| Week One
-
Days
1-8
During the first week the 2
cell embryos are in the oviduct. At this point
NO live
vaccines or treatments that contain insecticide should be used. You may notice that the
bitchs personality
may begin to change. Mine usually become more
affectionate and want to be on my lap all the time. This
is a good time to weigh your bitch and keep records to
see how much weight she gains during her pregnancy.
|
| Week Two
- Days
8-14 During the second
week the fetus grows from a 4 cell embryo to a 64 celled
embryo, and this is the time that the embryos enter into
the uterus.
|
| Week Three
- Days
15-21 During the third week the
ovules have changed in shape in order to become embryos
that adhere to the walls of the uterine horns; the
nervous system is already formed. The
personality changes become more prominent and morning
sickness may occur.
|
| Week Four
- Days
22-28 During the fourth week the
puppy grows from five to ten millimeters, and starts its
development. The spinal cord and
eyes have developed and the face has taken shape. This is a critical time for the
embryos as this is when it can develop birth defects.
Days 26-32 are the best days to palpitate for puppies. I
recommend that only a vet or an experienced breeder do
this. The dog may experience some vaginal discharge and
her mammary glands will begin to develope. At this time
you should limit ALL strenuous activity, jumping or
extensive running.
Add protein to the diet in the
form of cottage cheese or hard boiled eggs every other
day. I also add hamburger meat. At this time I exchange
their dry dog food to puppy food.
|
| Week Five
- Days
29-35 During the fifth week the
fetus grows another 12 millimeters and begins to resemble
a puppy. The toes, claws and whisker buds start to
develop and their internal organs finish developing. At
this time the gender can be discovered through an
ultrasound. Fetal eyelids develop and close over the
eyes.
|
| Week Six
- Days
36-42 During the sixth week the
fetus should weigh 6 grams and measure 45 millimeters in
length. The Heartbeat can be detected at this time with
a stethoscope, and the pink pigment on the skin is now
developed. The dog's nipples should be enlarged and
darken. I continue giving my dogs puppy food
and continue to give cottage cheese and boiled
eggs for a natural source of calcium and hamburger meat,
as this helps with the high protein needed. Abdomen
continues to get larger, depending on how many puppies
she is caring
|
| Week Seven
- Days
43-49 During the seventh week,
from this moment on the growth of the fetus is very
fast. The hair on the bitches abdomen will begin to shed and
the nipples should be bigger and darker. Sometimes you
can see the outline of the milk sac's around the
nipples. Most dogs will have a clear discharge which is
normal. The puppies can be felt moving and are still
growing and the abdomen continues to get bigger.
|
| Week Eight
- Days
50-57 During the eighth week the fetuses are already calcified and therefore can be
seen by means of x-rays/ultrasound in order to verify their
positioning and approximate number. Puppies continue to
grow and if born at this time, the puppies would have a
good chance to survive as this is their safe period and
their lungs are strong enough to keep them alive. At
this time the puppies will become more active and can be
seen or felt moving.
|
| Week Nine
- Days 58-65
During the ninth week, the fetuses
have already completed their prenatal development and
are ready to be born. From the 58th day on, whelping is
imminent. Puppies will come soon. Make sure you are prepared.
Have
your whelping box and necessary tools. I start taking
bitches temp 3 times a day, and keep a record. When the temp
gets to 98 and stays, I know she will be having her
puppies with in 24 hours. Not all dogs are the same, that
is why I try to keep good records. Make sure you
have notified your vet in case there are any problems.
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