my pregnant pom

Question
my pomeranian mated between the 28th of oct. to the 4th of nov. and she still hasnt had her puppies. the past few days shes been hiding under my bed. she growls when i try to look under. shes eating and drinking very little. and she is pooping little poop and peeing little spots. her stomach is hard as a rock and she keeps licking her nipples? the vet said if she hasnt had in 4-5 days call back. what is your take on all this?

Answer
Hi Dezi. The normal gestation period for dogs is between 58 - 63 days, so it sounds like your new mommy is due to deliver any day now.

Here is a link to a Dog Pregnancy Calendar that I use and love.  just type in the date you mated your female, at the top, and the calendar will print out a complete - week by week- listing of what you should expect.  The web address is as follows:

http://www.debbiejensen.com/date.html

I also suggest that you start taking your dogs temp and recording it at the same time each day.  The normal dog temp is between 101 - 102.5  In most cases, when the expectant mothers temp drops below 100, she will deliver within 24 hrs.

I would not let her have access to getting under the bed.  If she goes in to labor and has problems, and needs assistance, you will not be able to get to her.  Also, you will not be able to determine how many puppies are born, and when, if she has them under the bed.

It is best if you select a secluded place - away from high traffic areas, and away from drafts where the mother can deliver and tend to her new puppies in peace.  It is very tempting to want to show off the puppies, but it is best not to allow friends, neighbors, and or lots of family members to visit during the first 3 weeks.  Some people use a child's wading pool - the plastic type not inflatable as a bed for the mother to deliver her puppies, and care for them until they are weaned.  Just line the pool with clean newspapers, and change them after all the puppies are born.  You can then add old towels (clean ones) that make a great bedding for the new puppies.

It is also a good idea to purchase a postal scale and have it handy during the birthing process.  After each puppy is born, and while the mother is preparing to deliver the next puppy, you should weigh each puppy and record it - along with any identifying marks on a piece of paper.  Example.  Puppy One - Black with one white paw - weight 13-oz.

Each day, at the same time, weigh the puppies and record.  If the puppies are gaining weight, all is well.  As long as the puppies are gaining weight and the mother is taking care of them, I strongly suggest that you leave them alone.  Let mommy be the mommy.  However, if you discover that one or more of the puppies are not gaining, or in fact is losing weight, then it will be time to offer supplemental feedings.

I suggest K-9 Gold for supplemental feedings, and I also suggest adding a scoop to the mothers food each day.  

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,
Penny DiLoreto
www.puppies-dot-com.com