Noticing the Early Signs of Pregnancy in Your Dog
As a dog owner, it's important to educate yourself on the signs of pregnancy so you can properly care for your expecting canine companion. Pregnancy in dogs lasts around 63 days, so noticing symptoms early on can help you make accommodations to keep mama dog comfortable during this exciting time!
Physical Indicators in Early Pregnancy
Some of the earliest signs of pregnancy of dog may start becoming noticeable around 3-4 weeks after the first breeding. Here are some typical physical changes you may observe:
- Swollen or enlarged nipples - Females' nipples will become pinker and more prominent.
- Weight gain - Your dog's weight will steadily increase, sometimes up to 50% more than normal.
- Increased appetite - Expecting mothers tend to be hungrier to nourish growing puppies.
- Abdominal swelling - Your dog's belly will expand as puppies grow during gestation.
Behavioral Signs of Pregnancy
In addition to physical changes, your dog's behavior may also indicate pregnancy. Watch for signs like:
- Lethargy - Your active girl may suddenly seem more tired and sleep more often.
- Nesting - She may scrape bedding around in circles and padding areas to prepare for birth.
- Over-grooming nipples - Expectant moms tend to lick their nipples frequently.
- Clinginess - Your independent pooch may start shadowing you more closely.
Caring For Your Pregnant Dog
Once you confirm your suspicions of pregnancy, it's time to adapt your pet care routine to meet the special needs of an expecting mother. Focus your efforts on keeping her healthy, comfortable, and relaxed leading up to whelping.
Nutrition
Make sure your pregnant dog receives abundant nutrition to nourish developing puppies. Feed a high quality dog pregnancy diet formulated with extra protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Feed mini-meals more frequently and always provide easy access to fresh water.
Exercise
Exercise helps stimulate smooth muscle tone but don't overdo it. Gentle daily leash walks are ideal. Provide plenty of comfy rest areas for your expecting dog when not exercising.
Vet Visits
Schedule a veterinary exam to confirm pregnancy after noticing initial symptoms. Routine prenatal vet checks help monitor mom's and babies' health during gestation.
Whelping Preparations
As your dog nears delivery, create a specialized whelping area in a quiet, private room. Line with potty pads, fresh bedding, water bowls, and include an enclosure to contain messy puppies.
What to Expect as Your Dog's Due Date Nears
In the last 2-3 weeks of the average 63 day dog pregnancy, you may observe additional symptoms as mom prepares for labor and delivery.
Nesting Behavior Increases
Pre-labor nesting urgencies will become more frequent and intense about 1-2 weeks pre-delivery. If she couldn't be any closer before, now your dog will seem velcroed to your side.
Discharge
A vaginal discharge called lochia may occur anywhere from days to moments before labor starts. The milky fluid flushes bacteria to protect puppies during birth.
Drop in Body Temperature
Temperature declining below 100F signals labor will likely occur within 24 hours. Track body temperature changes starting a week before your dog's due date.
Restlessness
Your dog may seem anxious, pacing, shivering, and repeatedly repositioning as hormones shift and contractions begin.
When to Call the Vet
Generally, dogs instinctively manage labor and delivery on their own without complications. However, alert your vet promptly about any concerning symptoms like:
- No puppies born 2 hours after strong contractions begin
- Gunky green-black vaginal discharge before labor
- Extreme pain or distress during delivery
- Prolonged labor over 24 hours from start to finish
Monitoring your pregnant dog diligently makes it easier to determine when to intervene if birthing issues arise.
Paying attention to changes in your dog during canine pregnancy leads to the best outcomes. Recognizing early signs of pregnancy of dog gives you lead time to adapt care while monitoring for expected developments. If anything seems abnormal, consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.
FAQs
How long are dogs pregnant?
The average pregnancy length in dogs is 63 days from the initial breeding.
What are some early signs my dog is pregnant?
Early dog pregnancy signs include swollen nipples, weight gain, increased appetite, lethargy, and abdominal swelling.
When should I take my dog to the vet if I suspect pregnancy?
Schedule a vet visit to confirm pregnancy after first noticing physical or behavior changes, usually around 3-4 weeks after breeding.
How much should I feed my pregnant dog?
Feed a high-quality puppy food formulated for pregnancy/lactation to provide extra calories and nutrients to support your dog's needs.
What supplies do I need to prepare for my dog giving birth?
Have a whelping box, potty pads, fresh bedding, water bowls, heating pad, and enclosure ready before your dog's delivery date.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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