I found this chart on line to shine light on what *might* be going on inside of me....
| Zero to One | - Breeding takes place.
- Within a few days, the sperm reaches the eggs and fertilization occurs.
|
| Two | - The fertilized eggs make their way to the uterus for implantation.
- You may notice behavioral changes in your dog. She may become moody or more affectionate.
|
| Three | - Implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop.
- Your dog may begin to display mood swings, appetite changes and breast tissue development.
|
| Four | - Fetuses can be felt in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound.
- The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features.
- Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be felt again.
- Your dog's appetite will likely increase, so offer her more of her food.
|
| Five | - The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to look like actual puppies. The leg buds lengthen and develop toes.
- Your dog's belly will begin to look noticeably swollen as the pups take up more space.
- With less room for full meals, it's time to begin serving smaller meals more frequently.
|
| Six | - Pups continue to grow and pigmentation develops. The eyes now have lids and remain sealed until approximately ten days after birth.
- Your dog is noticeably more uncomfortable at this point. She may vomit occasionally due to the extra pressure against her stomach.
- You may also notice clear fluid discharge from her vulva. This is normal.
|
| Seven | - Puppies are well-developed, and now begin attaining size in preparation for birth.
- You may be able to see/feel the puppies' movements in your bitch's abdomen.
- Her breasts are well developed and probably contain a bit of colostrum or "first milk".
- Your dog is noticeably tired and may begin search for a place to whelp. Time to set up a whelping box.
|
| Eight | - The pups have fur and are now crowded in the uterus. You may notice a lot of activity as they get into position for the coming birth.
- Your bitch may begin digging the bedding in the whelping box. This is natural "nesting" behavior.
- Allow your bitch to feed freely as she is able.
|
| Eight to Nine | - The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come.
- Your dog may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious.
- Time to begin taking rectal temperature readings 12 hours apart. Normal temperature is 100 to 101 F; a drop down near 97 F held for two consecutive readings indicates labor will begin within 24 hours.
|
So wow.... that is a lot of things to happen all in the span of about 63 days..... Wow. wow and wow.
This directly relates back to a book a read a long time ago:
Are you there God? It's me, Brisztow.Let me see.... we are at day 16 so that means implantation is taking place, and I may be developing. How appropriate--it being the first day of spring!
1 comment:
Hoping it all goes as planned
Post a Comment