Day 49
Now the puppies are well-developed and begin to reach the necessary size for birth.
If you were still wondering when you’ll be able to feel puppies move in a pregnant dog, now is the time.
If you are patient, you can even see the puppies’ movement in your dog’s abdomen.
Your bitch will begin shedding the hair on her belly in preparation for the birth - this is totally normal and no cause for alarm!
The embryos will continue to grow and develop, and now look almost completely fully formed.
Towards the end of the seventh week, do not add any additional calcium rich foods to the diet.
Dietary supplements, milk, vitamins and minerals are generally not recommended if a high-quality growth/lactation diet is fed.
Feeding excessive amounts of calcium or vitamin D can cause calcification of the soft tissues of the embryo, as well as other birth defects.
Although lactation requires large amounts of calcium, supplementation during pregnancy does not prevent calcium depletion during lactation (eclampsia)
and may actually compound the problem.
Fetuses reach 75% of the size at birth.
Day 50 - 53
Organs are already well developed. Belly is crowded with puppies and you may see sporadic movement.
The bitch may lose her appetite, but you should feed regularly in small portions. The total daily feed should be increased by 50%.
Day 54
The bitch will spend a lot of time resting preparing for birth as the last of the internal organs develop.
Day 55
The body of the embryo is covered with fur, but the fur on the feet is less visible.
Claws are already developed. Starts pigmentation of skin. Size of fetus is 145 mm.
