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Day 55 (pre-parturition) of the Tulip's pregnancy

Tulip enjoying a stroll in the yard. 

 

Bronson & Tulip Litter

Tulip is in her final week of pregnancy. Although she is showing, it isn't slowing her down. Fortunately, the weather has been mild and not too hot. Currently, she is being fed four smaller meals a day, and she is always looking for more! Her abdomen measures approximately 35 inches or 88.9 centimeters. 

 

We will get her settled in our bedroom next week. Organize the whelping box in which the puppies will be born. We will keep Tulip and her pups separate from the other dogs and the chaos!

 

Currently, I do not know how many puppies she will have, but based on her size, I suspect she will have many. Goldens typically have 8 pups, but we've had as many as 14 and as few as 3. 

 

Foetuses' skeletons are ossified around 50 days of gestation. During this period, the puppies' coats of fur are fully developed, and they will rapidly grow in size in preparation for birth. As of now, the puppies are just growing bigger and are basically finished with their development. It takes puppies about 10 days after birth to open their eyes. Puppies are born without the ability to see.

 

It is actually possible to feel the puppies moving around. They seem eager to meet their forever families and get out into the world!

 

Stay tuned ….

Golden Retriever fetus at almost full term


 

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