Week 9

Week Nine (Days 58-65) DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES + Growth and Development continues CHANGES IN THE BITCH + Nesting behavior may be seen + Bitch becomes distressed (panting, pacing, acting uncomfortable) + Temperature should be around 100.2-100.8 degrees Farenheit + When temperature drops to around 98-99.4 degrees (closer to 97 if not 97 degrees), labor should start within 12-24 hours + Appetite sill disappear as 1st stage labor approaches CARE OF THE BITCH + Start taking temperature three times a day TO DO LIST + Keep detailed records on temperature and behavior of bitch + Double check that whelping supplies are ready 1st Stage of Labor + Temperature will drop to 98 degrees or so... + Eyes will dilate + She will stare at you and want you near + Refuses to eat ... anything + Hide under your bed or a dark place + Laying on her side but can't seem to get comfortable + Mucus Discharge 2nd State of Labor + Digging, Shivering, Panting, starting at her rear, licking/cleaning,  mild uterine contractions 3rd Stage of Labor + Hard Uterine Contractions, Extreme Digging, Shivering + Water Breaking + Grunting and pushing + Presentation Whelping + Weigh each puppy, I.D. each puppy, eat, stay about 80 degrees + Update the blog, I put the puppies coming as they whelp on the blog + send an email to the reservation/owners waiting for their puppy + then to our distribution to announce the birth + Update the website after everybody is out and momma is well  almost 9 weeks shave  so happy to get lots of attention little side view we are watching movies, staying home, watching, measuring, taking her temperature, keeping Momma Grace relaxed and happy Grace's temp today has been 100 to 99 degrees won't be surprised if it gets to 98 soon puppies can be felt and movement seen stethoscope ... hmm Girth holding at 28 1/2-29" she's sleeping and resting all of the time restless, last night paced, smelled the food, walked away, walked the yard, layed down, got up (most the evening went like that), slept soundly last night very picky eating if she eats, I gave her a bone she devoured it whelping box & supplies gathered, readied First milk is forming ... a lot   She's vivacious! affectionate, sleeping soundly, eyes on us most of the time depending on the wait, there will be plenty of updates ... it's anytime! Paula and Jim www.barefootpudels.com