Week Eight
As the next few days and progresses, I will ensure Lyra avoids any rough and tumble play or stimulation which might lead to the onset of early labor. She can still go on our daily runs as she needs muscle tone and stamina for the upcoming whelp. Lyra has shown some signs of "nesting" at this stage in her pregnancy, and I can see and feel the puppies moving within her tummy when she's lying down.
The puppies will continue to grow and develop, and now look almost completely fully formed. We've already done the x-ray which enables me to plan for the number of babies she is expecting and helps reassure me that no puppies have remained stuck. In the last trimester, the x-ray is not damaging to the health of the dam or her puppies.
Towards the end of Week 8/beginning of Week 9, Lyra will start producing colostrum, the forerunner to her nutrient- rich milk, and then the milk itself. I will continue to feed her as much as she'd like (and continue to provide exercise to her for good muscle tone/easy delivery) to prepare for the birth.
Lyra has begun shedding the hair on her belly in preparation for the birth - this is totally normal and no cause for alarm.
While she is noticeably bigger with that belly she is in good spirits, very cuddly - and has a great energy level and of course -- a huge appetite! We are so excited to welcome new babies in the next 7 days. Exciting stuff!
