Pregnancy in dogs: Signs your dog is pregnant and what you can do about it

The idea of ​​an adorable puppy roaming around the house is so exciting. But the stages before owning a playful puppy – pregnancy and birth – can seem daunting.

There’s a lot to know about dog pregnancy.

How long is a dog’s gestation period? How do you prepare your home for the birth of your dog?

This guide will answer all your questions about the signs of pregnancy in dogs and how to help your puppy prepare for birth.

How long is a dog’s gestation period?

The period during which a dog is pregnant is called the gestation period.

A dog’s gestation period can last Between 57 and 72 daysThe average gestation period for dogs lasts 63 days, or about two months.

The gestation period is the same for all breeds and ages.

how to care for a pregnant dog

The first step in caring for your pregnant dog is to find a veterinarian who is interested in caring for your dog during pregnancy, birth (delivery), and newborn (postpartum) care.

Your veterinarian will work hard to keep your dog healthy during and after pregnancy. We will also discuss health risks for mother and puppies. How to prevent parasites in newborn puppies.

One of the expected changes is that your dog will gain weight. The female dog’s weight compared to her weight at breeding or insemination is: Approximately 15% to 25% or more At the time of childbirth.

During the first two trimesters of pregnancy, you can feed your pregnant dog a regular adult diet. You should monitor your cat’s weight and body condition, and if you notice weight loss, you should increase your diet.

After about 40 days of pregnancy, your dog enters the third trimester, when the fetus is at its fastest growing stage. Mothers-to-be may need to increase the calories they breastfeed by 25% to 50%.

It is recommended to switch a pregnant dog to another dog. growth or puppy food during the final semester.

Your puppy will be growing in your belly, making it difficult for you to eat large amounts of food.

Feed your pregnant dog small meals multiple times a day. Be sure to slowly transition your dog to the new diet over a period of 7 to 10 days.

The time when a female dog needs the most energy is after giving birth and producing milk for her puppies.

You may need 2 to 4 times more calories than you were eating before you got pregnant. should be fed Diets approved for breastfeeding/reproductionoften the same as puppy or growing food.

Supplements are usually not recommended for pregnant dogs. Your veterinarian is the best source for knowing if your dog needs anything added to his diet.

Do not give your puppy any extra medications, food, or supplements unless approved by your veterinarian.

Be sure to get your dog vaccinated before she becomes pregnant.

modified live vaccine (distemper, parvo, parainfluenza) are not recommended for pregnant dogs except in situations where the risk of disease is greater than the risk from vaccination (such as in some animal shelters).

You should continue to give your dog parasite preventive medication during her pregnancy, but be sure to check with your veterinarian to see if your dog’s specific preventive medication is safe for pregnant dogs.

dog pregnancy symptoms

In the early stages of pregnancy, you may not know whether your dog will give birth to puppies. Some dogs may vomit during early pregnancy, similar to morning sickness in human women.

As your dog progresses further towards pregnancy, you may notice the following:

• swollen abdomen

• enlarged nipples

• Nesting behavior (dragging blankets, digging in closets)

• change in appetite

• weight gain

• Changes in behavior such as irritability and attachment

How do veterinarians diagnose pregnancy in dogs?

Your veterinarian can diagnose pregnancy in your dog in several ways:

• Abdominal ultrasound: This is the most reliable way to diagnose and confirm pregnancy. During an ultrasound examination, your veterinarian can see the developing embryo approximately three weeks after breeding. You can observe whether the embryos are developing properly and know the exact number of puppies you can expect.

• relaxin blood test: Relaxin is a hormone made by the placenta, an organ that forms in the mother’s uterus and supplies nutrients to the developing fetus through the umbilical cord. Relaxin is detected around 22 to 27 days after breeding. If you have a small dog or toy breed, especially one or two puppies, the relaxin test may not be accurate.

• Palpation of the abdomen: When your veterinarian puts pressure on your abdomen, you can feel the swelling in the uterus where the puppy has implanted. Some veterinarians are able to count the number of puppies during palpation.

• Abdominal X-ray (radiograph): Your puppy’s bone structure will be X-rayed. Abdominal x-rays are used during the second trimester of pregnancy. Abdominal x-rays are commonly used to count the number of fetuses.

stages of dog pregnancy

Before pregnancy The dog is going into heat.

The vulva (female external genitalia) may become swollen and you may notice a bloody discharge coming from the vulva.

She may have swollen mammary glands and will be interested in intact (unneutered) males. They can become pregnant if they mate with other dogs or undergo artificial insemination.

There are three trimesters of dog pregnancy, each lasting three weeks.

• Weeks 1 to 3: It is unlikely that you will notice any major changes during the early stages of pregnancy. Some dogs may sometimes vomit during early pregnancy.

• Weeks 4 to 6: Especially towards the end of your second trimester, you may notice a change in appetite or bloating.

• Weeks 7 to 9: Pregnancy symptoms are the most obvious. A dog’s energy needs increase during the third trimester of pregnancy. She is preparing to give birth.

Gather the things you need before giving birth

Pet parents will want to prepare a clean, dry and comfortable place for their dog to give birth. Place a suitable whelping box where you want your dog to give birth.

Ideally, the nursing box should have enough space for the mother to move around freely, have low sides, and be easy to get in and out of.

DIY options include a large cardboard packing case with the top and sides cut out or a small wading pool. There is Commercially available nursing boxes can also be used. Too.

Line the nursing box with newspaper, sheets, or cloth. mat.

A lot of fluid is produced during childbirth, so this helps with cleanup. With the right lining in the whelping box, pet parents can remove the dirty layers without disturbing the mother.

comfy blanket You can also add it to the top, but pet parents should keep in mind that this will get messy. Puppies are also more likely to get trapped under thick blankets than newspapers or thin sheets.

3 stages of labor

The actual birth occurs in three stages.

• first stage These are contractions of the uterus and dilation (opening) of the cervix. In the first stages, you may notice that your dog exhibits extreme nesting behavior. Panting, restlessness. This stage usually occurs 6 to 12 hours before birth, but can last up to a day and a half.

• second stage That’s when your dog gives birth to puppies.

• third stage This is when your dog expels the placenta associated with the puppies. Each puppy usually has its own placenta. In dogs, the second and third stages occur simultaneously, with each puppy usually followed by its own placenta.

What is normal during and after childbirth

Because dogs have two uterine horns, it is not uncommon for two puppies to be born, followed by two placentas. Puppies usually emerge head first or tail first with their legs straight out.

The fetus should also be followed immediately if a clear or white sac comes out of the vulva or a green discharge comes out. This is the amniotic sac, the amniotic fluid-filled sac that surrounds each fetus.

For female dogs, it is normal for up to two hours between puppies. If you plan on having more puppies, you should contact your veterinarian if more than two hours have passed without another puppy being born.

Some dogs are fine with their parents hanging around while they give birth, but it’s common for dogs to want to give birth on their own. It is recommended to give the dog some space during whelping.

If your dog progresses further if left alone, observe it from a distance or check on it regularly. Set up a scary camera.

You don’t need to help with the physical act of giving birth. If your puppy seems stuck, contact your veterinarian for advice.

It is not uncommon for a mother dog to eat her placenta. Ingestion may cause diarrhea. This is natural behavior and does not mean there is anything wrong.

After your dog has given birth, you may notice a discharge called lochia. This discharge may have a green, red, or brown hue. The color darkens and diminishes over time, usually lasting about three weeks.

In some cases, discharge from the hospital can last up to two months. If you notice a strange odor or increase in the amount of discharge, contact your veterinarian.