Caring for Your Pregnant Dog
Learning your dog is expecting puppies is exciting news! However, pregnancy and whelping require special care to keep mom and pups healthy. Here is guidance on supporting your dog through each stage of pregnancy and birth.
Confirming Pregnancy
Suspect pregnancy if your unspayed dog's nipples are pinker, she's gaining weight, and her appetite increases. Pregnancy is diagnosed via:
- Abdominal palpation - Vet feels enlarged uterus around 28 days
- Ultrasound - Detects fetal heartbeats by day 20-25
- X-ray - Confirms puppy skeletons late in pregnancy
- Blood test - Measures hormone relaxin by day 25-35
Schedule a vet visit promptly if you think your dog may be pregnant. Accurate pregnancy confirmation and knowing due date helps guide prenatal care.
Nutrition
Boost nutrition to support your pregnant pooch and growing puppies. Feed a high quality puppy or performance food. Increase portions by 10-25% in the last trimester. Supplement with chewable prenatal vitamins.
Ensure adequate protein, vitamins A/D/E, fatty acids, calcium and folic acid. Avoid excessive vitamin A. Feed 3-4 small meals a day. Keep water bowls full and fresh. Consult your vet about ideal nutrition and diet.
Exercise
Regular gentle walks and light activity remain beneficial during pregnancy. Avoid strenuous exercise, rough play, jumping and agility work which could cause injury.
Swimming and hydrotherapy are ideal low-impact exercises for expectant dogs under supervision. Monitor for signs of over-exertion like panting, lameness or bleeding. Adjust activity as pregnancy advances.
Grooming and Baths
Brush frequently to remove shedding hair. Trim nails weekly. Clean ears gently but avoid inserting cotton swabs deep inside. Give baths using gentle dog shampoo - avoid herbal blends.
After bathing, thoroughly dry your dog, especially skin folds prone to yeast infections. Keep her warm - pregnant dogs can chill easily. Monitor body temperature for extremes indicating trouble.
Medications
Discuss all supplements and medications with your vet. Many drugs are unsafe during pregnancy. Necessary treatments may require adjusted dosages or alternative therapies. Heartworm and flea/tick preventatives may be prescribed using the lowest effective doses. Avoid over-the-counter products without vet approval. Stay vigilant about avoiding toxins and poisons.Vaccines
Certain vaccines pose risks and are not given during pregnancy. However, critical shots like rabies may be administered safely by your vet using specific protocols. Discuss a vaccination plan for before and after birth to protect mom and puppies. Pups receive a series of core shots starting around 6-8 weeks old.X-Rays and Tests
Diagnostic imaging allows vets to monitor pregnancy progression and check for potential issues. However, x-rays and certain tests do involve radiation exposure risks. Your vet minimizes risks by taking the fewest views needed and shielding mom's abdomen and puppies. Ultrasounds may be recommended over x-rays when feasible.Signs of Problems
Contact your vet promptly about pregnancy concerns like:- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Decreased fetal movement
- Difficulty eating or vomiting
- Pain or straining
- Labor over 2 hours with no puppy
- Failure to go into labor within a week of due date
- Sudden collapse, weakness, lethargy
- Attempts at aborting puppies
- Prolapsed uterus
- High fever, dehydration, shock
- Seizures or unproductive straining
Preparing for Labor
Identify an emergency vet clinic and have a whelping kit prepared in advance:- Digital thermometer
- Heating pad, whelping box
- Sterile scissors, dental floss
- Clean towels, bulb syringe
- Gauze, latex gloves, lubricant
The Whelping Process
Labor and delivery complications are concerns requiring emergency care. Otherwise, observe the birthing process without intervention: First stage - Panting, nesting, enlarged nipples. May last 6-12 hours. Second stage - Active labor with visible contractions. Puppies delivered every 30-60 minutes. Third stage - Delivery of placentas after last puppy. Puppies tear open the sac and nurse quickly. Count placentas to ensure none retained. Monitor mom for postpartum discharge 4-6 weeks. Spaying is typically recommended after weaning.Caring for Newborn Puppies
After a healthy delivery, focus on keeping mom and newborns comfortable:- Monitor nursing - Ensure all puppies nurse and gain weight.
- Weigh puppies - Track daily weight gains of 10-15% expected.
- Supplement feeding - Bottle feed with puppy formula if mom can't nurse.
- Keep warm - Maintain room temp of 85°F for newborns.
- Change bedding - Keep whelping area very clean and dry.
Emergency Care for Pregnant Dogs
Seek emergency vet care if your pregnant dog experiences:Miscarriage
Signs like vaginal discharge with dead puppies indicate miscarriage. Some causes include infections, trauma, toxins and underlying health issues. Prompt vet treatment for blood loss and infection may be needed.Premature Labor
Puppies born more than 2 weeks pre-term have high mortality rates and medical risks. Seek emergency help to stop early labor and care for premature puppies.Eclampsia
Low blood calcium causes seizures around 3-5 weeks post-whelping. Quick intravenous calcium treatment is needed along with emergency nursing care.Mastitis
Red, painful mammary glands indicate mastitis infection. Unresolved, it can lead to gangrene. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, warm compresses, and possibly surgery are treatments.Uterine Infections
A retained placenta or metritis infection causes fever, vaginal discharge, dehydration, toxic shock. Drainage, fluids, antibiotics and emergency surgery may be required.Dystocia
Difficult births may require vet assistance for stuck puppies, uterine inertia, uterine rupture or other complications. Emergency c-sections are performed when critical.Preparing for Puppies at Home
Get ready for your pregnant dog's homecoming:Puppy-Proof
Remove small objects, toxins, and choking hazards from floors and yards. Secure trash cans, cover electrical outlets, and lock up chemicals and medications.Designate Space
Set up an enclosed, comfortable whelping area with fresh bedding, water bowl, and heating pad. The area should be quiet, low traffic, easy to clean, and observe mom and puppies.Gather Supplies
Have puppy food, bottles, formula, diapers, weigh scale, thermometer, and other essentials. Stock up on potty training pads, pet stain remover, and paper towels.Find Homes
Vet potential new families carefully. Conduct interviews, home visits, and reference checks. Review breeder and adoption contracts. Send puppies home at 8-12 weeks old.Schedule Vet Care
Arrange puppy vet visits for deworming, vaccination series, microchipping, and spay/neuter once mature. Finance expected medical costs for responsible pet ownership.Caring for Puppies
Once home, attentively care for both mom and puppies:Supervise Interactions
Closely supervise young children and other pets interacting with new mom and puppies. Never leave small kids unsupervised with newborns.Ensure Good Nutrition
Weigh puppies daily ensuring weight gain. Supplement with bottle feeding if puppies aren't nursing strongly. Provide high quality puppy food once weaned.Monitor Health
Watch for dehydration, low energy, weakness, and other red flags. Take rectal temperatures if illness is suspected. Veterinary attention is crucial for sick puppies.Provide Warmth
Puppies cannot regulate body heat initially. Provide a heat lamp or heating pad set on low for the whelping area if needed.Stimulate Urination/Defecation
Gently massage puppy's genitals with warm washcloth after feeding to stimulate elimination until they can go on their own.Start Socialization
Once eyes open, introduce new sounds, sights, scents, touches, tastes, people, and experiences to promote healthy development.Train Mom
Start basic obedience training with mom post-weaning. Set clear rules and routines for feeding, walks, and boundaries right away. Be consistent and positive.The Bottom Line
From pregnancy through weaning, provide attentive veterinary and at-home care for your expecting dog. Watch closely for any signs of concern and be prepared for emergencies. With preparation and vigilance, you can help your dog have a smooth pregnancy and delivery to bring happy, healthy puppies into your family.FAQs
How can you tell if your dog is pregnant?
Signs of dog pregnancy include enlarged nipples, weight gain, increased appetite, abdominal swelling, and fetal movement felt by a vet. Pregnancy is confirmed via ultrasound, x-ray, blood test, or abdominal palpation.
What should you feed a pregnant dog?
Feed a high-quality puppy or performance dog food. Increase portions by 10-25% in the last trimester. Supplement with chewable prenatal vitamins. Ensure adequate calories, protein, vitamins, fatty acids, and calcium.
How long are dogs pregnant before giving birth?
Canine pregnancy lasts 58-68 days on average, around 9 weeks. Dogs go into labor around 63 days from ovulation. Track pregnancy closely to identify the due date and watch for labor signs.
What supplies do you need for a pregnant dog?
Have a whelping kit with thermometer, heating pad, sterile scissors, towels, dental floss, gauze, gloves, lubricant. Set up a whelping area with bedding, water, and warmth. Assemble puppy supplies like formula.
How can you care for newborn puppies?
Weigh puppies daily to ensure weight gain. Start socialization early. Provide a heating source. Stimulate elimination if needed. Supervise children and pets interacting. Monitor for any signs of illness requiring vet care.
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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