You may or may not even notice Stage 1 taking place. The fourth week of foetal development is considered to be one of the most formative stages of the pregnancy, when the growing puppies are most vulnerable to damage and developing defects. Stage 1: Contractions begin, and the cervix becomes dilated and softened. Day 7: Embryos will move to the uterine horns. They’ve anchored to the lining of the uterus, and the placenta now delivers nutrients from mum to pup. Progesterone is dominating and the female will refuse a male’s advances during this stage. During this stage, the dog’s cervix opens and her reproductive tract starts relaxing. All dogs, regardless of breed, pass through various stages as they grow and develop, physically, mentally, and psychologically. One general rule that Doberman owners use to remember the growth rate of the average Doberman is “ten pounds every month.” That means they should weigh 20 pounds at two months of age, 30 pounds at three months of age, 40 pounds at four months, and so on. A dog's cycle consists of four distinct stages, but she can only get pregnant during the estrus period. Characteristics of pregnancy in dogs. However, there are larger breeds that mature later (at 18 months). This may take up 12 to 24 hours. At this stage of development, begin to limit rough play and particularly strenuous exercise in your dog. First Stage of Dog Labor (Cervical dilation) The first stage of dog labor takes place when the dog’s first contractions take place. Dog sperm will reach an ovum on day 4 (48 to 73 hours). Female dogs usually experience their first heat cycle at about the age of 6 months, although that initial estrous cycle often occurs considerably later in certain breeds. The heat cycle in dogs, also known as estrus is the time female dogs can mate and get pregnant.The very first heat cycle typically occurs when the female dog reaches sexual maturity, approximately at 6 to 12 months old. The Diestrus Stage — Pregnancy (or not) This third stage is the period following mating, it commonly lasts 58 to 63 days in a pregnant female and 60 to 90 days in a non-pregnant female. Stages and Dog Pregnancy Timeline Month 1: Dog Fetus: Days 1 through 4: Pregnancy starts when the dog ovulates, which is called the data of whelping. Stages Of A Dog Giving Birth . Stage 3: In the final phase of the pregnancy, the puppies continue their development safely within the womb. If not spayed, the dog goes into heat an average of twice annually. The stages of dog pregnancy. No weight gain is usually seen in the dog during this stage. 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