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.
TUESDAY
22.02.2022
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.
WEDNSDAY
23.02.2022
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.
THURSDAY
24.02.2022
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.
FRIDAY
25.02.2022
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.
SATURDAY
26.02.2022
Day 16.
Hearing starts to develop. The puppies are sniffing anything within their reach. They also develop a sense of curiosity, which is connected to the development of their sense of smell. Their movements develop, too. Puppies wander in the puppy box and hit the walls with their heads.
SUNDAY
27.02.2022
Day 17.
Puppies start to change their coats. Their soft and mainly black hair shed and their colour cleans. The puppies begin to notice the presence of their siblings at this time. They develop a sense of smell and start to play. The communication between siblings is short but very intensive. They still sleep most of the day.
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! 56708 reads