Puppy Development (Days 43-49)
The fetuses are well-developed and now begin attaining size in preparation for birth. Their growth continues rapidly, reaching 75% of their size at birth.
We can now feel puppies move in mommy’s abdomen, a truly special thing we look forward to every time!
Mommy’s uterus occupies 2/3rds of her abdominal cavity. We now feed her four small meals each day since the fetuses push on internal organs, most notably the digestive tract.
Ossification of the spine, toes, and pelvis takes place during this week. The fetuses’ hair will start to appear, and the skeleton will continue to increase in solidity.
Changes in Mommy Dog
Her mammary glands are now well developed. They probably contain a bit of colostrum or "first milk."
Lizzie is also starting to shed hair from her belly in preparation for nursing puppies.
She is noticeably more tired and quiet, searching for a place to whelp.
Care of Lizzie
Increase the daily amount of food again by 3 oz.
Be gentle with grooming.
Absolutely no jumping from now on until after whelping!
Breeders’ To-Do-List
Clean, paint, and set up the whelping box
Have enough disposable pads and clean bedding on hand
Bring in plenty of food, snacks, and frozen meals for us humans. A celebratory bottle of wine is always nice!
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