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CANINE GESTATION CALENDAR

By Njoy Japanese Chin

Canine gestation is just the scientific term for dog pregnancy.
The gestation period begins from the day our Japanese Chin mate and lasts
until the puppies are delivered or "whelped".
Gestation lasts from 58 to 67 days on average, or about eight to nine weeks
depending on the dog's size (smaller dogs typically have a little shorter pregnancy),
the size of the litter and how soon fertilization occurred after the breeding took place.
Sounds simple, doesn't it? However, what's going on inside our Chin's reproductive system
is anything but simple, and she needs a great deal of care to ensure not only her continued health,
but the health and development of her growing pups.

This week-by-week canine gestation calendar below, will help you
understand how your puppy is developing inside mom.
Some of the clear photos you see are 4-D Ultrasound of Fetuses in mom's Womb.
Hopefully through our efforts you can appreciate how much care
and attention Njoy Japanese Chin puts into each Planned Breeding
Raising and caring for each of our beautiful Chin Moms and of course each Puppy.

Weekly Photos of Mom
(what is going on outside and inside)
Canine Gestation Calendar

Hershey Thumbnail

Male and Female in a Tie (bred)
Progesterone at 12 - 15 = AI Time
Explained Progesterone Chart FineCare
Progesterone Chart
PG Chart simple (box 10)
Progesterone Chart (box 10)
Artificial Insemination Explained

Zero to One Week Females will usually come into heat every 6 months.

Some breeders will breed second heat, some breeders
will not breed until the female is 24 months of age

Regardless of what age a female is bred
they can only be bred when they are in "heat".

Prior to breeding, as soon as a breeder sees blood discharge
they may decide to place their female on an antibiotic such as
Aventi-Clave 6.25mg, BID x 7-10 days, to make sure she does not have any infection
depending on her previous breeding history.

Heat is when a female is bleeding and soon to be receptive to a male's attentions.

Standing Heat is when bleeding stops and a female will flag
and will let a male mount her.

Flagging is when the female will lift her rear and put her tail
to the side if you touch her rear or if a male sniffs her.

Standing heat usually occures 10 days after you see initial bleeding
and will last up to 16 days after initial bleeding is seen.

We have a microscope and are able to view semen quality prior to insemination
if no natural breeding takes place.
A natural breeding is preferable to me.
I generally get 1-1.5cc semen to insert.

When a Breeding takes place you will generally know
the male has made entry, when he is breeding and lifts his rear leg.

The Male remains joined inside female,
as his bulbous glandis swells inside the female
locking them together for a few seconds to hours.

The male will try to lift his back leg over
the female so he is more comfortable, rear to rear.

After they seperate, they can tie again right after or several times a day.
However sperm count will be less the more time he breeds within a few hours.
Most breeders will seperate them for 12-24 hours to let sperm build up and male to rest.

Within a few days, the sperm reaches the eggs and fertilization occurs.

Breeder's know she will give birth around 60-65 days after initial breeding
Lovemypups Progesterone Testing Video
www.targetvet.com - blood testing using dye.
Progesterone needs to be 15ng/ml - 18(nanograms per ml) for Finecare Machine to AI
Do first Progesterone test Day 6 bleeding the level should be 1 or 2ng/ml
Test every other day.
looking for a LH surge, a rise in number, almost doubling means you are in ovulation
(will go up one point per day approx)

AI on progesterone number "12" until number "18-20" on progesterone

Instructions on Blood taking for Progesterone
22 gauge (21-23 gauge ok, insuline needle too small to pull blood)
1cc needle, .5cc is enough blood to do test
Using Finecare
Breeding Supplies
Puppybox4u.com
DUE TO WHELP Reverse progesterone test for C-section = -2.5 ng/ml - safe for C-section
Finecare progesterone for C-section, walk through on machine
Temperature drop below 98.9

Week Two Hershey Thumbnail
Fetus @ 2 weeks of age

The fertilized eggs make their way to the uterus for implantation.
You may notice behavioral changes in your dog.
She may become moody or more affectionate.

Most of my females will get morning sickness
and may have some discharge, which is all normal.

I advise people to take weekly photos of their
females side ways and up on their hind legs
as in my photos, so that you can see
the growth and know things are progressing.

Hairy dogs could have their belly's shaved down, or photos taken when momma is
being bathed and is soapy enough for the coat to stick tight to the body to show baby belly.

Hershey Thumbnail

I had to wet Yuna's fluffy coat down to show her belly
Nothing much to notice now

Week Three
Fetus @ 3 weeks of age
National Geographic Video of a puppy in the womb

Implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop.

My female may begin to display mood swings,
appetite changes and breast tissue development.

Day 30
Image of the uterine horns at 30 days gestation with 10 embryos
Complete ossification of the jaw and skull. Size of the embryo is about 2 - 3cm
*More on Canine ultrasound

Hershey Thumbnail

Week Four
Yuna's fur was watered down to show her belly

Fetus @ 4 weeks of age
National Geographic Video of a puppy in the womb

Ultrasound of fetuses @ 4 weeks of age

Fetuses can be felt (Palpation) by Vet in the uterine horns
around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound.
Because we know our mother's so well, it is easy for us
to know when our mom's are pregnant. Therefore we do not
subject them to any stress of going to the Vet's office
for confirmation by ultrasound.

The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses
are beginning to grow facial features.

Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids
to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks
until the puppies can be "felt" again.

After day 30 in the fetus, unborn pups form eyeballs
and vision similar to a color-blind human, who can't discern red, yellow or green.

Scientists believe that dogs' color blindness adapted
from their earliest ancestors who needed to compete
for prey against other animals during night time.
More Information about Pregnancy

Your dog's appetite will likely increase, so offer her more of her food.

Week Five
Click on photos to see larger

Hershey Thumbnail
The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin
to look like actual puppies. The leg buds lengthen and develop toes.

Your dog's belly will begin to look
noticeably swollen as the pups take up more space.

With less room for full meals, it's time
to begin serving smaller meals more frequently.

*Click on photos to enlarge them
Week Six Hershey Thumbnail

Fetus @ 6 weeks of age

Pups continue to grow and pigmentation develops.
The eyes now have lids and remain sealed
until approximately ten days after birth.

Your dog is noticeably more uncomfortable at this point. She may vomit occasionally due to the extra pressure against her stomach.

You may also notice clear fluid discharge from her vulva. This is normal.

*click to view Yuna at 7 weeks pregnant

Video of whelping box all set up
Week Seven

(*Click to enlarge photo of my Standard Poodle "Glory" who had 12 pups inside !)

Xray of Fetuses @ 7.5 weeks of age

Puppies are well-developed, and now begin attaining size in preparation for birth.

You may be able to see/feel the puppies' movements in your bitch's abdomen.

Her breasts are well developed and probably contain a bit of colostrum or "first milk".

Your dog is noticeably tired and may begin search for a place to whelp.
Time to set up a whelping box and keep her confined in there for short periods of time
to get her used to this is her place to have puppies.
I do NOT routinely do an Xray. Only if I have concerns.

(there are "6" pups inside there)
Week Eight
It is important during this time that you redirect her to her whelping box
and not in your bed. ALWAYS potty her on a leash outside and bring a flashlight and towel
Allow your bitch to feed freely as she is able.
Progesterone level below 3 = ready for C-section
Start taking temperatures a week before due date
same time 2x each day
100.5 Normal Temperature
Temp will drop below 99 is when pups due within 24 hours
Repeat in 5-10 minutes to ensure temp drop.
Ready for C-section when Temperature Drops.

The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still
as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come.
Your dog may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious.
She will also usually stop eating (which is perfect prior to C-section)
Bigger litters, female can go early, smaller litters female can go later

Hershey Thumbnail
Fetus @ 8 weeks of age
The pups have fur and are now crowded in the uterus.
You may notice a lot of activity as they get into position for the coming birth.

Your bitch may begin digging the bedding in the whelping box. This is natural nesting behaviour.
Video of Mom Nesting

Mom can have an ultrasound, to ensure pups have a heart beat
Fetal Heart Rates can be variable but should remain above 200.
Ultra Sound detection of fetal HR below 180 is indicative of fetal distress,
is often accompanied by fetal bowel movements, and can be the basis
of elective intervention in near-term bitches.
Ultra sound can also reveal fetal overgrowth or growth retardation
and other abnormalities including hydrocephalus, fetal anasarca
herniation of the ventral abdominal wall. Such cases can then benefit form intervention.

Mom's usually start shivering, panting and looking for a place to whelp
12 hours prior to puppy being born

61 days from proper AI date, window for bitch to be C-sectioned.
Video on When to C-Section
Temperature Drop below 98.9 Bitch is due !
Reverse progesterone test for C-section = -2.5 ng/ml - safe for C-section
Finecare progesterone for C-section, walk through on machine
Progesterone less than 2,
you are 2 days away from whelp and pups be OK to C-Section.
5 days prior to due date start taking Temperature 2x a day same time each day.
When temperature drops below 98.9 Mom is due to have pups 24 hours should have pups.
Also document if went well what progesterone level you AI'd at and whelped at.

My girl "nesting" getting ready.

1st born puppy is a sable male 5.5 oz

5 puppy litter

newborn Chin puppies

Breeder is always with the moms, during birth
to ensure pup's face is cleaned ASAP, cord cut proper length
and pups are dried as much as possible before being put in a basin with heating pad and covered, or in an incubator
Until puppy is warm and dry. I will offer mom her pups between whelping.
AFTER whelping is completed puppies will be all
warm and ready to settle in with mom, on her newly cleand whelping box
and begin to nurse on mom's routine
(whelping can take up to 24 hours & is usually during the night !)
A puppy must be warm BEFORE allowed to nurse otherwise the organs
will shut down and puppy will not live.

Yuna having her contractions.

Yuna's first born puppy

I did buy this to have on hand. NOT a necessary expense for sure.
I usually us a bin with heating pad and cover the pups. And this method
has always worked well for me for YEARS.
HOWEVER, I have used this with a puppy that was a bit "gaspy" breathing
and I put all pups in there as they were being born
and I have to admit the puppy came around a LOT faster and better
with the 02 and heat in the incubator, than they do with just a bin with heating pad.
Pups can be up to 4 hours without nursing and be fine.
Priority is to get pups WARM.

Yuna all done delivering and is now nursing her pups
The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still
as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come.
Your dog may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious.

Temperature Chart

Finally the pups are clean, dry, warm and enjoying their first taste of mother's milk.
Should puppies need nursing or tube feeding, they should receive
1 ml milk for 1oz weight. So a 6 oz puppy would get 6 mls every 3 hours.

Puppys will be nursing for the next 4-6 weeks.
After this I wean them onto fresh RAW Goats milk from a farmer and RAW
fine ground MIXED with proper ratio of meat, organ and bone,
adding more meat to the mix, making more solid, less milk, as they mature and are able to eat.

Yuna and her newborn pups

Mom is all settled into her new Whelping box and nursing her pups

Ambient temperature should be around 70 or 20 degrees (easier to maintain if in a covered cage)
Mom should be isolated in a bedroom or seperate area from
household coming and goings, so she can relax and focus on pups.

Some mothers can be VERY protective and can injure their pups in their
efforts to keep everyone away from their pups.
Some mom's will also be so busy "gaurding" her pups that she will never settle
down to nurse them, and she can dry up and not have milk for her puppies.
AND some other mom's are so into their humans they will neglect their pups
given the choice between their pups or being with their humans.
So DO NOT BE A HELICOPTER Breeder, it is not what is best for her !
Isolate her with her pups so she can do her job, and this may take a couple hours
of her pacing or whining, but once she figures out you won't be returning
She will settle in with her pups and do her job.
To those "needy" humans, don't worry, she will still love you after.

Hormones are raging and so is her protective instinct, so Breeders need to
ensure she is calm, happy and comfortable with her pups.
Containing mom, in a safe, quiet, isolated, warm environment accomplishes this.
Breeders also need to LEAVE MOM ALONE. Watch mom on a nanny cam, or security camera instead of
Constantly going in and out checking on mom and pups.

NO drafts, No bright lights, No other dogs, no humans messing with her babies
for the first 2 weeks especially, mom needs to be with and focused on, just her pups.
My mom's are either outside to potty, walking with ME
every 4-6 hours, or in their whelping box with their pups, for everyone's safety.

You may find that mom won't want to leave her pups.
Which is great however, you will need to get her to move and potty.
So I will just either take a puppy from her to lure her out of her box.
or because they are small toy breed, lift her and carry her outside
AND I STAY WITH HER, bringing flashlight and hand towel just in case.
She may deliver a placenta outside = great
or suprise you with another puppy !

AFTER puppy's eyes open, at around 14 days, pups are able to regulate their own body temperature
and can be without their mom, for a bit longer period of time.
This is also when Breeders will worm mom and pups on
Day 14 & Day 15 with Strongid T wormer 1cc/per 10 lbs.
AND may remove the heating pad if the ambient temperature is warm enough

Breeders will not risk mom getting exposed to,
and bringing back diseases to her babies
by having "Mom" play and romp with other dogs,
during the time she is still nursing.

After pups are 3-4 weeks of age, the puppy area is expanded.
Once pup's teeth come in, mom will start to wean her pups
I try to offer pups food BEFORE mom can nurse them in the morning.
I return mom to the pups AFTER, who are less hungry and needing less milk
so mom will also start to dry up, with less demand on her.
I use commercially properly formulated RAW (no veggie or fruit in it)
food mixed with RAW unpasterized Goat milk averaging around 3.8% fat
adding less and less milk, as pups are eating the more solid food.

**Canine Gestation Calendar**
Male and Female in a Tie (bred) Progesterone at 12 - 15 = AI Time Explained Progesterone Chart FineCare Progesterone Chart PG Chart simple (box 10) Progesterone Chart (box 10) Artificial Insemination Explained Zero to One Week	Females will usually come into heat every 6 months. Some breeders will breed second heat, some breeders will not breed until the female is 24 months of age Regardless of what age a female is bred they can only be bred when they are in "heat". Prior to breeding, as soon as a breeder sees blood discharge they may decide to place their female on an antibiotic such as Aventi-Clave 6.25mg, BID x 7-10 days, to make sure she does not have any infection depending on her previous breeding history. Heat is when a female is bleeding and soon to be receptive to a male's attentions. Standing Heat is when bleeding stops and a female will flag and will let a male mount her. Flagging is when the female will lift her rear and put her tail to the side if you touch her rear or if a male sniffs her. Standing heat usually occures 10 days after you see initial bleeding and will last up to 16 days after initial bleeding is seen. We have a microscope and are able to view semen quality prior to insemination if no natural breeding takes place. A natural breeding is preferable to me. I generally get 1-1.5cc semen to insert. When a Breeding takes place you will generally know the male has made entry, when he is breeding and lifts his rear leg. The Male remains joined inside female, as his bulbous glandis swells inside the female locking them together for a few seconds to hours. The male will try to lift his back leg over the female so he is more comfortable, rear to rear. After they seperate, they can tie again right after or several times a day. However sperm count will be less the more time he breeds within a few hours. Most breeders will seperate them for 12-24 hours to let sperm build up and male to rest. Within a few days, the sperm reaches the eggs and fertilization occurs. Breeder's know she will give birth around 60-65 days after initial breeding Lovemypups Progesterone Testing Video www.targetvet.com - blood testing using dye. Progesterone needs to be 15ng/ml - 18(nanograms per ml) for Finecare Machine to AI Do first Progesterone test Day 6 bleeding the level should be 1 or 2ng/ml Test every other day. looking for a LH surge, a rise in number, almost doubling means you are in ovulation (will go up one point per day approx) AI on progesterone number "12" until number "18-20" on progesterone Instructions on Blood taking for Progesterone 22 gauge (21-23 gauge ok, insuline needle too small to pull blood) 1cc needle, .5cc is enough blood to do test Using Finecare Breeding Supplies Puppybox4u.com DUE TO WHELP Reverse progesterone test for C-section = -2.5 ng/ml - safe for C-section Finecare progesterone for C-section, walk through on machine Temperature drop below 98.9
Week Two	Fetus @ 2 weeks of age The fertilized eggs make their way to the uterus for implantation. You may notice behavioral changes in your dog. She may become moody or more affectionate. Most of my females will get morning sickness and may have some discharge, which is all normal. I advise people to take weekly photos of their females side ways and up on their hind legs as in my photos, so that you can see the growth and know things are progressing. Hairy dogs could have their belly's shaved down, or photos taken when momma is being bathed and is soapy enough for the coat to stick tight to the body to show baby belly.
I had to wet Yuna's fluffy coat down to show her belly Nothing much to notice now Week Three	Fetus @ 3 weeks of age National Geographic Video of a puppy in the womb Implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop. My female may begin to display mood swings, appetite changes and breast tissue development. Day 30 Image of the uterine horns at 30 days gestation with 10 embryos Complete ossification of the jaw and skull. Size of the embryo is about 2 - 3cm *More on Canine ultrasound
Week Four Yuna's fur was watered down to show her belly	Fetus @ 4 weeks of age National Geographic Video of a puppy in the womb Ultrasound of fetuses @ 4 weeks of age Fetuses can be felt (Palpation) by Vet in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound. Because we know our mother's so well, it is easy for us to know when our mom's are pregnant. Therefore we do not subject them to any stress of going to the Vet's office for confirmation by ultrasound. The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features. Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be "felt" again. After day 30 in the fetus, unborn pups form eyeballs and vision similar to a color-blind human, who can't discern red, yellow or green. Scientists believe that dogs' color blindness adapted from their earliest ancestors who needed to compete for prey against other animals during night time. More Information about Pregnancy Your dog's appetite will likely increase, so offer her more of her food.
Week Five Click on photos to see larger	The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to look like actual puppies. The leg buds lengthen and develop toes. Your dog's belly will begin to look noticeably swollen as the pups take up more space. With less room for full meals, it's time to begin serving smaller meals more frequently.
*Click on photos to enlarge them Week Six	Fetus @ 6 weeks of age Pups continue to grow and pigmentation develops. The eyes now have lids and remain sealed until approximately ten days after birth. Your dog is noticeably more uncomfortable at this point. She may vomit occasionally due to the extra pressure against her stomach. You may also notice clear fluid discharge from her vulva. This is normal.
click to view Yuna at 7 weeks pregnant Video of whelping box all set up Week Seven*	(Click to enlarge photo of my Standard Poodle "Glory" who had 12 pups inside !)* Xray of Fetuses @ 7.5 weeks of age Puppies are well-developed, and now begin attaining size in preparation for birth. You may be able to see/feel the puppies' movements in your bitch's abdomen. Her breasts are well developed and probably contain a bit of colostrum or "first milk". Your dog is noticeably tired and may begin search for a place to whelp. Time to set up a whelping box and keep her confined in there for short periods of time to get her used to this is her place to have puppies. I do NOT routinely do an Xray. Only if I have concerns.
(there are "6" pups inside there) Week Eight It is important during this time that you redirect her to her whelping box and not in your bed. ALWAYS potty her on a leash outside and bring a flashlight and towel Allow your bitch to feed freely as she is able. Progesterone level below 3 = ready for C-section Start taking temperatures a week before due date same time 2x each day 100.5 Normal Temperature Temp will drop below 99 is when pups due within 24 hours Repeat in 5-10 minutes to ensure temp drop. Ready for C-section when Temperature Drops. The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come. Your dog may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious. She will also usually stop eating (which is perfect prior to C-section) Bigger litters, female can go early, smaller litters female can go later	Fetus @ 8 weeks of age The pups have fur and are now crowded in the uterus. You may notice a lot of activity as they get into position for the coming birth. Your bitch may begin digging the bedding in the whelping box. This is natural nesting behaviour. Video of Mom Nesting Mom can have an ultrasound, to ensure pups have a heart beat Fetal Heart Rates can be variable but should remain above 200. Ultra Sound detection of fetal HR below 180 is indicative of fetal distress, is often accompanied by fetal bowel movements, and can be the basis of elective intervention in near-term bitches. Ultra sound can also reveal fetal overgrowth or growth retardation and other abnormalities including hydrocephalus, fetal anasarca herniation of the ventral abdominal wall. Such cases can then benefit form intervention. Mom's usually start shivering, panting and looking for a place to whelp 12 hours prior to puppy being born 61 days from proper AI date, window for bitch to be C-sectioned. Video on When to C-Section Temperature Drop below 98.9 Bitch is due ! Reverse progesterone test for C-section = -2.5 ng/ml - safe for C-section Finecare progesterone for C-section, walk through on machine Progesterone less than 2, you are 2 days away from whelp and pups be OK to C-Section. 5 days prior to due date start taking Temperature 2x a day same time each day. When temperature drops below 98.9 Mom is due to have pups 24 hours should have pups. Also document if went well what progesterone level you AI'd at and whelped at. My girl "nesting" getting ready.
1st born puppy is a sable male 5.5 oz 5 puppy litter newborn Chin puppies Breeder is always with the moms, during birth to ensure pup's face is cleaned ASAP, cord cut proper length and pups are dried as much as possible before being put in a basin with heating pad and covered, or in an incubator Until puppy is warm and dry. I will offer mom her pups between whelping. AFTER whelping is completed puppies will be all warm and ready to settle in with mom, on her newly cleand whelping box and begin to nurse on mom's routine (whelping can take up to 24 hours & is usually during the night !) A puppy must be warm BEFORE allowed to nurse otherwise the organs will shut down and puppy will not live.	Yuna having her contractions. Yuna's first born puppy I did buy this to have on hand. NOT a necessary expense for sure. I usually us a bin with heating pad and cover the pups. And this method has always worked well for me for YEARS. HOWEVER, I have used this with a puppy that was a bit "gaspy" breathing and I put all pups in there as they were being born and I have to admit the puppy came around a LOT faster and better with the 02 and heat in the incubator, than they do with just a bin with heating pad. Pups can be up to 4 hours without nursing and be fine. Priority is to get pups WARM. Yuna all done delivering and is now nursing her pups The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come. Your dog may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious. Temperature Chart Finally the pups are clean, dry, warm and enjoying their first taste of mother's milk. Should puppies need nursing or tube feeding, they should receive 1 ml milk for 1oz weight. So a 6 oz puppy would get 6 mls every 3 hours. Puppys will be nursing for the next 4-6 weeks. After this I wean them onto fresh RAW Goats milk from a farmer and RAW fine ground MIXED with proper ratio of meat, organ and bone, adding more meat to the mix, making more solid, less milk, as they mature and are able to eat. Yuna and her newborn pups