Chihuahuas

So my Mom breeded our chihuahua Gracie on May 1st, 2008 and i am only 16 but I'm supposed to help out so I need to know as much as possible. The thing is I've been looking on the internet for any info i can find but I cant find much. I want to know more about the developent of the fetus' and how to deliver the puppies when its time they come. is there anyone out there who can direct me to a good website that could help me. I need pictures of each fetal stage. (im a visual person.) thanks.

There isn't much out there as for pics. There isn't much you can do right now. The pups will be born about the 63rd day of pregnancy. As for mom, at about 4 weeks into preg. you want to feed her the best food you can find. I am going to assume she is on adult food, mix it about 1/2 and 1/2 with puppy food. I also give mine a tablespoon of vanilla yogert every night, but some people dont agree with it.

When she is in labor, you will know. They will dig up their bedding. She should be put in a whelping box to have and take care of her pups. This should be put somewhere where there is little to no traffic. The pups can come out head or butt first, both tend to be normal from what I have seen. I personally stay with mom all through delivery. If she is doing hard pushing for more than about 2hrs in between pups, rush her to a vet. There could be a problem. You should also get and x-ray done about a week before she is due. That way you can see how many pups she is going to have.

Mom will do most of the work. When a pup is born, mom should chew the sack, break it and eat it. She will then chew the cord. She will then clean the pup. Most of the time pups are born 30-60 mins apart. You dont want to handle the pups hardly at all during the first 2 weeks. You can wieght them and check on them occasionally, just to make sure they are doing ok. Otherwise leave them alone, and let mom take care of things.

The pups will open their eyes and ears around 10-14days old. That is when you can start to play with them, but they aren't much fun, but great to hold lol. Around 4-5 weeks, they will become active little kids, and will love to be played with. They should be de-wormed 2,4,6,8 weeks, and the first shot at 8wks. then they are about ready to go home. Good luck, and if you have any questions, you can pm me.

Illusionminis, I don't agree with the vanilla yoghurt, but I do feed plain. I also supplement with cottage cheese as well.