22Jan
Raven's body has changed a lot over the last week. Her ribcage comes out more to make way for her growing womb. Her stomach is firm and larger. I'm curious how big she will get over the next few weeks.
Her appetite has increased but she can only eat small amounts in one meal so she eats little and often with increasing amounts daily. She lets me know when she is hungry by sitting and staring at the freezer full of raw food. She then catches my eye and glances back and forth.
I am providing her with bone broth due to the nutrient content as I want a healthy mum and healthy babies.
As we are currently on day 40, I will add Panacur to her food daily until 2 days post whelp.
As she slowed down on walks, pack walks are with others who will walk slower so Raven doesn't feel any pressure to walk at an uncomfortable pace. Solo walks have always been a part of each pack members life to be a time for one to one and training. Raven will be walked more on her own over the next few weeks to have a comfortable walk at her own pace.
Grooming has been taking place on the floor rather than the table for Raven and puppies' safety.
We had our last day trip yesterday due to Raven needing lots of sleep and time to herself. She has been taking herself into a quiet room at home but she wasn't able to yesterday. She knew she could be safe in my arms and that's what she wanted when she needed to rest.
By law, pregnant bitches cannot travel from day 54 unless to a vet. The motion can trigger labour and travelling with a womb full of wriggling puppies would not be comfortable.
Plans for the next few weeks
Raven's food will increase gradually and split over more meals. Raven is slowing down eating and she can only eat small amounts at a time. Bone broth and nutritious toppers will be added to food and she will have a wide variety of chews to choose from. Dogs naturally know what their body needs so I trust her to choose.
I will continue preparing the pack around the new sleeping and play areas. Raven and the puppies will have the living room therefore the others will be in other rooms. I have started by having them in those rooms with toys, beds and blankets. I can watch them on the cameras ensuring they are settling and finding their favourite areas to sleep. They are adaptable and I am confident they will be happy whilst the living room is off limits. I know Raven can relax and feel reassured that she and the babies will be safe with the others remaining quiet.
I will be building the whelping box and preparing Raven to sleep in there over the next weekend.
I plan on sleeping in the living room with Raven 7 days before the due date to get everyone used to the new sleeping arrangements that will be in place until the puppies are 3 weeks old.
I will be going through my whelping equipment today and checking things off my list. I want to be prepared for every eventuality with Raven and the puppies. It is reassuring knowing that my emergency vet is a 5min car drive away.
I feel like I am nesting as I am cleaning everything, maintaining high levels of hygiene and planning for the first few weeks of the puppies' lives. Raven and the puppies will have me 24/7 and I want to concentrate on them, ensuring they are healthy, gaining weight and thriving. Raven will be monitored, checking for any signs of infection and keeping up with her increasing need for calories and water intake.
I also have plans in place to meet the needs of the other dogs. They will still get their daily walks, enrichment, training sessions, grooms and attention.
Claire 🐾
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