pregnancy calendar day-by-day
Day 1:
First day of mating. During one mating, the male is able to release about 500 million sperms. These sperms are not immediately able to fertilize the egg and must go through the stages of ripening. The phase of ripening last for about 6 - 10 hours. The sperm travels through the cervix, into the fallopian tubes, which typically arrive after 15 - 45 mins, then the rest within 3 hrs. Female may be in the period just before ovulation or is at ovulation (release of eggs.)
Day 2:
‘The cleaned” sperms travel and look for an egg to being fertilization.
Day 3:
After 48hrs it is possible to make a second successful mating.
Day 4:
Now for the fertilization of eggs. You do not need to pay special attention to female in the first third of the pregnancy - Changing the amount or type of food. Keep at regular movement. However, in the summer no excessive activity due to risk of overheating the organism and dehydration.
Day 5-11:
Fertilized eggs are coming down the fallopian tubes, into the uterine horns.
Day 12:
Early embryos are removing their packaging and are moving more freely in the fluid of the uterus, looking for suitable place of nesting. ( size 0.6mm)
Day 13:
Embryo is looking for a suitable place for nesting. Surrounding fluid is the food source for embryo before nesting.
Day 14:
The fetus migrates to the womb and individual embryo’s are diffused into the uterine, where they will begin nesting into the uterine walls.
Day 15:
Over the next 2wks the important organs of the embryo will begin to develop. Beware of interventions into the body of the Dam, everything has an effect on the embryo. No use of flea/deworming treatments during the entire pregnancy. Dawn dish soap, followed by a rich conditioner may be used to help treat fleas, but will not completely do away. For best results allow her to sit with the Dawn soap for 10-20 mins before rinsing. The Dam will be very sensitive to any changes during this time, recommended to not change her daily schedule. This is the day development of the orangs of the fetus can be disturbed. Until the 35th day the uterus can fully absorb the fetus(es).
Day 16:
The nipples of the female are beginning to change to a pinker color and grow in size. The coat around the Dam’s belly may begin to thin out. (size 1mm)
Day 17:
Embryos are nesting and the nervous system being to develop first, followed by the head and body.
Day 18:
Placenta beings to develop. Development of nervous system continues. (size 2mm)
Day 19:
Development of internal organs.
Day 20:
Development of placenta continues. Around the placenta occurs marginal bleeding. Blood pigment hemoglobin is changed to green hematochlorin. Discolor amniotic fluid during birth. From the 20th day of mating can be determined if the female is pregnant via ultrasound. (size 4mm)
Day 21:
The placenta is developed and also basis for development of the heart. Will not be able to see the embryos yet, but can see their afterbirths full of fluid (amniotic fluid) - (size 5mm)
Day 22:
Ideal period for ultrasounds to be done. This is when morning sickness can occur, along with loss of appetite as a result of hormonal changes and tension in the womb. Vomiting may occur as well and is not to be taken alarming. Adding toppers to kibble or even broth may help and be a good addition to kibble. Harmless vaginal discharge may occur (clear or egg-white color)
Day 23:
Eyes, ears, nose, jaw and liver will begin to develop. (size 10mm)
Day 24:
Due to rapid development of all major organs, the fetal growth is slow.
Day 25:
If ultrasound is done during this period, you will be able to see heartbeat(s). The teeth, spine and limbs have begun to develop. (size 14mm)
Day 26:
Embryos are now walnut size which will make it easy to count them via ultrasound. Continuing the development of teeth, spine, and limbs.
Day 27:
Most ideal time for ultrasound.
Day 28:
Ossification of the jaw and skull has begun. (size 17mm)
Day 29:
You may increase food intake at this time, but be sure to not over feed as excessive weight gain can occur.
Day 30:
Ossification is complete of the jaw and skull. (size 2cm)
Day 31:
Growth of sensory hair, also known as “whiskers,” on the chin, eyebrows and around the nose begin to develop.
Day 32:
Mid-gestation - embryo as reached approximately 20% of size at birth
Day 33:
Growth of toes “fingers” and ossification of nose, ribs and leg bones. The major organs are now fully developed as well. (size 27mm)
Day 34:
Dam’s behavior now begins to change, quiet and more sensitive in most cases. Abdomen and external genitalia begins to slightly increase.
Day 35:
Female should now have an increased appetite. Advisable to start feeding her a high quality food intended for pregnant females if not on already, increasing by 10%, rotation should be divided 2 -3 times a day. The quality of food is very important and should look for dog food that has above 50% protein from meat sources. (We recommend Victor Hi - Pro Plus.)
Day 36:
Beginning to develop the reproductive system, continues skeletal ossification and scapula.
Day 37:
Fetus now begins rapid growth.
Day 38:
Dam will begin to slowly put on weight. The uterus starts to expand. Increased volume at Dam’s ribs will be visible, as well as the enlargement of mammary glands.
Day 39:
Growth of fetus is accelerated, skeletal ossification continues.
Day 40:
Fetus has already established almost all internal organs. On head of fetus the first signs of hair will appear now. Eyes remain closed. (size 65mm)
Day 41:
Fetus has now reached 30% of it’s total size at birth. Ossification of spine and toes.
Day 42 - 43:
Ossification of spine and toes continues, as well as rapid growth.
Day 44:
Uterus occupies two thirds of the abdominal cavity. Hair loss/thinning of hair on the mammary gland is normal. You should be able to feel or see the puppies moving around a bit at this point. Recommended to start feeding Dam 3 -5 time daily in smaller portions, increasing amount by 15 - 20%. Limit mobility of Dam. Daily walks are good to keep her active.
Day 45:
Ossification of pelvis and fetus now begins to grow coat.
Day 46:
Using x-rays can show a count of puppies by their skull and spine.
Day 47:
Continuing ossification of pelvis and growth of coat.
Day 48:
Dam is now visibly larger. Dam may lose her appetite due to fetus pushing on internal organs, most in the digestive tract area.
Day 49:
Fetus has now reached 75% of size at birth. At this it’s a good idea to go ahead and get a whelping area set up for your Dam.
Day 50:
Organs of fetus are now developed well. Dam’s belly is now crowded with puppies, and you should be able to see more prominent movement. Daily food should be increased by 25 - 50% and still kept in smaller portions.
Day 51:
Female will slow down and begin to relax.
Day 52:
Secreting milk from female may occur and is perfectly normal.
Day 53:
Female continues to rest and is preparing for birth.
Day 54:
Last internal organ develop lungs.
Day 55:
Fetus coat is now full, while less visible at paws. Claws have developed. Pigmentation of skin now begins. (size 145mm)
Day 56:
Calcification of teeth begins.
Day 57:
Movement of fetus is more pronounced. Significantly swollen mammary glands. Dam continues to rest in preparation for birth.
Day 58:
Lungs are now developed. Fetus is more viable.
Day 59:
Belly of Dam becomes loose, uterus decreases, and her body is now preparing for birth. Now is the time to be prepared and have everything at hand. Start taking and noting her body temp in rectum each morning and evening.
Day 60 - 65:
Expected birth can occur between the 59th - 67th day. Shortly after birth Dam may refuse to eat and have an increased body temp. Previous hormonal changes lead to induce the uterine contractions, subsequently causing abdominal contractions that are visible. While the process of delivery is different for each female, it’s important to be there every step of the way in case you may need to assist of call a vet if a pup happens to get stuck or Dam does not break amniotic sac. Cutting umbilical cord is recommended to prevent hernias.