Development of the Fetuses

As of today, Hilde is going into her 6th week
(to kind of catch up where we are, below is also week 5 and 4)

You CAN do an ultrasound at this time, if you wish
oh yeah, we do an ultrasound to check everything is well and count the puppies to know when she's done delivering puppies...

*********** 6th week ***********

Day 35 to 42

Puppies become colored (skin pigment develops) the Dams nipples darken and grow, and tummy continues to swell. ''Swelly Belly"

Hilde is obvsiouly pregnant, she sits and lays to the side with her belly and nipples in the sunshine... seems she's doubling in size every couple of days, she's eating well with an extra calcium meal every couple of days ... and of course on her NuVet vitamins daily
 

************ 5th week ************

Day 28 to 35

At this time the fetuses begin to look like dogs; their toes, whiskers, claws all are developing. They have become boy and girl puppies, eyes that were open-now close. (When eyes are developing in the uterus, the eyes are developed in an open position and then they close and remain closed until about 10 days old or so.)

Embryos are MUCH more resistant to development problems.

The Dam's weight will begin to increase, and swelling will begin to be noticeable. If you have given a maternity haircut swelling will be easier to see.

************ 4th week **********

Days 21 to 28

(Vet can Palpate (feel) and possibly detect pregnancy.  Between days 27 and 31(after day 32, fluids increase to protect pups and making palpating not possible.

--Fetus's grow from 5-10mm to 14-16mm, faces take shape, eyes and spinal cords developed.
--At this stage the embryos are most susceptible to defects and it is said that even eating a toxic substance at this stage can cause
eyes to not form properly, or cause 'Cleft Palate'
FACT or FICTION, I am not sure. Many congenital defects, and genetic defects have the mode of inheritance still unknown.
But for the sake of your Dam and pups, make sure your environment is a safe one.
--The Dam may have a clear, odorless vaginal discharge, and her teats may begin to develop.

Suggestions:

-- Limit working dogs and refrain from Strenuous activity like jumping and long runs. For small Companion Dogs, slightly reduce activity, especially in agility.
-- Some like to add 1/4 cup of cottage cheese + 1 scrambled egg every other day. Or mix (refrigerate) + add a tbsp to daily food.
which we are doing...