ClarksBullies_BU
Moderator
Registered: 12/19/08
Posts: 361
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Pregnancy Timeline
Week One
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Fertilization occurs
2 cell embryos are in the oviduct
The embryo is fairly resistant to external interference in development
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Possible morning sickness
Possible personality changes
CARE OF THE BITCH
Normal feeding
Normal exercise -- if she didn't normally get exercise before pregnancy, she should start getting moderate exercise every day
Check any and all medications with vet prior to administering
No insecticides (i.e., flea treatments)
No live vaccines
TO DO LIST
Put together pedigree on litter
Write contract
Contact AKC for litter registration application
Start taking puppy reservations
Week Two (Days 8-14)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Embryo will be 4 cell at start of week and 64 cell by end of week
Embryo enters the uterus
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Possible morning sickness
CARE OF THE BITCH
Continue as with Week One
TO DO LIST
Nothing special this week
Week Three (Days 15-21)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Day 19 -- Implantation of embryos in uterus
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
See above
CARE OF THE BITCH
See above
TO DO LIST
Nothing special this week
Week Four (Days 22-28)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Development of eyes and spinal cords
Faces take shape
Fetuses grow from 5-10 mm to 14-15 mm
Organogenesis begins-- Embryos are at their most susceptible to defects
Days 26 - 32 are the best days to palpitate (i.e.. feel for the puppies)
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Possible clear vaginal discharge
Mammary development begins
After Day 26, palpitation may be possible to diagnose pregnancy
CARE OF THE BITCH
Limit strenuous activity (such as working, jumping, long runs)
Add 1/4 cup cottage cheese or a hard boiled egg to food on alternating days
TO DO LIST
Schedule ultrasound or palpitation with vet if desired
Week Five (Days 29-35)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Development of toes, whisker buds, and claws
Fetuses look like dogs
Gender can be determined
Eyes (previously open) now close
Fetuses grow from 18 mm - 30 mm
Organogenesis ends -- embryos are now fairly resistant to interference with development
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Swelling becomes noticeable
Loss of "tuck-up"
Weight will start to increase
CARE OF THE BITCH
Slightly increase amount of food and switch to puppy kibble. If you feed one meal a day, add a small extra meal. If you feed twice a day, slightly increase one of the meals.
Add daily multi-vitamin for dogs
Palpitation no longer possible due to fluids in uterus
TO DO LIST
Nothing special this week
Week Six (Days 36-42)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Development of skin pigment
Fetuses should weigh around 6 grams and be 45 mm long
Fetal heartbeats can be heard with stethoscope
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Nipples darken and enlarge
Abdomen continues to enlarge
CARE OF THE BITCH
Add cottage cheese or hard boiled egg to food daily
Increase the amount of food in the extra meal
Bitch should start sleeping in whelping box
TO DO LIST
Assemble whelping box
By this time you should be fairly sure that the bitch is pregnant. Notify the people on your puppy list. Let them know when you expect delivery.
Week Seven (Days 43-49)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Growth and development continues
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Abdomen hair will start shedding
The bitch will start to look pregnant at this point
CARE OF THE BITCH
Slightly increase both meals
TO DO LIST
Stop any roughhousing or jumping
Radiographs (X-rays) possible to determine number and size of puppies
Week Eight (Days 50-57)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Fetal movement can be detected when bitch is at rest
Puppies can safely be born from now on
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Milk may be squeezed from nipples
The bitch will be very large.
CARE OF THE BITCH
Add moderate lunch
TO DO LIST
Gather whelping kit (see below)
Prepare phone list for help/support. It should include your vet's phone number, the emergency clinic's phone number, the number of any friends who will be offering support during whelping, and anyone else you might need to contact before, during, or after whelping (like your office to let them know you won't be in!)
Make sure your car is gassed up and ready for a possible emergency trip to the vet's office.
Week Nine (Days 58-65)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES
Growth and Development continues
CHANGES IN THE BITCH
Nesting behavior may be seen
Bitch may become distressed (panting, pacing, acting uncomfortable)
Temperature should be around 100.2-100.8 degrees Farenheit
When temperature drops to around 98-99.4 degrees Farenheit, puppies should be born within 24 hours
Appetite may disappear as whelping approaches
CARE OF THE BITCH
Start taking temperature three times a day
TO DO LIST
Notify vet or emergency clinic when temperature drops so that they will be ready if you have any problems
Keep detailed records on temperature and behavior of bitch
Double check that whelping supplies are ready
Post Partum
Make sure each puppy gets some of the bitch's colostrum (first thin milk) within first 24 hours. Colostrum is loaded with antibodies to protect the puppies from disease. It also helps to condition their tummies to accepting food.
Lochia (vaginal discharge) should be reddish to reddish-brown (green is okay on first day). If you see black discharge, contact your vet immediately!
Within 5-6 hours of last puppy's birth, take bitch and puppies to vet for check up. The vet will ensure that the bitch hasn't retained any puppies or placentas and that the puppies are in good health. Ask your vet to check the puppies for cleft palates and what options are available. This vet visit is something that should not be skipped. If the bitch has retained a placenta or puppy, she could quickly develop a serious infection which could prove deadly.
__________________
Clark's Bullies
Bullies United Management
http://www.clarksbullies.com
http://www.bulliesunited.com
clarkskybullies@yahoo.com
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