Hallie was bred about a week apart than Nami. I have to look.
I will try to get a post up in this blog telling you what should be happening when.
The sire is Truffie - his last hoorah. Then we need to use an outside boy till we acquire a boy. This is sad as he has magical pups. But he is a senior but still has a great sperm count.
Week 6 July 19th - 25th
- She may shred papers, blankets or bedding in an attempt at nest building in the last weeks. She is not doing this - usually not till the end - last week.
- During the last 2 weeks, your pet may become irritable but she is not.
- Moderate exercise is the proper approach. Neither forced rest nor strenuous exercise is a good idea. Short periods of gentle play are good.
- You may feel the puppies now but counting them may be a bit more difficult.
- Definate abdominal enlargement.
- Abdomen hair will start shedding.
Week 7 July 26th - August 1
- Dam begins to spend a lot more time grooming herself.
- Her breasts become swollen as her milk forms.
- Nesting begins as she looks for a place to have her puppies in the last week. We set up a pen days before delivery.
- During this week she may not have as big of an appetite during this period. Her abdomen can be crowded with puppies. But we feed her throughout making it easier for her.
- You can feel the puppies move now.
- We will get her used to her whelping box
Week 8 August 2nd - August 9th
- Nipples and vulva should be gently cleaned with warm water, we trim the hairs surrounding the nipples, to allow easier access for the puppies to suck.
- She may express milk from her nipples.
- Watch for her temperature to drop. You may take it rectally if you want but she's just plain old cool to the touch compared to what she has been the last 8 weeks.
- She may also become restless, seek seclusion and in the last few days, soil the house.
- She will be 'nesting' 12-24 hours before the birth
Expected Date of Whelp August 17th with a 3 day(s) window each way.
- Expected date of whelp. Average is 62 days but may take place from the 58th to the 68th day. Angel laid on the couch on her back the entire day before giving birth.
- Keep watching for that cool to the touch.. if you're actually taking the temp, it does drop from 101 to a true 98 degrees.
- Appetite will disappear as whelping approaches.
- May see a clear discharge from the vulva.
- At onset of labor may pace, dig, shiver, pant and/or vomit.
- First fetus will be delivered within 4 hours of the onset of labor.