Welcoming a new litter of puppies is a gratifying experience, but it can also be demanding, and expensive due to the challenges and uncertainties associated with dog pregnancies.
To ensure the well-being of your pregnant dog and the puppies, it is important to understand your breed’s standards, recommended health tests, and your responsibilities in raising healthy pups. Knowing the signs of dog pregnancy and how to care for your pregnant dog is crucial.
Dog Pregnancy Signs
“In the first few weeks, you may not notice any changes in your dog’s behavior. Some pregnant dogs will seem more tired, some may vomit, and some may eat less. You may notice that your dog is gaining weight and her mammary glands are becoming more prominent,” said veterinarian Lauren Jones in “Dog Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Care: The Complete Guide,” an article published in the PetMD website.
While diagnostic testing is the most precise method to confirm dog pregnancy, it is not the only way. You can also observe certain signs that indicate a dog may be pregnant.
· Increase in appetite
· Weight gain
· Increase in nipple size
· Swollen belly
· Tires more easily
· Nesting behavior
· More affectionate
· Irritability
How do I know if my dog is pregnant?
According to Dr. Jones, here are a few methods of confirming pregnancy:
· A dog pregnancy ultrasound – Should be performed between days 25 and 28 of the pregnancy.
· Abdominal X-rays – On day 45.
· Blood tests for pregnancy are accessible, but they are not reliable or valid means of confirming pregnancy.
· A few veterinarians might attempt to detect pregnancy by palpating or feeling the dog’s abdomen, but this method is potentially risky for the developing fetuses.
(Photo from Adobestock | irinaW)
How long are dogs pregnant?
The gestation period for dogs lasts around 62-64 days, which is roughly two months. During the first month, a vet can identify a fetal heartbeat, and the development of the embryos accelerates in the second month, leading to the formation of puppies. By the end of the second month and the beginning of the third, the puppies are prepared for birth.
Caring for a Pregnant Dog Proper Nutrition
Ensuring your pregnant female dog receives appropriate nutrition is an important responsibility. If your dog is already on high-quality dog food and maintains a healthy weight, there’s no need to alter her diet during the initial two-thirds of her pregnancy, unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian.
Visits to the Vet
Regular veterinary visits can help your dog stay healthy during pregnancy.
“When the veterinarian confirms your dog’s pregnancy, they will also examine the dog for any mechanical or anatomical concerns your dog may have that could prevent them from having a normal whelped litter,” said Jones.
This is a good time to discuss planning on whether a normal birth or cesarean may need to be considered and scheduled in advance. If the pregnancy was unintended, this is an opportune moment to consider and discuss preventive measures for the future, like spaying so that the mama dog will not get pregnant again.
Preparing for Puppies
Many dogs naturally give birth, but certain breeds may require planned caesarian sections due to their inability to whelp naturally.
As your dog’s pregnancy nears its end, it is essential to get ready for the whelping process, or the birth of the puppies. The most effective preparation is to create a whelping box. These boxes provide a secure, warm, and easily maintainable space for your dog to give birth to her puppies.
The whelping box should be designed to allow the mother easy access, but not the puppies. It is a good idea to place it in a quiet part of your home that you can easily reach and monitor.
“Collaboration with your veterinarian is crucial in such cases. Isolating the pregnant dog from other dogs three weeks before labor is also essential. Monitoring her temperature, especially rectally, is crucial as it typically drops below 100°F within 24 hours of labor,” Dr. Jones noted.
What Should You Do After a Puppy Is Born?
Puppies are typically born with a protective fetal membrane that the mother usually removes shortly after birth. If she does not remove it, you will need to do so manually to stimulate the puppy to breathe.
“If the umbilical cord isn’t naturally cut by the mother during birth, you may have to cut it yourself, breaking it about 1-2 inches from the puppy’s body with gentle tearing using your first two fingers and thumb,” said Dr. Jones.
If you are uncertain about this process or have any concerns, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian right away.
About the Author: Niko Gabriel Salgado is a graduate of consular and diplomatic affairs from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and worked at the House of Representatives. He is now an entrepreneur and a volunteer of the animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light- Save ALL.
