I have been a little delayed in making these posts. And since today is Day 60 for Lizzie, I'll just post weeks 8 and 9 at the same time.
WEEK EIGHT
Puppy Development (Days 50-56)
The fetuses are now quite crowded in the uterus. We can even see their sporadic movement while watching Lizzie’s belly as they get into position for the coming birth!
By day 50 the fetuses’ skeletons should have solidified completely.
The organs are already well developed. The last to do so now are the lungs.
The fetuses are covered with coat, claws are developed, and skin pigmentation starts.
Changes in Mommy Dog
She will begin natural nesting behavior like looking for dark corners or digging at the bedding in the whelping box.
It is also at this point that she will begin lactating; milk may spontaneously release form the teats.
Care of Lizzie
Increase feed if she will eat it.
She is resting a lot and likes things calm and quiet. In other words, does not like Shiloh playing inside!
It’s time for Lizzie to receive the mommy spa treatment! Bath, clip nails, shave belly hair so it won’t get matted from nursing pups, trim hair around her nether-regions to make post-whelping clean-up easier on all of us. Groom very, very gently!
Breeders’ To-Do-List
Make any last-minute adjustments in the whelping area to make mommy comfortable
Print whelping record sheets
Make sure the vehicle is fueled up
WEEK NINE
Puppy Development (Days 56-63)
Calcification of their teeth starts.
Their lungs are now fully developed.
The whelps are now ready for birth and may become quite still as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come.
Changes in Mommy Dog
It’s very close now! While she is resting most of the time, she may also seem restless periodically.
Her mammary are significantly swollen!
Appetite will decrease 12-24 hours before labor. Offer her what she’ll eat.
Care of Lizzie
Give her lots of extra loves and gentle massage! She loves to lie on her back and have her tummy gently stroked. The fetuses like it too!
Keep the household quiet so she feels safe.
Encourage Lizzie toward her whelping box.
Breeders’ To-Do-List
Stay home and get as much rest while we can! Diffuse calming essential oils like lavender for everyone’s benefit. Ahhh.
Make plans to bring in lots of food for when the puppies start eating!
Get puppy toys and play equipment ready… the next three weeks go by fast.
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