at hand just in case.
Bowl of water to offer the bitch incase she is thirsty as she may not come out of the box to drink.

Breeding - Tie, Male and Female dog breeding tie This is an excellent site I read and gives you alot of information.


Nutri-Cal 4 5oz

These links will help you, and also you will have alot more information from other members on here with their experiences. xxxxxxxxx

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siggie done by Dawn. xxxxxxxxx

Thanks for your reply.

I had her scanned today to confirm the pregnancy as we weren't sure. My vet wasn't able to say how many there were, or due dates. But she guessed it would be around a week. Would be helpful to know more.

You can buy whelping boxes in that link I sent you for nutri Cal. Do you know when the dog and bitch Tied????? You could ask that breeder if she can give you some advice and help. She would know exactly what to do, even better if she lives near you to.
If you look at the link I gave you (first one) it will tell you about times, stages, and what to look out for etc............xxxxx

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siggie done by Dawn. xxxxxxxxx

Could they not see any puppies at all?, even one....... mind you if she is that far gone perhaps it will be hard to make anything out. They havent given you much information have they. Is that breeder living close to where you live?? maybe she can help you more with birthing.

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siggie done by Dawn. xxxxxxxxx

Awww bless you, what a surprise - did they offer you a scan?

There are a lot of lovely poeple on here that will beable to help you.
I have been reading up on it for ages, but i dont think i will 'ever be ready' iykwim, i think it is experience that counts in this game, could you have someone who has whelped a bitch before help?....as a first timer, i will make sure i have my vet on hand at the first sign of a problem that i am not comfortable to deal with.....keep calling them askign for advise, and if in doubt call them.
Cheryl, the lady above gives excellent advise.

Sorry you have been put in this situation xxxx but i wish you all the best xxxx

Love Gillyxxxx

I would get a large box and put loads of newpapers inside and a towel for her to lay on if she wants. Just in case your whelping things dont come through in time or you cant get one.
She will pee alot more often, and want to go poo too. Keep an eye on her if she goes out side at night or in the day just incase she thinks she wants to poo and in fact she is wanting to push.... keep a close eye on her for this week onwards. She will contantly lick herself (vulva) and will want you to be near her all the time, she will pant heavy and may shake alot too, you will notice the difference in her behavior as it will change altogether and sometime she will act very stangely, this means that she is starting labour. Have a read on that link i mentioned. ok...........xxxxxxxxx

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siggie done by Dawn. xxxxxxxxx

Thank you welshcrazy and GillyR for your prompt replies.

The scan showed definitely one pup but inconclusive about others. My vet there was probably at least two but she didn't think a big litter.

No idea when she mated and her previous owner has no idea either! Previous owner doesn't understand how it happened as she insists my dog was separated from her studs during her last season.