In many ways canine pregnancy is not that different from human pregnancy, although it is somewhat shorter, averaging sixty-three days. A dog’s diet, as well as their consumption of medicine needs to be monitored during pregnancy, just like a woman’s should be, and you may notice changes in your dog’s emotions and social behavior. She can even experience morning sickness!
Most dogs will gain 15-25% of their original body weight during pregnancy, although this does depend on the number of puppies they are carrying and some do not put on noticeable weight until the last week before whelping.
Nutritional intake needs to increase during canine pregnancy and lactation; your dog may even double the amount she eats. During lactation she will need a high protein puppy food, and you may want to gradually introduce this during the last two weeks of her pregnancy, or even earlier. If you are concerned about providing the right pregnancy diet to meet your particular dog’s needs you should consult your veterinarian.
You should try to avoid nutritional supplements during canine pregnancy, even though these may seem like a good idea. Your dog will naturally produce everything her puppies need to thrive during lactation, and supplements may interfere with this process. This is particularly applicable to calcium supplements. If you use a good quality, high protein dog food, supplements will not be necessary.
A lot of canine medication is safe to use during pregnancy. If you give your dog regular preventative medication for heartworm you should continue this throughout pregnancy and lactation. Some medicines to get rid of other types of parasite, such as hookworms or roundworms, can be used but you should consult your veterinarian before administering these. It is important that your dog does get treatment for these conditions as otherwise she can pass them on to her unborn puppies.
Vaccinations should not be given during canine pregnancy. However, if possible, it is a great idea to have your dog vaccinated just before becoming pregnant as this will ensure she has a high level of antibodies to pass onto her puppies during lactation.
About halfway through her pregnancy you should take your dog to the veterinarian for a wellness check and to confirm the pregnancy. The veterinarian will be able to do this by examining the stomach, but a blood test can be done to provide a conclusive result.
You may want to have a radiograph done three weeks prior to the deliver to count the puppies. Knowing how many puppies to expect will help you to prepare for the delivery. Remember that your dog can become pregnant by more than one male during any one heat stage so you may be surprised at the number of puppies she is going to produce.
During the last three weeks of your dog’s pregnancy you may want to isolate her completely from contact with other dogs. This will ensure she does not pick up the herpes virus. While this is usually harmless in adult dogs, it can trigger a miscarriage in your pregnant dog.
You may find she wants to stay close to you during this time anyway. She may dislike being left alone and will probably become more affectionate, if a little irritable. As the delivery date approaches she will start to look for a safe place to give birth, and you should give some thought to where this will be.
As with human pregnancy, it is important to remember that canine pregnancy is a natural process, and your dog has been blessed with the natural ability to carry it through. With a little extra attention to nutrition, and some protection from common diseases, this should be a stress free time for you and your dog.
Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/canine-pregnancy-guide-131059.html
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
How can I tell if my dog is pregnant? What are the physical symptoms?
What are the physical symptoms of canine pregnancy? She mated during her heat and the male "tied and finished" about 3 1/2 weeks ago. So she’s almost halfway there if she is pregnant. Since then she has been more tired, more affectionate, appetite changes, and has gotten heavier and rounder.
However, we’ve tried to mate her before and she goes through "false pregnancy" with all of these signs. Last time we took her to the vet for an X-Ray and she wasn’t pregnant and had all of these symptoms, but her belly looks bigger now- also that area is darker. Is there anything else to look for?
Please don’t preach about spaying her and about me being careless- this was a planned pregnancy. We want her to have a litter to keep for us then we will spay her. She’s a small yorkie so I doubt she will have more than 2 anyways. I have a trained breeder who will guide me through the delivery process. So, no preaching, please.
My aunt is a trained breeder with over 40+ years of experience. I did ask her and she said it’s too early to tell (last week) and is now currently on vacation so I cannot contact her- she will be back in 2 weeks. She gave me a list of the symptoms and signs which my dog is exhibiting. Also, my aunt has bred this dog before, because it used to be her dog. She gave her to me because I used to visit her dog farm and got so attached to this one. So please don’t question my ethics. I am an honest person and am looking for the best interest of my dog. I have a type A personality which means I have to know, I am impatient, so I am just looking at other sources as well to get other people’s opinions. And, I think it’s too early for X-Ray or ultrasound. I plan on doing that in a few weeks but for right now, I just want to get other’s opinions.
If you have a trained breeder to help you, why not ask them?
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Just take her to the vet for an ultrasound. That will answer if she is pregnant and how many puppies she is having. If she is small, be prepared for a C-section. Hope you aren’t trying to breed a teacup. Honestly, I wouldn’t have bred her anyway after finding out a previous mating did not take place and that she goes through false pregnancies. She isn’t a good breeder, and your male could be sterile. One more piece of advice… every time a dog goes through another heat, you increase her chances of having mammary cancer when she is older… regardless of whether or not you eventually do get her spayed.
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ok when my dog was pregnant she would rest A LOT and her stomach was hard and big. also i toke her too the vet so he could get x-rays and see if she was pregnant she was. the day before their going to give birth they don’t eat and if she is pregnant you should give her puppy food
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my dog and the vet