Day 63 puppies

On the 31st July at 01:30 Holly's waters broke, at 04:30 the first puppy was born in a breech position, then hourly she had the another puppies.

In total 4 boys (3 black and white & 1 seal and white) and 1 girl (black and white), all weighing about 10oz in weight - very chunky healthy and very strong puppies. The pups are current feeding very well and have had a clean bill of health from the vets.

Pup one

Boy, with a full collar and spot on its head.

Pup two

Boy, full collar - 1/2 thin, 1/2 thick, black cap on head and a white strip on the left ear.

Pup three

Girl, white face and a white star on the back of the neck.

Pup four

Boy, 2 spots on the head, one back eye and the opposite ear black.

Pup five

Boy, 1 white ear, wiggly blade on top of the head going to one ear then going down neck.

Holly has also been checked over by the vets and had a scan performed to check that all the pups had been born. She is recovering well and taking to motherhood as if she has done it all her life.

I on the other hand need sleep, but at least the pups including Holly are fit and well and it went pretty uneventful

Some pictures below

Holly in her nest and the newspaper she dug into the nest.

Day 62

Well we have had a very eventful night, Holly has been digging a lot, being sick and lots of panting, this morning her temperature has dropped. We think she may be in the first stages of labour.

There are three stages to labour, the first could last up to 36 hours, so all we can do is wait and keep a very close eye on her. I think this could be a very long day. Once her waters break then things should start moving very quickly.

I will keep you informed of her progress, of course I can't wait now.

Day 60

Well it is day 60 after her last mating (average pregnancy duration is 63 days), Holly is even bigger than last week - can she get any bigger? She doesn't lay still for long at the moment, being quite restless during the night also. It is quite handy using a baby monitor during the night to keep a close check on her. The other night we had a little sick (quite usual) and a slight temperature drop and last night she kept moving around the pen, but yes you guessed it still no puppies.

It is quite amazing at the moment you can really feel the puppies moving around and kicking, much to Holly's delight, as sometimes this is making her cough or jump. They really do not have much room in there at all.

Further progression is Holly is now producing milk. Fingers crossed it is not much longer, we really can't wait any longer (well I can't) as we are so excited. I don't know how mothers wait nine months for a baby, 9 weeks has been long enough.

Hopefully I will have some news very very soon.

8-9 weeks

Holly is reaching her final stage of pregnancy, the pups are due within the next week. Holly is so huge now and finding it quite difficult to get comfortable, lying stretched out most of the time. You can even feel the pups moving now when you stroke her tummy - very exciting.

Holly has also had a little trim, though most of her tummy fur is shedding anyway. We are also taking her temperature now twice daily, as this will give some indication when the puppy's will arrive, though signs her body is getting ready for the birth are already starting to show. We are keeping a very close eye on her now, fingers crossed it won't be long.

week 7

This weekend Holly will be 7 weeks (49 days) pregnant. She is getting quite big now, though still running around, she is resting a lot more. Only 2 weeks to go till the pitter patter of tiny paws. It is like waiting for xmas to come (but no chance of finding out what we will be getting earlier). I'm glad to say her appetite which decreased earlier on in the pregnancy is back, and she is loving the special high protein food.

Whelping box and pen are being put together this weekend, and Holly will then sleep in it, everything is ready for when the pups want to make their appearance in the world.

Holly is pregnant

Holly was scanned on Tuesday 5th July. She is 5 1/2 weeks pregnant. Due date approx 23rd July.