Quote:
Originally Posted by yougetthesmiles  After the temperature drop, stage I labor begins, characterized by restlessness and anxiety. You may notice panting, pacing, refusal of food and maybe vomiting. Nesting behavior begins. This is the time to place her in the whelping box (hopefully she is already accustomed to the box). After getting settled in the whelping box, you may notice her dragging clothing or fabric to the area to form a comfortable bed. You may want to remove any clothing as whelping begins or these pieces of clothing may be permanently stained.
This stage of labor typically lasts 6 to 12 hours. At the end of stage I, the cervix is completely dilated. If your dog has not started whelping within 24 hours after beginning stage I labor, veterinary assistance is recommended. |
You definately have a different book than I do. I'll add that first stages of labor does include the expulsion of a water sack
I will say that a few of my dams do not do the customary nesting, refusal of food, vomiting, dirreah....what they do, in their first stages is stare into space or at a wall.