This way, you will know if all the puppies have been delivered. Generally, a pregnant dog's gestation period is said to be on average about 63 days long, but it's important to recognize that this not a ballpark figure. Essential Details About Dog Pregnancy. 0. Palpation. This article will show you the development of the pregnancy week by week. Pregnancy in dogs, known as the gestation period normally ranges from 57-65 calendar days. Hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9:30pm. However, it is important to note that this duration can vary between individual dogs and different breeds. After 14 to 15 days, the dog’s nipples begin to grow a little and develop a darker pink tone. A healthy canine pregnancy can last from 58 to 68 days, but the average delivery date is 63 days after mating. Growing abdomen, visible movement from puppies. She might even suffer from morning sickness, or generalised nausea, particularly during the early stages of the pregnancy. Dogs typically give birth somewhere around 63 days after. If possible, give your vet a heads-up when your dog's temperature drops. On day 1 7 breeding takes place. The drug has to be administered twice daily: for four days in the first half of pregnancy or until abortion occurs in the second half. Dogs are only pregnant for about 63 days, so the whole pregnancy cycle of a dog is much faster than it is in humans. It’s been reported by some dog owners that their pregnant dogs have successfully gone into labor after 54-55 days, although that is relatively rare. Nielsen, DVM, of Winterset Veterinary Center in. Most bitches are ready to be bred within about two days from this time. Holloway, DVM Veterinarian. Oxcroft lines in sire both parents slem clear. It will be difficult to determine if your dog is pregnant early onThe Stages of a Boxer Dog Pregnancy : Day by Day ️Week by Week Guide vlog - Week 4 - Day 27 - We will show you things you need to keep in mind to keep your. The gestation period for puppies averages about 63 days but can last anywhere from 56 to 70 days. You can tell a dog is pregnant within a couple of weeks. · Week 2 – This is the stage of gestation where the puppies’ cells begin to grow and form embryos. On an unbred (virgin pupper) dog, the nipples will be tiny, soft, and the color of your dog’s skin or a close color for the pigmentation. Here Are The Things That Should Happen As Your Dog Begins To Deliver Her Puppies: Just Before Labor Begins: Pregnancy in dogs last approximately 63 days (56-69 days). This is normal. The gestation period for dogs is typically around 63 days, but this depends on their breed and health. She is within 24 hours of delivery. 7. Dog Pregnancy Calendar Week by Week. You may also begin to observe some of the more tell-tale signs of pregnancy in your dog, such as changes in vaginal discharge or swelling in her breasts. Is used to detect the early stages of dog pregnancy, from day 21 to day 28 after breeding. The upfront cost depends on the breed and where you get it from. Day 58+: considered to be full term, average length of dog pregnancy is 64 days; Dog waist will trim as puppies move into position for birth canal. Stages of dog pregnancy. While the normal gestation period for a dog is about 63 days, this number varies widely. If you go off breeding dates, it's not as accurate. A very early tell-tale sign is that all calling will stop and the cat's appetite will subsequently improve. From week 6: She can have about as much of the puppy food as she would have of the adult food. Many women experience no symptoms during this stage of pregnancy especially considering the fact a pregnancy might not ever take place. 1 cm. Your dog will likely need to see the vet a couple of times during her pregnancy. A vet has various tools to test for pregnancy, among them the hormone test, ultrasound, x-ray, or palpation. Height at the withers: Males 27 - 33 cm Females 27 - 33 cm. Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days or nine weeks, though this may vary by a few days depending on several factors. Lowest: £600. Just make sure she's not doing a lot of jumping or running up steps. By this time, the puppies have developed sufficiently to be palpable. You should of course continue to feed her with a good high-protein diet, taking into account that she will be needing more food in the latter stages, maybe as much as. This is when. Dogs are pregnant for approximately 62-64 days, or about two months, although the Merck Veterinary Manual says, “predicting the timing of a delivery can be. This process occurs once every 8 months and can last up to 3 weeks, time when they will be fertile. Energy requirements of a feeding bitch. uk and any subdomains and the Pets4Homes apps. Dogs are pregnant for an average of 63 days, although the gestation period can range from 58 to 68 days. This means that your pup’s stomach will be noticeably distended, and you will likely see the puppies moving around in their belly. According to research, the time that a dog is pregnant after ovulation is 65 days. In the early stages of pregnancy, your dog is unlikely to show any obvious signs, but some owners may notice that their dog has: Larger, pinker nipples. If there are two matings, note the dates and expect birth to occur between 63 and 65 days later. . Whelping boxes also help to contain the mess made by the litter, which makes cleaning up and cleaning out the box easier too. Chapter 4: Canine Ultrasound Scans at 21 Days Performing a dog pregnancy scan at 3 weeks or 21 days into the pregnancy is a significant milestone. The dog gestation period. Just like humans, dog pregnancies have trimesters, each of which lasts for 21 days, meaning an entire dog pregnancy is typically 63 days long. This is true for all breeds and sizes of dogs. Your bitch's behaviour will probably change during this time too- look out for the following signs. 8 - 29 kg. Anoestrus – This is the phase of the oestrus cycle where the female is non-fertile. Chart Polski. The temperature will drop to 98 degrees approximately 12–24 hours prior to. Pug Age: 7 months 1 female. It’s important to monitor your dog for any changes during and after the pregnancy and seek veterinary. However, this will probably. This might be due to the fact that there’s more room in the uterus for the puppies to grow. Dog Pregnancy Week 6 Pictures. After mating, the sperm may live up to several. However, the dog’s body may start to show physical and behavioral changes as early as three weeks into the pregnancy. Take your dog’s temperature twice a day with a rectal thermometer throughout her final week of pregnancy for precaution. So long as she's eating, weeing, pooping and otherwise behaving normally, it's a waiting game really. Your dog may scratch at her bed, and its rectal temperature may drop below 100 degrees. When it comes to the question of how long is a dog’s pregnancy, there isn’t one definitive answer. There are plenty of ways to tell if your dog is pregnant. However, it is starting to take shape. Bravecto chewable tablet –safe to use. Day 56 of Gestation (pregnancy) Day 51 of Gestation (Pregnancy) October 3, 2023. PitRottMommy. Dog Pregnancy Calculator. Then, soon enough, you will be able to feel puppies move in your pregnant dog. The 8 week pregnant dog: days 49 – 55. Phantom pregnancies often happen six to 12 weeks after a dog’s heat season. Dogs have a gestation period of 56 to 70 days, or around two months. On about day 18-20, the embryos will implant in the uterus. The embryos then enter the uterus. Sep 30, 2023 52 days to go. Highest: £3,500. Sep 26, 2023 56 days to go. From the first day of diestrus: 56-68 days. Appetite Changes. Our dog will be pregnant anywhere from 58 to 68 days but the dog pregnancy calculator helps you keep track of the pregnancy and will calculate the expected dates so you when the new pets. This condition does not occur in spayed bitches, and is not hugely common even in unspayed bitches, but is something that owners of. If the dog’s activity level decreases and the dog spends more time sleeping, that may be a sign of pregnancy. 3. Mixed-breed dogs tend to be. The embryo will measure just over 1mm. Loss of appetite and less energy. After conception, it may be a while before you notice any physical signs of pregnancy in your dog. When broken down into trimesters, this comes out to 21 days per trimester. However, predicting the exact day of birth may not be possible since it is difficult to determine the actual point of conception. Vomiting is also common. Development begins on week 4, which is day 22 to day 28. This can be due to nausea, hormones, low energy, or a general sense of malaise. So if a mother was killed, the rest of the family unit can care for her litter. 1 cm Females 25. Sat: 8am - 4pm. Week Four (Days 22-28) DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUPPIES. On average, the dog gestation period lasts about 63 days or around nine weeks from ovulation to giving birth. V. Pregnancy in dogs typically lasts 63 days (about nine weeks). Ovulation timing with. From day 50-56, the pups’ bones and. (same care and suggestions as week one) Fourth week. Periods during proestrus usually result in a reddish-brown bleeding or discharge. A normal dog gestation period (or pregnancy) is 63 to 65 days, regardless of the size or breed of the dog. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Report. During this two-to-three month period, each month will differ from the last as your dog experiences new symptoms and gets closer to whelping. Veterinarians can conduct an ultrasound between 25 and 35 days of gestation. A pregnant dog will have the relaxin hormone, which is produced by the canine placenta. They will be restless. German Shepherd puppies looking for new loving forever home. The Canine Pregnancy Timeline. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dog pregnancy so that you can provide the best possibl. How Long is a Dog Pregnant. 1. Once fertilized, embryos move from the upper portion of the female dog’s uterus down to the lower part. Pomeranian puppies. In the early stages of pregnancy, your dog is unlikely to show any obvious signs, but some owners may notice that their dog has: Larger, pinker nipples. Implantation: This is the first stage of pregnancy, and it occurs about 7-10 days after mating. Around this time (by day 40), their nipples will begin to get darker and larger, too. About 24 hours before birth, this temperature should drop to about 98-99. Bookmark. It’s such a magical moment. Terms & Conditions. 58-72 days from the first time the bitch allowed breeding. Some dogs may give birth as soon as 58 days after breeding or as long as 70 days after breeding. The approximate expected time of a dog's pregnancy is 63 days, although puppy gestation can vary by several days. 11. Many people like to have an x-ray taken after day 56 to determine how. Later Signs. Most dogs are pregnant for an average of 63 days, though that can vary depending on the breed and size of the dog, says Dr. my dog is pregnant she is pooping and peeing and throwing. Weight Male: 20 - 23kg Female: 20 - 23kg. The dog must be 25 to 30 days into the pregnancy for the test to be accurate. When your dog's temperature drops below 99 degrees, she'll go into labor within 24 hours. The mammary glands will swell, and towards the time of the birth, begin to produce colostrum, the fore-runner to milk. Staffordshire bull terrier: typical price £2,500. Again, make sure she is not becoming overweight. Nipples are swollen and red due to milk production for puppies. Pregnancy in dogs is relatively short compared to humans, about 9 weeks total, and each day matters. A pregnancy can be seen on an ultrasound as early as 25 days after fertilization, but it won’t be until 42 days in that the puppies’ skeletons will calcify. Hello. We try to keep all. As your pet's. ’. If your pregnancy is making you weepy or leaving you tackling mood swings and erratic feelings, your dog will probably stick close to try to help. Firstly, a dog can only become pregnant when they are in heat or season. Pregnancies can be different. However, it does mean that from the age of six months onwards, you will need to take steps to ensure that you. To obtain an accurate date of conception, ovulation may be timed by testing progesterone levels in the female dog during her heat cycle. Litter of puppies produced by Ludus Magnus Kennels ( Louis V Line’s Venom X LMK’s Fergie) Female dogs (bitches) generally give birth around 63 days after conception, with a few. There are available blood tests to determine pregnancy ; however, they are inaccurate and not a valid method for determining pregnancy. They will be able to feel the puppies which will be like little golf balls or grapes in your dog’s stomach, which is caused by the fluid-filled sacks that surround each fetus. Normally, the dam will have a. It’s been reported by some dog owners that their pregnant dogs have successfully gone into labor after 54-55 days, although that is relatively rare. Keep your veterinarian's contact numbers handy, and have your car ready in case of complications. Pregnancy in dogs can be diagnosed through ultrasound between days 25 and 35 of pregnancy. This will explain what to look out for and all the time frames. Once out of heat, you can continue as usual with your dog – you can groom, feed and walk them exactly as. So, if your dog has just had their season, it is unlikely they are pregnant. The Rottweiler Lab is a hybrid designer dog, whose parent breeds are the purebred Labrador Retriever and pedigree Rottweiler dog. 4 o F. Thanks to efforts over the last few decades to encourage dog owners to spay and neuter their pets and not to allow them to breed unchecked, canine pregnancy today is usually deliberately achieved and carefully planned, to ensure that the subsequent litters are wanted and have the best chances of being healthy and good examples of their breeds. HUHKOUAE Pet Dog Pregnancy Test Paper. Follow this calendar for an accurate idea of what to expect each week: Weeks 1-4. Irritability. Slight mucus discharge around a month after mating. Pug X for adoption. Dogs are usually pregnant for approximately 63 days (2 months) with a normal range being between 58 and 68 days. Protecting those kids like the good dog he was! I still miss him every day. Adult males stand at 58–61cm and adult females 56–58cm. Sire and dam are pets but are good working dogs will be kc reg microchiped and vaccinated and come with 5 generations certificate kc Read more >> More >>Adult dogs and cats should be dosed at 1ml per 1kg bodyweight of dog or cat for routine treatment. Call a vet if your female’s puppies start to come earlier than 59 days. Relaxin production happens only during pregnancy, making it an accurate test of a dog’s pregnancy. They don’t need to be walked in the rain, they come in a wide range of beautiful colours, shapes and sizes, an. Split dogs, but arrange for time together maybe in a dog park. May 13, 2021. One of the earliest physical signs of pregnancy is what breeders term "pinking up". Veterinary abortion. Dogs - Latest articles See all. If you suspect that your dog may be pregnant, contact your vet, and schedule an exam. On average, consider that the typical gestation length for a dog is 59 to 63 days. . If she’s pregnant for more than 67 days, you need to take her to the vet. Best Ultrasound. The cost of insuring a male 3-year-old Lakeland Terrier in northern England would be £21. Dexamethasone is. A dog's normal temperature is between 38. As your pet's due date. But breeding a dog is a stressful task in which the owner has to pay special attention to the dog during that period. Highest: £3,500. Again, make sure she is not becoming overweight. The condition presents with virtually no symptoms in most cases and the bitch may appear well and the pregnancy proceeding normally-however, canine brucellosis can lead. Pre-term birth is quite rare in canines. Lacey Howard. Sep 28, 2023 54 days to go. If there is more than 4 hours between puppy deliveries. If your dog begins panting heavily, vomiting, or trembling. Turnera Croom, "the average gestation time is approximately 63 days, and by 46 or more days, the dam should definitely be starting to show some. AA dog may give birth on day 58, but there is no one definitive answer to this question. Appetite change: The appetite of a pregnant dog can change and fluctuate depending the how far along the pregnancy is; having a decreased appetite early on but needing more food later on in the pregnancy. Dog pregnancies can range in length depending on the breed and size of the dog, with a normal gestation period lasting anywhere from 58 to 68 days. Each pregnancy comes. Apr 3, 2022 - Explore Boxer's Del Grego's board "Dog pregnancy day by day - stages of dog pregnancy", followed by 129 people on Pinterest. Ultrasound scans are the most popular and best way to detect pregnancy early on. The X-ray can also precisely figure out the number of puppies in the womb. Once mating takes place and is successful, then the gestation period normally lasts between 58-68 days. Remember that female dogs may go through a false pregnancy due to normal hormone cycles. paid for at jolly’s. 26 - 9. All of this is totally normal, but it is wise to involve your vet in your dog’s pregnancy, in order to. The different stages of dog pregnancy have varying lengths. An ultrasound can usually detect fetal heartbeats, giving you an estimate of. Duchess is starting to act restless and agitated. By week six you will notice significant weight gain in your pregnant dog. Dogs are typically pregnant for an average of 63 days, but it can be difficult to predict the time of delivery. Cesky Terrier. More affectionate. 5ml per 1 kg bodyweight of puppy or kitten each day for 3 consecutive days at 2, 5, 8 and 12 weeks of age. How long. a. The reproductive cycle in dogs is fairly short compared to other animals and begins with the female entering into heat. Swollen genitals, particularly around her vulva (the outer part of her genitals) A slight mucus discharge from her vagina. 33 kg. , Vomiting. Fetal skeletons will be visible on an x-ray around day 45 as well (as shown on. • 10 November 2022. The average is 63. Proper nutrition and regular checkups are crucial for a successful pregnancy. During week three, the implanted embryos will begin to develop their organs, which causes a massive hormone surge within the pregnant cat. 56 to 58 days from the first day of diestrus; 64 to 66 days from initial rise in progesterone; 58 to 72 days from first breeding; Stages Of Dog Pregnancy. Gestation in dogs is 56 to 68, in rarest cases 70 days. The average canine pregnancy is about 63 days or even as early as 56 days or as late as 66 days old. German Shepherd puppies for sale. Maintenance levels + 10%. That’s why it’s important to find out if your furry female is pregnant. Dogs are pregnant for approximately 62-64 days. However, docking puppy tails was routine for both working breeds and show dogs. A healthy canine pregnancy can last from 58 to 68 days, but the average delivery date is 63 days after mating. Subscribe an. During the final week of dog pregnancy, mums-to-be may be a little restless and seclude themselves in a quiet area. You should tell your Vet if your cat is due for her booster vaccination during pregnancy, and he will advise on the best course of action, as a 'live' vaccine should not be given. Days 0- 7. If the mating date is unknown, a simple and painless ultrasound can estimate the gestational age and due date. 1 answer. How to Tell if Your Dog is Pregnant. Natural birth is challenging for female pugs because of the puppies larger head and shoulders. Get the emergency number for after-hours and weekends, in case the birth or related. Day 1 of pregnancy Not pregnant: Not pregnant: Has sex and ovulates: 2 weeks pregnant Not pregnant: Not pregnant: Fertilization; cleavage stage begins: Day 15: Day 1: Not pregnant: Implantation of blastocyst begins Day 20 Day 6: Day 0 Implantation finished Day 26 Day 12: Day 6 (or Day 0) Embryo stage begins; also, first missed period: 4 weeksThe gestation period—how long dogs are pregnant—lasts anywhere between 58 to 68 days (or roughly nine weeks). #1 Changes to the Mammary Glands. They have very large heads with their ears being set just above a dog's eye. An average pregnancy lasts for anything from 56 to 70 days depending on the breed, so this is still early days. Pets4Homes is the UKs most popular pet classifieds site. (This does not always match the exact day of breeding. Dog Pregnancy A Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar Pets4Homes. Pregnancy and birth-related health issues are not exceptionally common in dachshunds but they can. 64-66 days from the initial rise in progesterone. 46-56 cm: Average weight: 16-29 kg: Average lifespan: Over 10 years: Minimum exercise (per day) 2 hours: Coat length: Medium: Minimum cost (per month). Put out the flags and start knitting puppy-sized bootees. It happens 20 to 30 days after mating. Later Signs. Three loving Pomeranian puppies looking for they’re forever home. . Pug Age: 7 months 1 female. Will provide with pictures and video for proof. However, this is not always the. . Week 2 (Days 8–14): The embryos grow from 4 to 64 cells over the course of the week. The research shows that by the end of the fourth week, right around day 28, a veterinarian can confirm dog pregnancy with an ultrasound. This means that your. Ovulation and subsequent mating and fertilisation occur- although. This is the phase where a female dog can become pregnant if she is bred. A bitch that has received all the proper care before pregnancy is likely to have an easier time. However, if your bitch goes into labour prior to the 60 day mark, this is considered to be a premature delivery, and this is a very serious matter that has huge implications for. You can expect a Staffy cross Jack Russell to fall somewhere in the middle of the following average measurements. This duration can vary. Dog pregnancy tests are generally safe. Age. A phantom pregnancy is when a bitch behaves to all intents and purposes as if she is pregnant, which may involve both behavioural and physical changes, when it is impossible for her to have conceived. The gestation period in dogs, also known as pregnancy, refers to the duration of time between conception and birth. Dry dog foods typically contain 30-60% carbohydrates, with the majority being starch. 1. Stages and dog pregnancy timeline month 1. After a proper examination, your local veterinarian can provide you with all of the instruction you need to properly care for your pregnant pet. At the time of heat, if the female does not feel prepared, it can cause problems with the males, causing fights and altercations with various. Reliable Early Results - accurately detects whether a dog is pregnant as early as 25 days after breeding, letting you know if it’s time to prepare a whelping kit for puppies birth ; Simple and Straightforward - clear step-by-step instructions are included and results are easy to interpret with this dog pregnancy kit ; Serious Value - 2 tests. 2. People who work to rehome dogs have told the BBC some pounds are killing up to eight strays a day. An estimated due date can allow you to prepare the dog and. That said, the differences in gestation length are very small. Toy breeds often deliver their puppies a week or so earlier; while large breeds tend to deliver later. The Reproductive Cycle in Dogs. Spike May 24, 2019 at 3:22 am. Dog Pregnancy Symptoms At Week 8 (Days 50-56) Once your dog reaches week 8 of their pregnancy, their puppies are fully grown within their uterus. 5 degrees Celsius, labour is likely to commence within the next 24 hours. This indicates birth is approximately 7 days away. Within the first 30 days of pregnancy, these common symptoms may go unnoticed: Enlarged nipples; Lethargy; Increased appetite; Vaginal discharge; Some dogs may also develop signs of. Because the canine pregnancy is so short (an average pregnancy can range from 56 to 70 days depending on the breed), the pups develop rapidly in the womb and the mother dog passes through the stages very quickly. 7 week pregnant dog belly. 215-515-5542. 42 days of Pregnant Dog# PregnantDoberman #WeekbyWeekPregnantDog #PregnantDogCareIf any Doubt. lunging, and snapping at them. carol66 · 03/04/2012 17:31. The average length of gestation for pregnant dogs is 63 days. + Organogenesis begins– Embryos are at their most susceptible to defects. Others believe that dogs can give birth during any other day of the month, but they are especially. Dog Pregnancy Stages Day By Day. The heat cycle lasts for about two weeks and is characterized by the female becoming. The earliest test that can be taken is the blood test at 21 days, during the span between the 21st day and the 35th day your vet can safely palpate your dog’s stomach, at 25 to 35 days the vet can do an ultrasound, at 30. Female dogs are typically pregnant for roughly 63 days. In the early stages of pregnancy, your dog is unlikely to show many signs other than slightly larger/pinker nipples and a swollen vulva (private parts). 16. A veterinarian should examine the female dog before breeding to determine physical health and fitness for. According to Dr. Anoestrus – This is the phase of the oestrus cycle where the female is non-fertile. Though she may still be drinking more than usual, her appetite may begin to gradually decline back to her normal amount. Do keep your appointment with the vet as you may want some x-rays done to know how many puppies your dog will have. 32 - 35. 2022. By the end of your dog's second trimester, their belly will get bigger. The following signs and symptoms are what you’ll be expecting to find if your dog is pregnant: 1. Once it has implanted, the puppy begins to develop. The reproductive cycle of intact female dogs involves going into heat approximately once every 6 months, with each heat cycle lasting about 18-21 days. Swollen genitals, particularly around her vulva (the outer part of her genitals) A slight mucus discharge from her vagina. 2 degrees Celsius to 36. Time. A very early tell-tale sign is that all calling will stop and the cat's appetite will subsequently improve. Week 8 (days 50 to 56) – Week 7 signs continue, nesting intensifies. This is also the earliest a vet can feel the puppies in the uterus. Sep 29, 2023 53 days to go. Learn how long are dogs pregnant,. I am needing to know what to expect. If your bitch is bred then, you can expect puppies exactly 63 days post ovulation. A dog that suddenly modifies its appetite, either eating more or less than usual, might be pregnant. Family history. The puppies will be born at any moment during week nine! The pregnant mother may have a decreased appetite, she may be nauseous, and she will likely be displaying obvious nesting behavior. Similar to our “morning sickness”, your dog may vomit a little in the early. . and veterinary advisor for Dogtopia, an. This blog post will discuss five signs to look out for that may indicate that your dog is pregnant. This is counted from the day the dog ovulates until the day she gives birth, and is split into three trimesters of roughly 21 days each. Relaxing procedure (level of hormones measurement) detects pregnancy in the dog by a blood test. By Mike Clark. £1,200. A dog gestation period, aka dog pregnancy, is roughly 63 days post-conception, though this can vary between individual dogs and breeds. Like human moms, pregnant dogs may begin pacing during their uterine contracting and pant and shake. – A dog pregnancy can vary between 56 – 70 days. Here are some of the big milestones to be aware of: Day 30: Your veterinarian should be able to detect fetal heartbeats on an ultrasound. During pregnancy, the developing puppies undergo significant growth and development. . Dog pregnancy lasts an average of 63 days. This is the reason why you should always take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these, just to be sure. While it can be hard to tell if your dog is pregnant, some tell-tale signs can help you determine if your pup is expecting. The length of a dog’s pregnancy can vary depending on the size and breed of the dog, as well as on the health and condition of the mother dog. During pregnancy, the relaxin amount remains elevated. In general, larger dogs have a longer gestation. Staffy Jack dogs have a body similar to the Jack Russell, with a wider face resembling a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Akitas are large and impressive dogs and they reflect perfectly the job they were originally bred to do. 89 - 11. 53 days would be very early for her to begin labour. The phase of ripening lasts for about 6 -. 2. This early detection is beneficial for. Schedule an appointment with their veterinarian to learn more about your dog’s individual needs.