This is your normal time line for pregnancy in your canine

Week One (Days 1 - 7)

Development of the puppies

• Fertilization occurs
• 2 cells embryos are in oviduct
• The embroyo is fairly resistant to external interference in delvelopement

Changes in the Bitch

• Possible morning sickenss
• Possible personality changes

Care of the Bitch

• Normal feeding
• Check any and all medications with vet prior to administering
• No insecticides ( Flea Treatments)
• No live vaccines

To Do List

• Put together pedigree on litter
• Write contracts
• Contact your club for litter registration application
• Start taking puppy reservations

Week Two (Days 8-14)

Devlopement of the puppies

• Embryo will be 4 cell at the start of the week and 64 cell by the end of the week
• Embryo enters the uterus

Changes in Bitch

• Possible Morning Sickness

Care of Bitch

• Continue as week one

To Do List

• Nothing Special this week

Week 3 (Days 15 - 21)

Development of the puppies

• Day 19 - Implantation of embryos in the uterus

Changes in the bitch

• See Above

Care if the bitch

• See Above

To Do List

• Nothing Special this week

Week Four (Days 22-28)

Development of the puppies

• Development of the eyes and spinal cords
• Faces take shape
• Fetus grows from 5-10 mm to 14-25 mm
• Organogensis behins - Embryos are at thrie most susceptible to defects
• Days 26-32 sre the best days to palpate (to feel for the puppies)

Changes in Bitch

• Possible clear vaginal discharge
• Mammary development begins

Care of the Bitch

• After day 26, palpitation may be possible to diagnose pregnancy
• 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 palpation with vet if desired

Week Five (Days 29-35)

Development of the puppies

• Development of toes, whiskers buds, and claws
• Fetus liiks like dogs
• Gender can be determined
• Eyes (previouly open) now closed
• Fetus grows from 18 mm to 30 mm
• Organogenisis ends - embryos are fairly resistant to interference with developement

Changes in Bitch

• Swelling becomes noticeable
• Loss of "tuck up"
• Weight will start to increase

Care of Bitch

• Slightly increase amount of food and switch to puppy food
• If you feed one meal a day, ass an extra meal in. If you feed twice a day, slightly increase one of the meals
• Palpation no longer possible due to fluids in uterus

To Do List

• Nothing Special this week

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More added on 9/27/2006