Dog Pregnancy Calendar
Whelping and Raising Puppies
- Mating to One
- Dogs breed and there is a tie. Then wait 57 to 65 days. The sperm and the eggs can live a few days. It can take a couple days for the sperm to reach the eggs. When it does fertilization takes place. All the eggs get fertilized the same time, regardless of the time of each tie.
- Two
- Once fertilized eggs will travel to the uterus and implant.
Behavioral changes can take place. Your dog may become moody or more affectionate.
- Three
- With the embryos implanted the eggs begin to grow and develop. Your girl may begin to display breast development and mood swings.
- Four
- Palpitation can detect Fetuses horns around day 28 with an ultrasound.
To protect the fetuses the uterus fills with fluid, and the palpitation can no longer be felt.
Offer your girl a little more food, as she could be hungrier.
Facial features and spines are starting to develop in the pups.
- Five
- Your girls belly can look more swollen.
Serve smaller meals more often rather than big meals.
The sex organs begin to develop.
They start to look like puppies as the legs grow, and feet develop.
- Six
- Your girl could start to be less comfortable, and could vomit on occasion.
There may be some clear fluid discharge from the vulva. This is normal.
Pigment develops as the pups keep growing.
Eyes and lids have formed and remain closed till 2 weeks after birth.
- Seven
- Teats are bigger, and could contain colostrum.
Your girl could tire more easily, and look for a nesting box. Set up the whelp box.
The pups are developed well, and are growing daily. You may be able to detect movement of the pups.
- Eight
- Your girl could begin to dig in her whelp box and rearrange her bedding. This is called nesting and is normal.
Offer your girl as much as she will eat several times a day rather than one huge meal.
Pups have fur and are more active in their crowded space. They move to get into position for birth.
- Eight to Nine
- Puppies are ready to be born, you may not notice as much movement. Your dam, may appear restless, and will be uncomfortable, and stretch out a lot. Start taking rectal temperatures. Normal is 99.5 to 101. A drop to 97 - 98 on two readings an hour apart will mean the start of pre-labour.
Courtesy of MistyTrails Mastiff
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