Fiona – Day 44 (Week 6 – Pre-Parturition)

Fiona and Dutch Puppies!

The puppies’ growth is now progressing rapidly!

We’ve entered the final third of Fiona’s pregnancy — a phase when the puppies will gain about three-quarters of their total birth weight. Their first skeletal structures are already ossified, meaning they can now be seen on x-rays.

Amnion:
The amnion is the innermost membrane that completely surrounds each embryo. The fetus rests safely within it, cushioned and protected from external influences — much like floating in a gentle waterbed. This fluid environment allows the puppies to move freely, which is vital for healthy muscle and joint development. The amniotic fluid is also swallowed and digested repeatedly by the fetus, helping the digestive system mature.

Yolk Sac:
Unlike in birds, the canine yolk sac doesn’t contain nutrients, only a clear serous fluid. However, a temporary yolk sac placenta forms, allowing contact with the uterus and contributing to the puppies’ early nourishment. The yolk sac remains as a small sac right up to birth.

At week four, the puppies’ heads begin to grow, and their eyes, organs, and vertebrae start forming. They grow rapidly during this stage — almost tripling in size to about 15 mm (0.6 inches), roughly the size of a hazelnut!

Weeks 5–6:
By now, the puppies are beginning to look like tiny, real dogs. They have teeth, toes, nails, and even whiskers. Their organs are fully formed, and their skin pigment is developing. Fiona is feeling the extra weight as her belly grows, and the puppies are quite active — moving and stretching in their little “swimming pool.” Most excitingly, it’s at this stage that each puppy becomes a boy or a girl!

Fiona is growing!

Fiona is now eating three meals a day, along with supplements to support healthy puppy development. And if she doesn’t get her meal at the exact scheduled time (which she knows well!), she’s quick to let us know — with a chorus of enthusiastic barks!

Stay tuned for more updates as Fiona’s journey continues...

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