Charismatic Chanel - 50 days (pre-parturition)

Chanel enjoying some playtime in the snow!

Chanel is sailing through this pregnancy so far, but one thing we’ve noticed is that she’s becoming increasingly more affectionate. She strategically positions herself beside either one of us in the hopes that we’ll take the hint and caress her…..non-stop. She is heading into her final two weeks of pregnancy but so far is happy and enjoying the mild winter “muddy” weather.

Chanel continues to devour her food and is always looking for more. She is getting a very nutritious mixture of ground raw meat, fruit and veggies plus folic acid and raspberry leaves. Raspberry leaves have been used to strengthen the uterine walls and decrease labour time. Next week we will increase her meals to three daily.

Fetus at approximately day 39

Chanel’s abdomen measures 33 inches (84 cm) and this is when the puppies will head into a huge growth stage. Their heartbeats can easily be detected with a stethoscope or ultrasound. They are developing toes, eyelids, whiskers and claws and are beginning to look more like puppies every day. The fetus is about 45 millimeters long and has developed skin pigment.

National Geographic image of a Golden Retriever puppy fetus.

At this point, the puppies’ coats of fur are fully developed, and they will gain 75% of their size in preparation for their birth during these last few weeks. It’s truly amazing!

Stay tuned …..

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