Piper is at 18 # weight gain. She is getting up 2-3 times every night to pee! Poor girl. She digging and poking her nose everywhere in my yard, looking for a den I think. we are watching her like a hawk and go outside with her every time. (even 2 am)
Puppies are moving around in there all the time. I can see her abdomen moving and when laying my hand on her side a puppy will punch or kick me every few minutes. It is fascinating, but a bit "alien-esque" too :-)
Whelping supplies are all set. We also got her some vanilla ice cream for a little energy snack during the whelping. I am now taking her temperature 3 times a day. One of the early signs labor will start (within 12 hours) is a drop in temperature.
Labor has 3 stages, Stage one lasts the longest and is Panting/ pacing/digging. It can last 8-24 hours. The second stage is the actual pushing. This goes quick and a puppy usually presents itself every hour or 2. And the final stage is when pushing is done and there are a few minor contractions to help pass any placentas that might not have come out.
The waiting must be so tough! I can't wait to meet the puppies!
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