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Princess Surrey- 46 days (pre-parturition)


Surrey’s tummy has expanded to approximately 73.6 cm (29”) in her abdomen area. At this point in her pregnancy, it is not easy to detect the little bump in her belly when she is standing. However, when she is lying on her back wanting belly rubs, one can spot the plump area where the puppies are growing.

Surrey is eating more these days as the puppies continue their development.  Her activity level has remained about the same, but over the next couple of weeks we expect she will be slowing down.
 

National Geographic - Fetus at approximately day 39

This is when the puppies head into a huge growth stage. Right now the spine and skull are forming and the nose is clearly visible. Their heartbeats can easily be detected with a stethoscope or ultrasound. They are developing toes, eyelids, whiskers and claws and beginning to look more like puppies everyday. The fetus is approx. 5 cm (2”) long and has developed skin pigment.

Pre-natal period: It is an interesting fact that a dog's tactile perception develops before birth, therefore unborn puppies can detect touch when the mother is petted from the outside of the abdomen. This establishes the basis for puppies to tolerate being touched, when compared to puppies born to mothers that were not petted.

Stay tuned.....


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