Dog Training - Labonte Canine Services

Pregnancy Calendar for Dogs
Date:	Tue 28 Apr 2009
Sire:	Carbon von Schneiden Fels (Coal) BH OFA
Dam:	Labonte's Ulrika (Dyna) OFA
Breeder:	Linda Labonte
1st WEEK	Check any and all medications with vet prior to administration Bitch should receive normal feeding and exercise regimen Do not use any insecticides or administer live vaccines.
Tue 28 Apr 2009	Day of first breeding. Sperm migrate beyond cervix. To increase chances of fertilization, the bitch should be bred again in approximately 48 hours after the first breeding.
Wed 29 Apr 2009	Sperm travel through oviducts. Sperm may survive for as long as 9 days.
Wed 29 Apr 2009 through Thu 30 Apr 2009	Sperm reach the oviducts where mature eggs are located.
Thu 30 Apr 2009 through Fri 1 May 2009	Fertilization of the egg (in the oviducts).
Fri 1 May 2009 through Sun 3 May 2009	Fertilized eggs migrate into the uterine horns.
2nd WEEK	Care of the bitch same as Week 1
Sat 9 May 2009 through Mon 11 May 2009	Eggs develop into blastocysts.
Sat 9 May 2009 through Sat 23 May 2009	Embryos enter uterus.
3rd WEEK	Bitch may start to experience morning sickness due to either hormonal changes or from uterine distension. Feed smaller meals several times a day to help with morning sickness. If morning sickness persists, your vet may prescribe a drug to relax the uterus. May perform ultrasound at this time to determine pregnancy - discuss possible risks of the procedure with your vet.
Tue 12 May 2009 through Tue 19 May 2009	On day 19 blastocysts implant in the uterine wall, forming embryonic vesicles. On day 22 embryos are visible.
4th WEEK	Bitch may start to have a clear, vaginal discharge. May use palpitation to diagnose pregnancy. Limit strenuous activity. May wish to increase protein in the bitch's diet. Feeding puppy kibble is a good way to accomplish this
Mon 18 May 2009 through Mon 25 May 2009	Eyes and spinal cords develop. Organ formation begins - at this time the embryos are at the highest susceptibility for defects. Mammary development begins.
Sat 23 May 2009 through Wed 27 May 2009	This is the best time to perform palpation to determine pregnancy. Embryos are approximately the size of a walnut, placed evenly in the uterine horns.
5th WEEK	Bitch begins to lose her 'tuck-up' as weight increases and puppies shift. Swelling of the vulva becomes more noticeable. Be aware of bitch's weight - do NOT overfeed. Palpitation no longer possible due to increased fluids in the uterus.
Tue 26 May 2009	Toes, whisker buds and claws begin development.
Mon 1 Jun 2009	Organ formation (organogenesis) ends. The fetuses now look like dogs, displaying head and trunk differentiation. Gender can be determined. Skin pigment begins to develop. May be able to hear fetal heartbeat with stethoscope. Bitch's nipples begin to darken and enlarge.
6th WEEK	Introduce bitch to whelping box/area - start having her sleep there. Increase frequency of meals, keeping an eye on her weight.
7th WEEK	Do not allow bitch to play rough with other dogs or to jump. May take radiographs to determine number and size of pups.
Thu 11 Jun 2009	Bones begin to mineralize. Puppies are easily felt through abdominal wall, although hard to count. Bitch will start to lose hair around the abdomen.
8th WEEK	Bitch's appetite may decrease due to abdominal crowding. May want to have bitch thoroughly checked with vet and discuss possible problems. Gather together your whelping kit and make preparations.
Sun 14 Jun 2009 through Mon 22 Jun 2009	Bitch begins to spend a lot more time in self-grooming. Breasts become even more swollen. Bitch may become a bit restless and search for a suitable place for whelping - make sure she is most comfortable in the area you have set up for whelping.
Tue 16 Jun 2009	Feed several smaller meals spaced throughout the day, as stomach is crowded. Fetal movement easily detected when bitch is at rest.
Tue 16 Jun 2009 through Wed 1 Jul 2009	Clean abdominal area and vulva with warm water. Give bitch a 'maternity clip' - trimming hair around nipples to allow pups easier access.
9th WEEK	Bitch's appetite may disappear as whelping time nears.
Fri 26 Jun 2009 - Mon 29 Jun 2009	Bitch may become restless and begin to display nesting behavior.
Sat 27 Jun 2009	Begin taking bitch's rectal temperature in the morning and evening. Normal temperature range is 100.2-100.8 degrees. When temperature drops below 99 degrees, puppies will likely be born within 24 hours.
Tue 30 Jun 2009	Bitch may become distressed - panting, pacing, appearing uncomfortable. Clear discharge from the vulva may occur.
Wed 1 Jul 2009	Expected date of whelp (based on an average). Whelping may occur anywhere from the 59th to the 66th day.