[olivia2988]

Hello, I have a 3 year old maltese that is 4 1/2 weeks pregnant. This is her first litter. I have a couple questions, when she was 28 days pregnant, I was able to feel 3 grape sized lumps in her tummy and now she has a more swollen and firm tummy. Will I be able to feel them now? Or not until they start moving? Any help would be appreciated about the puppies growth.

[Lunareclipse]

That is a question for Yogi to answer. He breeds small pooches. He will answer it tomorrow since he's gone to bed for the night.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by olivia2988

Hello, I have a 3 year old maltese that is 4 1/2 weeks pregnant. This is her first litter. I have a couple questions, when she was 28 days pregnant, I was able to feel 3 grape sized lumps in her tummy and now she has a more swollen and firm tummy. Will I be able to feel them now? Or not until they start moving? Any help would be appreciated about the puppies growth.

I take it that you marked the date of mating so you are able to calculate the when she should deliver. At this age, generally what you are seeing is somewhat normal. It will most likely not be til they are near delivery time when you will be able to feel them move. Check the teets for milk and you will know that she is near her date. Also, she will start nesting when she is very close to delivery. She should be vet checked by 6 weeks since this is her first.

[olivia2988]

Originally Posted by Lunareclipse

That is a question for Yogi to answer. He breeds small pooches. He will answer it tomorrow since he's gone to bed for the night.

Thanks for your help! And thank you for reading my post.

Originally Posted by Yogi

I take it that you marked the date of mating so you are able to calculate the when she should deliver. At this age, generally what you are seeing is somewhat normal. It will most likely not be til they are near delivery time when you will be able to feel them move. Check the teets for milk and you will know that she is near her date. Also, she will start nesting when she is very close to delivery. She should be vet checked by 6 weeks since this is her first.

Thanks Yogi. Yes I have been keeping a daily log from when she first started her heat cycle and during breeding to now. That does help me out a lot! So usually during 4 1/2 weeks, what can you normally feel in her tummy puppy wise?

[Yogi]

You cannot really determine all the time what you feel. Much depends on the size of the dog ie: underweight vs overweight. For that reason I generally do not concern myself at this stage. At approx 6 weeks I generally elect to have an x ray done if first litter. This gives a much clearer pic of what is happening and the number of pups. If only one, than concern is needed as in small breeds only one pup can grow too large and a c-section is very likely. Otherwise if multiple is detected, than a few days from delivery is when I start feeling for movement and checking the teets for milk. Good luck. I still remember my first litter some 50 years ago and the nervous anticipation. In fact, I just went through it again in on Sept 8th, 10th and 16th. They are great til about 4 weeks then they turn into little devils that are into everything.

[olivia2988]

Originally Posted by Yogi

You cannot really determine all the time what you feel. Much depends on the size of the dog ie: underweight vs overweight. For that reason I generally do not concern myself at this stage. At approx 6 weeks I generally elect to have an x ray done if first litter. This gives a much clearer pic of what is happening and the number of pups. If only one, than concern is needed as in small breeds only one pup can grow too large and a c-section is very likely. Otherwise if multiple is detected, than a few days from delivery is when I start feeling for movement and checking the teets for milk. Good luck. I still remember my first litter some 50 years ago and the nervous anticipation. In fact, I just went through it again in on Sept 8th, 10th and 16th. They are great til about 4 weeks then they turn into little devils that are into everything.

Well thank you on your information! One more question, will the stomach of the mom be firm at this point? And I have homes lined up for the pups depending on how many she is gonna have. I can see them now running around and chewing on everything! Again, thanks for helping.

[Yogi]

In most cases the stomach will begin to firm up based on the growth of the pups.

[Lara's mom]

Goddess bless you Yogi!!! I know just from personal experience that I've learned so much from you. This forum is incredibly lucky to have you. Thanks!!!

[Yogi]

Thanks, but lets not pass it around too much. I truly do not want to encourage breeding by those who have not properly learned....

[Lunareclipse]

Originally Posted by Yogi

Thanks, but lets not pass it around too much. I truly do not want to encourage breeding by those who have not properly learned....

No kidding. We certainly wouldn't want anymore Buster's running around.