Hello, my Rat Terrier is in labor and started this around 5:00pm yesterday.
She is still having contractions, restless panting but up moving around. I can see that she is very uncomfortable and cant seem to find a comfortable spot.
How long does this suppose to last?
Well I assume she is definitely pregnant, and her labour is close, for you to ask could it be that?
What colour is the slime? I do believe there is some peculiar discharge just before giving birth.
One sign of labour beginning is a sudden drop in temperature, so that may be one of the reasons she is shivering. Of course, pains cause dogs to shiver too.
Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days, though obviously it can vary a little, a day or so each side of that. So if that much time has passed since she mated, I think you can probably say it is her time to give birth.
Usually the birth will go without complications, but do be prepared for any problems, because they CAN happen. Have the vet's number and emergency out-of-hours number on speed dial, just to be on the safe side. If she strains without producing a pup for an hour or more, she needs the vet.
If I were you I'd google-search "dogs, giving birth", or "dogs, pregnancy and labour" and you will get some helpful advice to refer to as the birth proceeds, I'm sure.
I've never been there at the birth of pups (wish I had!) so that's all I can say to help you right now. Good luck! Hope all goes OK, and there are some lovely little puppies soon, and a happy Momma!