The puppies should reach double their birth weight in this period.
The Mother feeds them every 2 hours; sometimes she leaves the whelping box to take a rest and drink; however, she does not leave the puppies alone for a long time. Puppy poo has a different consistency - from yellow “porridge” to hard brown poo.
TUESDAY
14.03.2023
Day 10.
Some older puppies start to open their eyes. They also start to try first uncoordinated steps. Puppies in one litter are not of the same age (Trumler 1999 says up to 5 days). This is caused by a gradual release and maturity of eggs and subsequent fertilisation in the bitch’s body.
WEDNSDAY
15.03.2023
Day 11.
Eyes are half opened. First vocal expressions start to appear as demonstration of displeasure and signs of growling. Some puppies can have hiccups, which is nothing unusual.
THURSDAY
16.03.2023
Day 12.
Gradual opening of the eyes, but the sight is not fully developed. The puppies can have eyes open and react to light but do not see. Puppies have dull facial expressions and for novice breeders this may seem like a developmental fault.
FRIDAY
17.03.2023
Day 13.
Uncoordinated movements start to develop into walking. Vocal expressions and growling are more frequent. Sight and hearing continue to develop. Mother feeds puppies every 2-3 hours; during nights, the intervals are longer: approximately 4-5 hours. Thermoregulation is now fully developed. The bitch leaves the whelping box during the night (and later also during the day); however, she stays close to the box and checks the puppies.
SATURDAY
18.03.2023
Day 14.
Time for the first deworming and nail clipping. The nails are very sharp after clipping; to prevent any injury, file them, especially on the front legs.
The front incisors are the first teeth start to appear. Feeding the puppies may start to be painful for the mother; therefore you may need to hold her little bit. Some females start to feed the puppies in sitting position. If the female has enough milk, the puppies drink their weight and there is no reason to supplement the food. If not, it is advisable to provide artificial milk to the puppies. Puppies start to play and recognise each other.
SUNDAY
19.03.2023
Day 15.
Puppies are discovering their legs, siblings and mother. They start discovering their immediate environment by licking and chewing. They bite their mother’s ears, their siblings’ tails, etc. For the first time, they wag their tails to express joy. This all takes only a few seconds, as they puppies sleep most of the time.
texts:
Monika Tušanová
used literature: Eberhard Trumler 1999
pics:
photos: Monika Tušanová
č.46,47,52 Jana Helesicova
Pregnancy kalendar was made in 2005-2007 and 2015 years. It is work and exclusive property of Monika and Richard Tusan. All rights reserved! 57194 reads