One more week to go! The puppies’ skeletons are fully developed and can now be seen clearly on ultrasound or X-ray , which we have scheduled for this coming Saturday. Fiona has lost the fur on her abdomen , which is normal and helps the puppies nurse more easily. She has also begun preparing for birth — nesting behaviours are now evident. This is when soon-to-be mommas seek out quiet spaces, dig, or scratch at bedding. Indoors, this often translates to scratching her dog bed or entering the whelping box which she hasn't really accepted yet! We have a spotlessly clean and quiet area ready for her delivery. A few days after the pups are born, we’ll set up the 24/7 camera , so families awaiting a Dutch × Fiona puppy can watch them grow from birth! Fiona has definitely slowed down over the past couple of days . With a HUGE belly , there’s less room for food, so we’ve adjusted to five sma...
Seriously! This is not my best angle! Around day 50 , the puppies’ skeletons are now fully ossified and continue to strengthen each day. By this stage, their major organs have formed, and they’re beginning to look like tiny, perfectly formed puppies. Their bones are becoming more defined, and their size continues to increase quickly. Fiona’s abdomen is now noticeably enlarged , and her nipples have become more prominent as her body prepares for nursing. She’s enjoying three meals a day and seems quite pleased about it — although she appears a little puzzled about her growing belly! We often catch her glancing back at her rear end as if wondering why she’s gaining so much weight. This being her first litter , her curiosity is understandable. Her abdomen now measures approximately 33 inches (83.82 cm) , and it seems to expand a little more each day. Next Saturday , Fiona will have an x-ray to determine how many puppies she’...