How does a dog’s behavior change during pregnancy. What physical signs indicate a dog is pregnant. How can you care for a pregnant dog. When do pregnant dogs start nesting. What is a whelping box and why is it important.

Understanding Canine Pregnancy: Timeline and Key Milestones

Canine pregnancy is a remarkable journey that typically lasts about 63 days or two months. During this time, expectant dog owners may notice various changes in their pet’s behavior and physical appearance. But when exactly can you start observing these changes?

The first few weeks of a dog’s pregnancy can be subtle, with few noticeable signs. However, as the pregnancy progresses, more obvious indicators begin to emerge:

• Week 3-4: Fetal heartbeats may be detected by a veterinarian
• Week 5-6: Nipples enlarge and may leak small amounts of milk
• Week 7-8: Belly becomes noticeably swollen
• Week 9: Appetite may decrease, panting increases, and body temperature drops as whelping approaches

Are you wondering if your dog needs assistance during delivery? In most cases, mama dogs are fully capable of delivering their puppies without human intervention. Your role is to provide a supportive environment and be ready to seek veterinary help if complications arise.

Physical Signs of Canine Pregnancy: What to Look For

Identifying a dog’s pregnancy in its early stages can be challenging. However, as the pregnancy advances, several physical signs become more apparent:

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Enlarged nipples
• Swollen belly (in later stages)
• Decreased activity levels
• Possible morning sickness

How can you confirm if your dog is pregnant? While these signs can be indicative, a veterinarian can provide a definitive diagnosis through various methods:

1. Abdominal palpation
2. Ultrasound
3. Hormone tests
4. X-rays (in later stages of pregnancy)

Behavioral Changes in Pregnant Dogs: From Mood Swings to Nesting

As your dog’s body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, her behavior is likely to shift as well. These behavioral changes are influenced by hormonal fluctuations and instinctual preparations for motherhood.

Common Behavioral Changes in Pregnant Dogs:

• Decreased activity levels
• Nesting behavior
• Mood swings (irritability or clinginess)
• Increased defensiveness
• Heightened territoriality

Have you noticed your pregnant dog scratching at the floor or gathering items? This is nesting behavior, a natural instinct that prepares a safe, comfortable space for the upcoming birth and care of puppies.

Caring for Your Pregnant Dog: Maintaining Leadership and Structure

While your dog is undergoing significant life changes, it’s crucial to maintain your role as the pack leader. Consistent rules and expectations provide a sense of security for your pregnant dog during this transitional period.

Should you completely change your dog’s routine during pregnancy? No, maintaining some normalcy is beneficial. Continue to exercise obedience and expect your dog to follow commands. This consistency helps your dog feel secure and understand that despite the changes in her body, the household structure remains intact.

Balancing Care and Leadership:

• Maintain consistent rules and expectations
• Continue obedience training
• Provide extra support and comfort as needed
• Be patient with mood swings and behavioral changes

Creating a Safe Haven: The Importance of a Whelping Box

As your dog’s pregnancy progresses, providing a safe, comfortable space for her to give birth and care for her puppies becomes essential. This is where a whelping box comes into play.

What exactly is a whelping box? It’s a designated area with low sides that allow the mother to easily step in and out while keeping the puppies safely contained. This box serves as a nest for the mother and her litter, providing warmth, comfort, and security.

Key Features of a Good Whelping Box:

• Spacious enough for the mother to move comfortably
• Low sides for easy access for the mother
• High enough sides to keep puppies contained
• Lined with absorbent materials (newspapers, training pads)
• Comfortable bedding (towels, light blankets)

Can you make your own whelping box? Absolutely! While commercial whelping boxes are available, many pet owners successfully use alternatives like kiddie pools or large, sturdy cardboard boxes.

Exercise and Nutrition: Balancing Activity and Diet During Pregnancy

Maintaining your pregnant dog’s health through appropriate exercise and nutrition is crucial for a successful pregnancy and delivery.

Exercise for Pregnant Dogs:

Should you completely stop exercising your pregnant dog? No, but you should modify the intensity and duration of activities. Regular, gentle exercise helps maintain muscle tone and overall health, which can contribute to an easier delivery.

• Continue daily walks, but shorten the distance as pregnancy progresses
• Avoid vigorous activities, especially in late pregnancy
• Allow for more rest periods
• Monitor your dog’s energy levels and adjust accordingly

Nutrition for Pregnant Dogs:

How should you adjust your dog’s diet during pregnancy? As your dog’s nutritional needs increase, you’ll need to gradually increase her food intake. Most veterinarians recommend increasing food intake by 35-50% by the end of pregnancy.

• Offer smaller, more frequent meals
• Ensure high-quality, nutrient-rich dog food
• Avoid supplements unless recommended by your vet
• Provide constant access to fresh water

Is it normal for a pregnant dog’s appetite to fluctuate? Yes, appetite changes are common throughout pregnancy. Some dogs may experience decreased appetite in early pregnancy (similar to morning sickness in humans) and again just before whelping.

Preparing for Whelping: Recognizing the Signs of Impending Labor

As your dog approaches the end of her pregnancy, it’s important to recognize the signs that indicate labor is imminent. Being prepared can help ensure a smooth whelping process and allow you to provide necessary support.

Signs That Labor Is Approaching:

• Drop in body temperature (below 100°F)
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness or anxiety
• Nesting behavior intensifies
• Panting or shivering
• Clear or blood-tinged vaginal discharge

How long does the whelping process typically last? The duration can vary, but most dogs complete the process within 6-12 hours. However, larger litters may take longer, and there can be breaks between puppy deliveries.

Stages of Labor:

1. Early Labor: Mild contractions begin, nesting behavior intensifies
2. Active Labor: Stronger contractions, puppies begin to be born
3. Delivery of Placenta: Each puppy is typically followed by its placenta

When should you intervene or call a vet during whelping? While most dogs handle delivery without complications, you should contact your veterinarian if:

• Active labor lasts more than 24 hours without producing a puppy
• More than 2 hours pass between puppy deliveries
• The mother shows signs of extreme distress or exhaustion
• There’s excessive bleeding
• A puppy appears to be stuck in the birth canal

Post-Whelping Care: Supporting the New Mother and Her Puppies

After your dog has successfully delivered her litter, your focus shifts to supporting her recovery and ensuring the health of the newborn puppies. This period is crucial for both the mother’s well-being and the puppies’ development.

Caring for the Mother Dog:

• Provide a quiet, warm environment
• Offer small, frequent meals of high-quality food
• Ensure constant access to fresh water
• Monitor for signs of postpartum complications
• Allow for rest, but encourage short, gentle walks

How long should you limit visitors to the new mother and puppies? It’s best to restrict visitors for the first week or two, allowing the mother and puppies time to bond and establish a routine without unnecessary stress.

Newborn Puppy Care:

• Ensure all puppies are nursing regularly
• Monitor puppies’ weight gain
• Keep the whelping area clean and warm
• Watch for signs of illness or distress

When should puppies have their first veterinary check-up? Most veterinarians recommend an initial check-up within the first 24-48 hours after birth, followed by regular check-ups every 2-3 weeks for vaccinations and deworming.

Long-Term Considerations: Spaying and Future Pregnancies

After your dog has successfully whelped and raised her litter, it’s important to consider long-term reproductive health and family planning for your pet.

Benefits of Spaying:

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies
• Reduces risk of certain cancers
• Eliminates heat cycles and associated behaviors
• Can lead to a longer, healthier life for your dog

When is the best time to spay a dog after she’s had puppies? Generally, veterinarians recommend waiting until the puppies are weaned, usually around 8 weeks postpartum. However, the exact timing can depend on the individual dog’s health and recovery.

Considerations for Future Pregnancies:

If you’re considering breeding your dog again, it’s crucial to consider several factors:

• The overall health and age of the dog
• The demand for puppies of that breed
• Your ability to care for another litter
• The genetic health of the breeding pair
• The impact on your dog’s long-term health

How often can a dog safely have litters? While dogs can physically have two litters per year, most responsible breeders limit breeding to once a year at most, allowing the mother’s body to fully recover between pregnancies.

Ultimately, the decision to breed or spay your dog should be made in consultation with your veterinarian, considering your dog’s health, your circumstances, and responsible pet ownership practices.

Does a Pregnant Dog’s Behavior Change?

There are puppies on the way! Puppies! Your dog is pregnant, and soon there will be 5, 6, or even 10 little bundles of joy bouncing around your house, spreading furry cuteness.

But for the two months before their arrival, hormones, instincts, and a rapidly distorting body will transform your easy-going girl into Fierce Mama Dog. No, she won’t become a raving lunatic, but she will start to focus on the little beings she will have to care for and protect. And she will have to endure the discomforts pregnancy is bound to bring.

Table of Contents

Everything You Need To Know About a Dog’s Pregnancy

A dog’s pregnancy lasts about 63 days or two months. The exact timeline depends on the breed and the size of the litter. It may be hard to tell that the dog is pregnant during the first few weeks. Your veterinarian can detect fetal heartbeats toward the end of the first month. In that second month, the puppies’ development accelerates, and Mama Dog’s nipples enlarge and may leak a little milk.

As delivery time (whelping) approaches, she may lose her appetite and start panting. Your dog’s temperature may drop. Then, contractions will start. Finally, right before the third month begins, the puppies are ready to make their grand entrance. Unless there is some complication, mama dogs do not need your help delivering their puppies. Your dog knows what to do. So relax, be there for her, and watch the miracle of life unfold.

Physical and Mental Changes in a Pregnant Dog

Physical Signs of Pregnancy

It’s hard to tell if dogs are pregnant during the early stages. They may have symptoms that seem wrong, but they are perfectly normal during pregnancy. A vet can diagnose your dog’s pregnancy through abdominal palpitations, ultrasound, hormone tests, and X-rays.

Physical signs of a dog’s pregnancy include increases in appetite, weight, and nipple size. Eventually, they will have a swollen belly. Pregnant dogs may seem less active than usual and may even experience morning sickness.

Pregnant Dog Behavior Changes

Naturally, as your dog undergoes significant physical changes during pregnancy, her behavior will change, too. In addition to being less active than normal, you will notice instances of nesting behavior. This is her way of preparing a safe, comfortable place — a nest — for herself and her newborn puppies. She will scratch the floor and collect food and other necessary things for whelping. Her mood swings may be a bit out of character, as she becomes either easily irritated or unusually clingy.

All those hormones can make her defensive. This is especially true of stray dogs and dogs otherwise left on their own most of the time. They dig their own dens and become protective of their puppies and their established territory.

Caring for Your Pregnant Dog

You’re Still the Pack Leader

Your dog is going through a significant change in her life as she is about to be responsible for several little lives. Naturally, she will be following her instincts throughout the process. But you are still her pack leader.

Just because your dog is pregnant, you don’t need to let all the rules go out the window. You can still exercise obedience and expect her to follow your commands. Despite her instincts taking over, she still needs to perceive you as the pack leader.

Prepare a Whelping Box

At some point, pregnant dogs start to display nesting behaviors. This is the right time to help your dog create a space just for her and her puppies, away from the usual hustle and bustle. A whelping box is such a place. This box has sides that are easy for the mother to step over but high enough to keep the puppies in, and it’s roomy enough for them to move around.

You can buy a whelping box, but a kiddie pool can do just as well. Line the floor with newspaper or training pads, as giving birth does get messy. Add some towels and light blankets for comfort. After introducing the box to your dog, she may want to add a few things and put her own finishing touches to the box — maybe including your favorite T-shirt!

Mama Dog Still Needs Exercise

Pregnant dogs need to stay in good health, and that means exercise. As her pregnancy progresses, vigorous exercise won’t be a good idea for your dog. But walks are still great for her. They will need to be shorter, as she will tire more easily. She can still enjoy playing with you, but she shouldn’t get too excited, especially late in the pregnancy.

Ensure Appropriate Levels of Food Intake

Good nutrition is essential for a pregnant dog. After all, she’s eating for 5 or 10 at a time, so she needs enough dog food to preserve a healthy weight after delivery! As often recommended by veterinarians, you should gradually increase your dog’s food intake by between 35 and 50% in smaller, more frequent meals.

Avoid dietary supplements unless recommended by your veterinarian. Too much of something can cause problems for your dog, her unborn puppies, or both.

Keep an Eye Out for Dog Pregnancy Complications

Normally, your dog will handle whelping on her own quite well. But some complications require the help of a veterinarian. Watch for signs of trouble, such as excessive pain, contractions 45 minutes or longer without a birth, too much time passing between births, shivering, collapsing, or bloody fluid before the first puppy.

Learn More About Pregnant Dog Behavior With K9 Basics!

Caring for a pregnant dog can be an exciting time for you and your family. But it can be stressful if you’ve not dealt with it before. You will certainly have many questions as you strive to provide for her needs.

We can help! After you’ve taken her to the vet and received great medical advice, contact us at K9 Basics. Our team of expert trainers will help you understand and manage the behavior changes your dog will be going through. We will help you maintain your role as pack leader while you provide the care and comfort she wants and needs from you. Once you are confident in what you need to do, you can truly enjoy this special time with her and the new puppies soon to be running all over your home!

Give us a call at (866) 592-2742 or, if you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York, visit us at 131 Kenilworth Road, Marlton, New Jersey 08053, to learn more about our dog training services. Also, browse our blog and social media for various topics about dogs and their lives with us!

5 Things You Need to Know When Your Dog is Pregnant

If you don’t know what to do when your dog is pregnant for the first time, it can put you under stress. Ease your anxieties by preparing for the pregnancy with these 5 things you need to know when you first discover your dog is pregnant. Then consult with your Veterinarian; doing so will give you confidence in caring for your pregnant dog which will also ease any anxieties she may have. 

Tips to Help You Care for Mom and Prepare for Puppies

Knowing how to care for your dog’s health during pregnancy, preparing for whelping and caring for her puppies will greatly assist you in providing optimal animal care. This knowledge is essential whether you are breeding, fostering, or caring for your own dog. As always, stay in touch with your animal care clinic for more specific needs of individual breeds.

1.

How to Identify Your Dog Is Pregnant and What to Expect

Gestation for puppies can be from 57-71 days but is generally around 63 days. Recording when your dog mated will help you to determine the due date so you can take care of her through all of the pregnant dog stages. 

If you do not know when your dog mated, it could take about 3 weeks for you to see the signs.
Signs your dog may be pregnant are: 

• Lack of energy 
• Morning sickness (just like humans) 
• Changes in behavior 
• Physical changes 

In the early stages of pregnancy, your dog will become exhausted easier. A lack of normal energy is easily discovered in energetic dogs. If your dog likes to snooze often, you may need to pay close attention while on walks for decreased energy. 

In the early to mid-pregnancy dog stages, your dog can get morning sickness and lose her appetite. You may find fluctuations in her eating patterns. Some days she may eat more and some days she may be dissatisfied with her food.  

A pregnant dog will often have behavior that is unusual for her. In the early stages, she may seek more attention from you. She may seek comfort from you by spending more time at your side than normal. Then again, she may prefer not to be bothered and can be irritated with attention. Just like us humans, pregnancy can be an emotional roller coaster for your dog too. Seek veterinary care if your dog is not acting like she normally does and exhibiting worrying symptoms. In the late stages of her pregnancy, she will display nesting behaviors like shredding materials for bedding. She may not want attention while “nesting” and can become snappy if bothered. 

Certainly a pregnant dog will have physical changes. In the early stages, her nipples will
become discolored or enlarged. In the latter pregnant dog stages, her nipples may leak milk occasionally. Sudden weight gain and an enlarged abdomen is a definite clue your dog is pregnant. This happens later into your dog’s pregnancy, so if this is your first clue, it’s time to contact your Veterinarian soon.

2. How to Care for Your Pregnant Dog

Provide general animal care for the expecting dog making sure she is fed well and dewormed during pregnancy. Consult your Veterinarian for deworming your pregnant dog. 

It would be wise to get advice from your Veterinarian about how much and what to feed a pregnant dog and if additional supplements are recommended for your specific dog; this will give you confidence when you have questions about how to care for my pregnant dog.

After your momma dog has given birth, remove all the soiled towels from her whelping box and replace them with clean towels often to keep her nest clean. The birthing process takes a lot of energy out of mom as well as her pups so she needs a quiet, warm place for her and the new puppies to sleep after giving birth. Gently clean her up with a warm damp cloth when she is awake and refreshed from a good rest after the birthing process. Make sure any soap residue is wiped off, especially around her nipples to keep it away from the puppies. A regular bath will have to wait for a few weeks. 

After the puppies are born, you should feed your momma dog small meals more often in place of one large one. She will need more calories and may eat up to 4 times as much as normal. She will especially need more calcium, protein, and water. Her regular dog food is likely fine but again, check with your Veterinarian if you aren’t sure.

3. When to Take Your Pregnant Dog to the Vet

Your dog will probably do just fine on her own while delivering her puppies, but just in case a problem should arise, contact your Veterinarian for advice. For example, some dogs that are pregnant for the first time may have a problem removing the birth sac after the puppies are born. First allow your dog time to remove it herself. If she does not remove it fairly quickly, the puppy will not be able to breathe. You may need to tear a hole for her so the puppy can take its first breath. Discuss this possibility with your Veterinarian for the best procedure to tear the hole prior to the birthing process so that you are prepared if this happens. Other times, it will be necessary to take your dog to the Veterinarian.

Take your pregnant dog into the animal clinic when:

• Your dog is sick or does not seem like herself, before, during, or after whelping
• She is exhausted with a long labor time
• She has been straining for 20-30 minutes without successfully delivering a pup. A blockage could be the cause requiring emergency pet surgery.
• She is bleeding – It is normal for your dog to have bloody fluid during the birthing process, but more than a few drops of blood is not normal and you will need to contact the Veterinarian immediately. 
• A puppy is stuck – A puppy can become stuck for several reasons. It could be because the puppy is too large, deformed, or is in the wrong position but whatever the reason – call the vet immediately. Do not help the puppy out yourself – this could cause a veterinary scare.

4. How to Prepare for the Whelping and Puppies

Pregnant dogs usually do not need your help during labor and delivery. Some dogs will like their owner to be with them while others prefer seclusion when whelping. It is best to avoid interfering as much as possible when your dog prefers to be left alone. You should however, make preparations for the puppies and your whelping dog.

Find a warm, comfortable, and secluded room and provide a whelping box. The whelping box should be large enough for your dog to stretch out and turn around in. Also, the whelping box should be high enough to keep the puppies corralled, yet low enough for your dog to easily step over. Line the whelping box with old towels that are clean and absorbent. 

As always, reach out to your Veterinarian for their advice for whelping preparations and how to care for the puppies when they arrive. Keep the phone number to the animal care clinic handy in case you need help during or after birth.

Tips for the newborn Pups:

• Newborn puppies need a warm environment. The temperature of a puppy should be between 94-99 degrees Fahrenheit. Taking their temperature will confirm they are staying warm.
• With clean hands, guide each pup to a nipple to nurse. They should naturally latch on after smelling the milk. Use a postal scale to weigh the puppies every day for three weeks to make sure they are growing and gaining weight. At four weeks old, the pups are not considered newborn anymore and will explore their surroundings. They should be weaned at 7 weeks and are ready for their forever homes at 8 weeks. 

5. How to Know Your Dog is about to Give Birth and What to Do

Especially when your dog is pregnant for the first time, going through the pre-labor stages and delivering the puppies can frighten her. Knowing the signs a dog is going into labor soon will assist you to calm her fears. Understanding newborn puppy care will help the mother and her puppies during the first stages of life. 

Before your dog goes into labor, her body temperature will drop from 101 to 102.5 Fahrenheit to the 98-99 range. When her temperature drops, her behaviour will change. We recommend that you begin taking your dog’s rectal temperature every morning 10-14 days before her due date. This will set a baseline for her normal temperature, and if it falls below normal, she will most likely whelp within 24 hours. She will begin to pant, pace around and refuse to eat. Some dogs will vomit. Then her nesting behavior will kick in; this is a good time to place her in the whelping box. This pre-delivery labor stage can last from 6 to 12 hours. Towards the end of this stage, her cervix will be completely dilated. 

During the final stage of labor you will be able to see her contractions. The muscles in her abdomen will tense up and she will start straining in a similar posture of having a bowel movement. Her first pup should be born 1-2 hours from the time contractions begin. It will not be unusual if your dog takes a rest for a few hours before delivering the rest of the litter. She may not rest after each delivery and several puppies can be born soon after. After the puppies are born, the placentas and afterbirth will be expelled. There should be the same number of placentas as there are puppies. If the mother is not cleaning her puppies, you may need to help her out. Wipe the puppy clean until you hear it crying and place it into position to nurse. 

Veterinary Specialists in Lee’s Summit

Call us when you need to know what to do when your dog is pregnant for the first time. Every aspect of your dog’s health is important to us at Chipman Road Animal Clinic. Through prenatal care, labor, and delivery you will receive the best animal care for your momma dog and her litter of pups. 

Our excellent veterinarians will care for all of your pet’s health care needs including:

• Animal Hospital/Emergency care
• Dental care
• Flea and Tick control
• Microchipping
• Personalized medical care
• Puppy and Kitten care 
• Spay and Neuter
• Vaccinations
• Wellness exams

Chipman Road Animal Clinic’s Veterinarians and their caring team are the most compassionate animal care clinic serving all of Lee’s Summit, MO and the surrounding area. Our open door policy allows you to stop in when you need advice or emergency help. No appointment is needed. We are located at 211 NW Chipman Road in Lee’s Summit, MO 64063. Call us at:
816-524-1886. 

Pregnancy in dogs – signs, duration of pregnancy in dogs. Veterinary clinic “Zoostatus”

What is important to know to make a decision about the possible pregnancy of a dog
What to do first
Signs of a dog’s pregnancy
Nutrition of a pregnant bitch

Both for owners and pets, dog pregnancy is exciting and responsible process. In the conditions of modern urban life, and even with the captive keeping of an animal, it is necessary to understand and know as much as possible about this process.

During the time of keeping dogs at home and in the countryside, there have been significant changes not only in the habits of dogs, but their immunity has changed, the load has decreased, the natural principle “the strongest individual survives” has been lost. Humanity has gone too far with the “wild dog socialization” experiment, and now we must take responsibility and care not only in the daily maintenance of a pet, but also in such a responsible natural and natural process for animals as dog pregnancy and dog birth.

What is important to know in order to make a decision about the possible pregnancy of a dog

Pregnancy in dogs is not a healing process for the pet’s body, but, on the contrary, serves as an additional stress and load on the animal’s immune system, on the internal organs of the bitch. Only a healthy animal should give birth.

During pregnancy, a dog may develop chronic diseases or inflammations that you did not know about. This can greatly complicate the condition of the puppy bitch.

The most reasonable and favorable moment for mating a bitch is when she has reached two to two and a half years. You should not breed a dog older than 4-5 years, think about the complications that are inherent in animals at this age.

Dog pregnancy lasts 63 days. In the normal course of the process, a deviation of +3 days is allowed. Deviations in terms depend on the duration of the behavioral estrus. Less often, this is due to the physiological characteristics of the breed, the number of puppies in the litter – large litters can be born a little earlier. Litters in small breeds of females tend to be born earlier than the indicated dates. Although such explanations, according to experts, require additional confirmation.

“A dog’s pregnancy for health, at least once” is a deep misconception for many owners. But what about “false pregnancy”? – you ask. Specialists use this term to denote the physical signs of pregnancy in non-pregnant animals. This is a natural process, and in healthy animals this condition resolves on its own, without consequences, after 2-3 weeks. It can occur after each estrus, depending on the hormonal background of the dog. Remember, mating a dog “once for health” does not eliminate the state of false pregnancy.

However, signs of false pregnancy also occur against the background of certain diseases in dogs: hormonal changes, thyroid disease. It is not uncommon if the “dog mating” did not occur at the most favorable time for conception – the diestrus phase (the last days of estrus in dogs). This is another argument in favor of spaying a dog.

Before making a decision about your dog’s pregnancy, think about the question: who will give the puppies to? Well, if there are only two or three. And if – eleven, which is not uncommon for large breeds of dogs.

Question about who will sit with the dog and puppies in the first month after birth? If you have an answer to this question, then let’s move on…

It is important to consider the budget for the maintenance of puppies after they are born. Feeding and maintenance of newborns and lactating bitches is a big chore and expense! You can’t do without good food and vitamins – to feed healthy puppies with a shiny and well-groomed coat, to restore the health of their mother, a balanced and high-quality diet is necessary.

If there are already those who want puppies, you will not have to spend money and time on advertising, if the mating is free and the mating instructor is your friend, then stock up on funds in case of difficult childbirth. Childbirth under the supervision of a specialist – a veterinarian – in case “something goes wrong”, will save you a lot of nerves, and the health of the dog and puppies.

What needs to be done first

In order for the dog’s pregnancy to take place and proceed favorably, it is necessary to prepare the bitch for this moment. Evaluate all the pros and cons so that this event brings joy to both you and your pet. And we will help you figure it out.

If you have decided that you are mentally ready to endure the pregnancy and childbirth of your dog, then you need to make sure that she is ready to understand and accept your wish. Asking the dog about this directly, as you understand, will not work.

Therefore, we recommend that you first of all:

• contact a veterinarian
• take blood and urine tests to detect diseases or inflammatory processes in the dog;
• if necessary, perform abdominal ultrasound and cardiac echocardiography;
• deworm before mating;
• pay attention to the sources of inflammatory processes – ears, gums, paraanal glands;
• determine a favorable period from the veterinarian so that the mating of the bitch will certainly take place;
• remember the date of mating, later it will serve as a guide for you in the timing and stages of the dog’s pregnancy.

Signs of pregnancy in a dog

Decision made. The mating took place and went well. We wait. We worry and look at our pet every day. Here, something seemed … or not? Or did it not work at all?

Let’s figure it out.

In the first month of pregnancy, the behavior of the animal remains the same, without changes. In some cases, there may be drowsiness and a desire to lie down more than usual. This condition quickly passes, after two or three weeks it disappears completely. Therefore, do not torture the animal with inquiring glances and endless examinations of the tummy, the dog’s pregnancy in the first stage is difficult to notice. Only by the end of the fourth week you may notice changes in the mammary glands, they will swell a little and change color to pinkish.

If you can’t wait to find out about the “interesting situation” of your pet, then the diagnosis of pregnancy in dogs is possible even at the shortest time. For example, by the growth of the hormone relaxin in the blood serum, you can find out about the dog’s pregnancy by passing a diagnostic test (blood) for this hormone as early as 3-4 weeks of the expected period. This will allow you to get a result with almost a 100% guarantee.

Starting from 25 days, you can use an equally informative method for diagnosing pregnancy in dogs – ultrasound. At this time, the pregnant bitch has already formed amniotic sacs with detectable embryos in them. During this period, it is already possible to establish how many fetuses are in the womb, but such data will not be 100%, because. it is possible to make a mistake in the exact counting of the embryos. More accurate data on the number of fetuses can be obtained from an x-ray examination of the bitch at 39- 45 days. During this period, it is important to see a veterinarian, because. he will be able to diagnose possible pathologies in the fetus and complications during childbirth.

Clinical symptoms can also be a hint about the condition of the dog during this period: the animal gains weight, the mammary glands swell, the dog becomes less active, eats more often, but the portions become smaller, a change in behavior is very characteristic of bitches – increased anxiety, often very affectionate behavior.

Feeding a pregnant bitch

In the second half of pregnancy in dogs requires increased attention to the diet of the pregnant bitch. During this period, there is an active development of the fetus and the formation of the puppy’s body, which means that high-quality building material is required for the growth and development of the fetus. The necessary proteins, minerals and vitamins should be supplied to the mother’s body along with the feed in such an amount that they would be sufficient not only for the growth of the fetus, but also to maintain the high-quality life of the puppy bitch. The growth of the fetus is accompanied by the restriction of the free space of the stomach, and the increase in the size of the uterus by this period leads to a significant restriction of this space. Therefore, we draw your attention to the fact that it is necessary to reduce portion sizes, but increase their number and calorie content. And two weeks before the birth – increase the number of meals by one more, i.e. up to 4 times a day. And do not demand from the dog that she would finish the entire portion.

The dog’s pregnancy will proceed normally if you follow the simple rules.

1. Care for the pet and attention not only to its physiological state, but also to psychological comfort. Communication and affection will always benefit your dog. Treat with patience and understanding if the pregnant bitch “did not endure” and went to the toilet right at home. It is often difficult for a pregnant dog to control this process.

2. Walk the whelping bitch short but often – 10 to 20 minutes three or four times a day. She will tire quickly, so do not exercise her.

3. Do not scold a pregnant dog.

4. Balance your pet’s diet by adding the right amount of vitamins and minerals to the food. Keep track of the amount of food you eat.

5. Carefully monitor the health of the pregnant bitch. Any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, refusal to eat, increased shedding or greenish discharge from the birth canal, should be a signal for immediate veterinary attention.

There is another important moment that plays a role for a pregnant bitch – it is the preparation of a place for childbirth. It is better to do this in advance so that the dog has time to get used to and get comfortable. For many dogs, 10 days is enough to get used to, but there are especially impressionable natures. And such dogs can be introduced to the place for childbirth much earlier.

Place for childbirth is better to place in a quiet, cozy corner of the apartment, preferably secluded. The dog should feel comfortable and safe, because any stress can slow down or stop labor activity. Such a place consists of two parts: a fairly spacious maternity place for a bitch, in proportion to her size, and a place for walking puppies. The door must be positioned in such a way that the puppies do not go beyond the equipped place, and the bitch can leave it without hindrance.

Giving birth to dogs is an exciting and stressful process. It is always good if it is controlled by a veterinarian. And although the full-time presence of a doctor during a normal birth is not necessary, in any case, it is imperative to have a veterinarian’s phone number at hand, who will be able to advise you on all issues that arise or will urgently come to help if complications arise during the birth process. Possible problems in childbirth in dogs are weakness of labor, improper presentation of the fetus or its death in the birth canal, large fetuses or pathological narrowing of the pelvis in the bitch. The veterinarian can perform drug induction of labor, manual rotation of the fetus in the birth canal or caesarean section – conservative (with a double-layer suture on the uterus) or radical (with simultaneous ovariohysterectomy – removal of the uterus and ovaries).

(с) Veterinary center for the treatment and rehabilitation of animals “Zoostatus”.
Warsaw highway, 125 building 1. tel. 8 (499) 372-27-37

Dog pregnancy – Doctorvet

Diagnosis, course and childbirth in dogs. Pregnancy management.

Waiting for the addition of a beloved pet is a very exciting event not only for the dog itself, but also for its owner. And if everything goes well, without complications – the newly-made mother, and the kids are healthy and feel great, then this is real joy and happiness! But in order for everything to happen exactly like this, the owner will have to make a lot of efforts, to be extremely attentive.

It is not worth hoping that “mother nature” will do everything herself. First, only the strongest individuals survive in nature. Secondly, do not forget that many breeding breeds require special care even in everyday care. To do this, it is important to know the basics of obstetrics and gynecology of dogs.

Signs of pregnancy in dogs

It should be noted right away that at the initial stage it is quite difficult even for an experienced dog breeder to determine the pregnancy of a dog. The first obvious signs usually appear at 4 weeks. Of course, if this was a planned mating, close observation will give you clues. But we recommend that you do not disturb the dog with independent probing of the abdomen. The best option is to contact our clinic in the third week after mating, where an experienced doctor will perform palpation and ultrasound.

During the first three weeks, some behavioral changes may be observed. He may become more affectionate, require more attention, some drowsiness is also possible, and the dog becomes generally calmer.

From the very first days, special attention should be paid to the nutrition of the dog. Even when you are still not sure about the onset of pregnancy, balance and vitamins will be useful. A specialist of our clinic will tell you in detail about the diet and diet of a dog during pregnancy.

How long pregnancy lasts, its main stages and fertility

The average duration of pregnancy in dogs is 60 days. Experts traditionally distinguish a range from 53 to 70 days.

Consider what influences the duration:

• dog breed;
• dog size;
• her age and her first pregnancy;
• number of fetuses (with a small number, the gestational age may be reduced).

Young females usually have fewer puppies, but when they reach 3-4 years of age, this number increases, and a decrease is noted with the gradual aging of the dog. Depending on the breed, a litter can range from 3 to 15 puppies. At the same time, a large number is typical for small dogs.

The entire pregnancy of a dog can be divided into several stages:

1. Stage: Up to 14 days fertilized embryos move into the uterus and attach to its walls.
2. -th stage: After the successful completion of the first stage, approximately from the 15th day, the growth of embryos and the formation of their internal organs begin. Experts consider day 24-25 the best moment for the first ultrasound. By this time, the size of the embryo reaches an average of 1 cm.
3. th stage: The middle of pregnancy – the 32nd day – can be considered the stage of the transition of the embryo into the fetus. Now the growth of the fetus will be accompanied by a gradual growth of the abdomen. Do not forget, the first birth of a dog requires special attention, because it causes increased anxiety in her. In dogs with fair skin, swelling of the skin on the abdomen in the area of ​​​​the nipples and the nipples themselves can be noticed.
4. -th stage: On the 50th day, the weight of the dog and the size of the abdomen significantly increase. With the help of X-rays, you can accurately determine the number of fetuses – the skull and ribs of the fetuses are clearly visible. If the examination shows a large number of fruits, then professional help is indispensable. In addition, if for the owner this is generally the first experience of receiving a litter, then it is also recommended to arrange in advance with a specialist who will arrive as soon as the dog’s birth begins.
5. -th stage: A few days before the birth, approximately on the 58th day, the dog, which has already given birth, has colostrum or even milk. In a young bitch, colostrum can appear just a few hours before birth.

The first signs of childbirth

The release of colostrum from the nipples should already serve as a signal for the start of the owner’s moral preparation to take delivery of the dog. Also, the bitch shows changes in behavior – she becomes more restless, looks for a secluded place for herself, scratches the floor, etc.

A day or a few hours before the onset of labor, the dog may completely lose its appetite, its breathing becomes more difficult and intermittent, it appears as if groaning, it constantly walks from side to side, showing anxiety. But even at such a moment, much depends on the individual characteristics of the breed or a particular dog. For example, the owners of many cockers note that their pets are happy to eat just a few hours before giving birth.

A harbinger of the beginning of labor is a slight trembling caused by cramping attacks and the withdrawal of fetal water. At this point, you should be fully prepared to help your dog and not move away from him all the time. And the doctor will help make childbirth as safe as possible for both mom and newborn puppies. To do this, you need to apply for an appointment at the clinic or a doctor’s call at home in order to avoid severe consequences for the health of the mother and puppies.

Care and nutrition after childbirth

Even if the dog felt good before the birth, this long process is very tiring and exhausting. She is weakened and now feels additional anxiety for her offspring. However, you should try after a while, even if forced, to take her for a very short walk. After the walk, pay special attention to cleanliness – wash your paws and stomach thoroughly with soap, wipe dry with a towel, and after that you can place the dog with the puppies, which you have already transferred to the prepared place of their stay by this time.

Do not forget that the dog after giving birth requires abundant and frequent feeding. However, the first meal should take place approximately 7-8 hours after the last puppy comes out. We recommend in this reception to offer it with rice milk porridge, well boiled, with sugar and butter. In the future, be sure to saturate the diet, in addition to the usual feed, with sweetened tea with milk.

Ask your doctor for more advice on what to eat for your dog.

We are sure that if you seek advice from our clinic from the very beginning of pregnancy in a dog, then its course and further delivery of the dog will not have any difficulties! Possible pathologies or individual complications will help to solve modern methods of veterinary medicine.

Caring for newborn puppies

The birth of puppies is undoubtedly a joyful event. However, do not rush to relax. The first 2-3 days you have to tirelessly watch the dog and puppies. The place for mother and newborns should be free enough so that the bitch does not accidentally harm the babies.

When the litter is very large and all the puppies are missing teats, divide them into two groups and alternate feeding them. Often there are very weak babies in the litter who cannot immediately take the nipple on their own. In this case, it is necessary to carefully put the puppy on the nipple and, gently massaging, squeeze out the milk. The kid will quickly orient himself and will soon cope with this task on his own.

If the puppy is restless and whining, it does not mean that he is hungry. The reason for this behavior may be gas in the intestines. Therefore, put the puppy on his back on the palm of his head up and give him a little massage of the tummy in a circular motion. But in general, if most puppies are squeaking and crawling in different directions, it means that they are hungry and looking for their mother – just point them or put them on the nipples.