The mating between bitch and male takes place during the so-called standing days. The sperm deposited in the female genital tract are viable for about a week.

On the way through the uterus, they are fully fertile after about 5-8 hours.

Then the exciting development of the egg cell into a puppy of dogs begins.

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Fertilization of the egg cells

The egg cells fertilized in the fallopian tube ampoule migrate from the fallopian tube into the uterus. The fertilization process of the egg cell takes about 20 minutes. During this time, the sperm penetrates through the protective egg shell, the so-called zona pellucida.

The egg cells now divide daily and develop into morula (mulberry sprouts) and the uterine lining is adjusted by the body to the cells.

On the 8th day, the mulberry germs develop into blastocysts, in which the placenta is already created by the so-called trophectoderm cells. From now on we speak of embyons.

The embryos reach the uterus between 8 and 15 days.

In this phase, physical contact with the mother is also established.

Hike in cervical horns

The embryos are exposed in the uterus for about 5 to 7 days. Then they spread into the uterine horns, which are also called implantation chambers.

The uterine horns are two tube-like extensions of the uterus in which the puppies spend most of their pregnancy.

Nest in uterus

Between the 18th and 20th day they nest the embyos in the uterus. From now on the formation of the plant tenta begins.

The bitch's hormonal balance now adapts the body and its metabolism to the upcoming demands. The behavior of many bitches is now changing. More sleep, nausea and changes in appetite may be observed. Many bitches are now particularly affectionate.

A fixed place in the uterus

Now every embryo has its own place in the uterus. The head has started to develop and small buds are formed for the formation of the front legs (day 22). The buds of the hind legs develop a day later.

The embryo begins to tilt its head forward and rolls into the classic fetus position.

The formation of the brain and internal organs begins. Shortly afterwards, the first blood circulation begins and the heart beats.

Development of the sensory organs

At 25 days the embryos are about the size of a walnut. The ears will form first (day 26) and then the eye shell and the touch hair (day 27). Legs, paws and toes are now recognizable.

In the current state, the fetuses are very vulnerable to defects and the bitch must be carefully protected and cared for accordingly.

End of the embryonic period

Placenta formation is completed by the 28th day. Fruit plants that may have died by this day are usually reabsorbed inconspicuously by the bitch's body. At the end of the embryonic phase, all important organ systems of the puppies are roughly laid out, the basic shape of the body is recognizable and the face takes on its shape. The nerve strands in the spinal cord form.

From now on the embryo is called the fetus.

From now on, the bitch should be fed according to her increased energy requirements. From now on, activities that are unusual and particularly strenuous and exciting should be avoided.

It is now possible for the practiced ear to hear the heartbeat of the fetuses. In addition, the small round "fetus balls" are palpable if you know exactly what to do about them.

The bitch's body changes

The pregnancy can be demonstrated by ultrasound examination. At this point the fruit plants are so large that they are usually clearly visible. The number cannot yet be determined with certainty. The bitch can secrete viscous, clear to milky-cloudy mucus, usually a sure sign of pregnancy.

The bitch's vulva can swell slightly. The teats begin to stand up and turn pink. The need for sleep increases and the puppies start to move.

Around the 31st and 32nd day there is a so-called umbilical hernia, in which the intestine of the fetus is temporarily outside the body so that it can grow faster. It is a very sensitive phase of development.

The coat color develops

The eyelids are now fully formed and the fingers are completely separated. The development phase of the whiskers and claws begins, just like the shaping of the hand plate and the formation of the eyebrows. Skin pigmentation and develop and are completed by the 52nd day.

The fetuses look like dogs around the 35th day and the sex of the males can be determined. They are now quite resistant to developmental disruptions. Depending on the breed, the fetuses now weigh 4-6 grams and are approx. 35-45 mm long.

The bitch is familiarized with the puppy box and the daily amount of food is switched to several small meals.

The bitch's nipples become darker and larger.

A good musculature is important for a smooth birth, so we pay special attention now to light but sufficient movement.

Extreme efforts such as jogging, bike training, swimming in cold water or violent romp with larger dogs, etc. should be avoided. Usually the bitch becomes lazy on walks and doesn't like to play with other dogs anymore. She usually knows what to do and protects her flanks and doesn't let other dogs get close to her.

On the 40th day, the puppy's intestine is moved back into the body cavity.

Rapid growth

The last third of pregnancy has started.

The fetuses are now growing very quickly. 75% of the growth of the fetuses falls in the last third of the pregnancy.

When the bitch carries an average or large litter, the uterine horns fold, causing her outer lines to change drastically. This change is not visible if there are only two or three puppies.

So far, the bones of the fetuses have been made of cartilage. From now on they start calcifying and harden. The puppies can now be easily felt. However, counting is difficult.

The hair on the bitch's belly falls out.

Jumping and rough games with others should now be avoided in the bitch.

The number and size of the puppies can be determined by X-ray.

Breed-typical characteristics

The fur pigmentation, breed-typical characteristics and the ear cups are already pronounced and recognizable.

With the bitch you slowly notice the increase in size, a significantly larger breast and an increased appetite. The belly enlarges significantly. The total weight of the bitch can increase by 20 to 30% during pregnancy.

Safe birth would be possible

From this day on, the puppies are able to survive, if it were already born. The lungs and other important life functions are developed ready for childbirth.

Eyelids and ear canals are still closed. These only open on 7-12. Day after birth.

The last four days in the uterus serve to express the characteristics more strongly and the pups gain weight again.

The puppies are already sensitive to touch and will enjoy it if you regularly stroke the bitch's belly.

Most bitches' appetite decreases, which is caused by the lack of space in the belly. She spends a lot of time caring for her own body. The teats continue to swell and milk production can begin.

The bitch becomes more restless and looks for a suitable place for throwing.

The movement of the puppies in the womb is easily recognizable if one gently places the flat hand on the bitch's belly. To do this, she must be completely relaxed. Sometimes you can see the movements of the puppies when the bitch is lying relaxed on the side.

The birth

The bitch becomes restless and begins to show nesting behavior. She is looking for a suitable place for throwing, digging caves, scraping everywhere and panting. A white vaginal fluid can be secreted.

Signs of imminent birth:

hip bones become visible one day before birth because the fruits settle. The ligaments of the uterus give way, the puppies are prepared for the birth and brought into position.

Many bitches refuse to eat.

If the body temperature drops by 1.5 to 2 ° C, the puppies will be born within the next 6 to 24 hours.

Nest building and finding the litter box

increasing restlessness, increased panting, uncertain or absent facial expression

Rest and restlessness: the bitch constantly runs in and out ... empties the bladder and intestines, lies down again ... runs again ...

if you look closely you can already see the lower contractions

Vulva lick and slimy secretions

frequent swallowing, trembling, whimpering; Duration approx. 6 to 12 hours