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Tulip Day 55 (pre-parturition)

Tulip last weekend showing off her baby bump! Tulip's abdomen measures 35 inches as she enters the final week of her pregnancy.  Tulip currently receives three meals per day but are increasing this to four meals as her due date approaches. Smaller, more frequent meals are easier for Tulip to digest. She is also being given folic acid, a form of the B vitamin folate that pregnant human mothers take as a supplement. Folic acid can help reduce the risk of midline birth defects. In the days leading up to the puppies' arrival, we will closely monitor Tulip's temperature. A normal dog temperature is around 101°F (38.3°C). As Tulip's progesterone levels drop in preparation for delivery, her temperature may dip as low as 97°F (36.1°C). This temperature drop signals that the time for delivery is approaching. We can expect Tulip's temperature to fluctuate for about 72 hours, but it will rise back to normal right before she gives birth. By tracking Tulip's temperature drop...

Tulip (pre-parturition) - 46 days

  Tulip (pre-parturition) - 46 days Tulip's appetite remains as voracious as ever. She eagerly devours her twice-daily meals and will soon transition to three meals per day starting this weekend. Tulip has taken to counter surfing, scouring for any treats she can locate. She's well aware that we often leave snacks on the bathroom counter after emptying our pockets - a behaviour that is uncharacteristic for her. Tulip's abdomen now measures approximately 33 inches. For the past couple of weeks, she has had a slight belly bulge. Despite this, Tulip remains as active as ever, playing with the rest of the pack. She particularly enjoys basking in the sunshine outdoors. Soon, she will instinctively search our yard for a suitable birthing spot and start digging a den, which is normal canine behavior. However, we have a different plan - a clean, warm whelping box that we will introduce to her next week in our bedroom. This is where she will give birth, sleep, and nurse her puppies...

Bronson and Tulip Litter – 7 weeks

We're 7 weeks old today! It has been an adventure-filled week! It was the puppies' first-time riding in a car! Introducing them to new experiences begins at this age. Rides in cars, sounds, meeting new people, etc. Our puppies are often taken to Home Depot, Winners, Homesense, Petsmart, and other pet-friendly stores after they receive their next set of vaccinations. While they still ride in the shopping cart, their horizons are broadening. We’ve expanded the puppies play area which is either in our kitchen, outside in the yard or on our porch depending on the weather. They enjoy playing together and are becoming more and more confident. Their play area includes toys an activity center, a crate, and tunnel.  Jolly Pets' Jolly Ball was a huge hit today. The puppies seemed to take turns carrying it! All of them weigh between 13 and 15 pounds. Their appetites are good, and momma Tulip occasionally stops by with a vanilla milkshake. Beef, turkey and chicken are among the protein...

Bronson & Tulip Litter– Week 6

A very happy 6 week birthday to this eye-catching litter! We are loving every minute we have with this litter and the weeks are flying by. The milk bar continues to be provided by Tulip who is an excellent mom. We had a wonderful time outside in between the rain showers this past week. The pups are confident and didn't seem nervous at all. Immediately they were at ease in their new surroundings, sniffing and exploring this new exciting adventure. Each time they go out, they explore further into the backyard but are always under the watchful eye of Tulip. This litter continues to be very quiet, which means they are very happy and content. They are all approaching 10 pounds in weight and it amazes me from one day to the next how quickly they grow up.  Mom begins weaning the pups and teaching them discipline. Through puppy play-biting, the pup learns bite inhibition and socialization with its siblings. Normal behaviour at this age. Six-week-old puppies still have a lot to learn from t...

Bronson & Tulip – Week 5

Full and content puppies! I hope you are enjoying watching the puppies on our live stream cameras 24/7. The puppies are growing like weeds and gaining about 3 lbs weekly. Tulip is so devoted to them that she cleans up after them and nurses them throughout the day and night. It has been two weeks since they began eating fresh food, and they have enormous appetites. Puppies that are full are content puppies! It was a big change for puppies this week since they moved from our bedroom into the living room. As they are old enough to go outside now, this area provides them with access to a private yard. They will go outside for the first time this weekend, weather permitting. Seeing them sniff and listen to new sounds is always exciting. Earlier this week, toys were introduced, and you can see how they engage with them. To stimulate their minds, we also have an activity center. We love watching them develop at this age. This is the period when puppies get familiar with everyday household noi...

Bronson and Tulip Puppies - Week 3

This week was filled with milestones!  The puppies are currently eating solid food, walking around, and interacting with each other. They're changing hourly! It is common for us to comment at this stage that puppies have grown so much since morning to evening. Puppies now eat two meals a day and supplement with momma's milk bar. Tulip will be pleased when pups begin eating three times a day next week. There is no doubt that they are quick learners. After the second feeding, they knew what to do and ate with enthusiasm.  Puppies are typically used to sucking, so we add raw goat's milk to pure ground turkey along with pre-probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. They devoured the second feeding in record time. Upon finishing the milk bar, their mom stopped by with dessert and they all fell asleep. Our whelping box has now been extended, so the pups have double the space to move around now that they weigh an average of 5 pounds. A pair of cameras has been set up for you to watch th...

Bronson and Tulips Puppies - 2 Weeks old

It's been two weeks since we were born!  The puppies are growing rapidly and time is flying by!   This week marked a milestone as the puppies' eyes opened and they began to walk without assistance.   Currently, they weigh about 3 oz and gain about two to three pounds daily.   Each pup is weighed once a day now to ensure they are gaining weight and getting enough nutrition.  It's no problem for Tulip to keep the milkbar open all day and night for them. We will begin feeding the pups solid fresh food mixed with vitamin supplements and raw goat's milk next week.  Over the next several weeks, we will wean them off momma's milk. Therefore, Tulip will supplement their diet rather than serve as their main food source.  The puppies' nails are being cut weekly now and I recommend you continue this at least every three weeks.   In addition to providing traction, short nails also protect your floors.   Tulip now moves freely in and out of the whelping b...