Caring for Your Pregnant and Postpartum American Bully Dog

Recognizing the Signs of Pregnancy in Your American Bully

As an American Bully owner, one of the most exciting times is when you realize your female dog is expecting puppies! However, it's important to be able to accurately recognize the signs of pregnancy so you can properly care for your dog during this vulnerable time. Here's what to look out for:

Physical Changes

Around 3 weeks after conception, your dog's nipples may become enlarged and pinker in color. Her belly will also start expanding, and you may even see or feel the puppies moving by gently palpating her abdomen.

By the 6th week of pregnancy, your dog's abdomen will be noticeably distended. Her nipples will enlarge further and may leak a milky fluid. Your vet can confirm pregnancy at this point by feeling the puppies or doing an ultrasound.

Behavioral Changes

Pregnant dogs often experience a range of behavioral changes. Your dog may become less active and sleep more. Early on, she may stop eating her regular food due to morning sickness. Some dogs become more affectionate and clingy.

As delivery approaches, your dog may refuse food entirely and seem anxious or restless. She may dig and nest in her bedding. Seek veterinary advice if any behavioral changes concern you.

Preparing a Whelping Area

Around 3 weeks before the due date, set up a whelping box or area for your dog. This should be a quiet, private, comfortable space lined with beds, blankets, and newspaper. The box should be just large enough for your dog to lie down and stretch out.

Make sure to use old blankets and sheets you don't mind staining since there will likely be discharge during labor and delivery. The whelping area should be in a warm, draft-free area of your home.

Dietary Needs of a Pregnant American Bully

Proper nutrition is crucial for your pregnant American Bully. Her caloric needs will increase steadily as the puppies grow and begin to nurse. Here are some dietary guidelines:

First 6 Weeks

For the first 6 weeks, feed your normal high-quality dog food. Give the typical amount recommended for her weight before pregnancy. An adult maintenance formula is fine during early pregnancy.

Week 6 and On

Around week 6, gradually switch to a high-quality puppy formula or performance formula. The higher calories and nutrients will help your dog stay strong. Increase daily portions by 10-30% based on her appetite and weight gain.

Final Weeks

In the final weeks, your dog may need up to twice her pre-pregnancy caloric intake to support milk production. Break meals into smaller portions throughout the day. Avoid exercise 1-2 days before birth to conserve energy.

Lactation

Once the puppies are born, feed a premium lactation formula made for nursing dogs. Continue offering unlimited food while the puppies are nursing, which is usually 6-8 weeks. Clean water should always be available.

Exercising an Expectant American Bully

Moderate exercise remains important for pregnant American Bullies to stay healthy. Regular walks and gentle playtime are fine early on. Here are some tips:

First 6 Weeks

Stick to your normal exercise routine during the first 6 weeks. Go for leashed walks around the neighborhood twice per day. Swimming and short play sessions are also perfectly fine.

Mid-Pregnancy

Around week 6, cut back on strenuous or high-impact activities. Take shorter, slower walks. Stop playing fetch or tug-of-war, which could injure your dog. Gentle exercise only from this point on.

Final Weeks

In the last 2-3 weeks before birth, discontinue strenuous walks. However, do take your dog outside for frequent bathroom breaks and very short walks of 5-10 minutes. This helps keep her bowels moving.

After Birth

Once the puppies are born, limit your dog's activity to allow her to recover. Short leash walks are fine after a week, gradually increasing duration over the next 2-3 weeks. Wait at least 2 months after weaning to resume strenuous exercise.

Grooming a Pregnant American Bully

Grooming routine care remains important for your pregnant dog. Here are some tips for keeping her coat and skin healthy:

Brushing

Brush your dog at least weekly to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. Use a soft brush and brush gently around her abdomen and nipples.

Bathing

Give your dog occasional baths as needed using a gentle dog shampoo. Avoid her abdomen. Dry her coat thoroughly afterward. Ask your vet when its safe to bathe her after birth.

Nail Trimming

Trim her nails regularly to prevent cracking or tearing. This will help keep both your dog and puppies safe when nursing and playing.

Dental Care

Brush her teeth or use dental chews to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. Avoid anesthesia for dental cleanings though until after weaning puppies.

Skin and Coat Changes

Pregnancy hormones may cause skin dryness, dandruff, or oiliness. Use an oatmeal shampoo if needed. Consult your vet about supplements like fatty acids or biotin if coat changes don't resolve after birth.

Veterinary Care for a Pregnant American Bully

Make sure your pregnant American Bully receives proper veterinary care. Here are some things your vet will monitor:

Confirming Pregnancy

Your vet can confirm pregnancy through abdominal palpation, ultrasound, blood tests, or x-rays later on. They can estimate delivery timing and litter size as well.

Nutrition and Weight Gain

Your vet will evaluate your dog's body condition and weight gain. They may recommend dietary changes to support a healthy pregnancy.

Parasite Prevention

Intestinal parasites can harm your dog and puppies. Your vet will prescribe heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention medications that are safe during pregnancy.

Vaccinations

Certain vaccines like parvo and distemper should be given before breeding. Others like rabies can be given during pregnancy. Your vet will advise you on the right vaccine schedule.

Identifying Problems

Your vet can help identify potential pregnancy complications like eclampsia or birthing issues. Routine veterinary care helps ensure your dog stays low-risk.

Signs of Impending Labor in an American Bully

Recognizing when your American Bully is about to give birth is important. Here are signs labor will start within 24 hours:

Nesting Behaviors

Your dog may pace, dig, or gather bedding materials. She may refuse to eat and seem anxious. These instinctual nesting behaviors help prepare for birth.

Drop in Body Temperature

Your dog's temperature will drop below 100F within 24 hours of going into labor, sometimes as low as 97F. Take her rectal temperature every few hours as you near her due date.

Vaginal Discharge

A vaginal discharge called lochia containing mucus and blood will occur just before birthing. The discharge will progress from clear to greenish-black as birth nears.

Restlessness

Your dog may seem unable to get comfortable. She may frequently change positions, pace, shiver, and pant. These are signs the first stage of labor has begun.

Abdominal Contractions

Contractions of the uterus may be visible as 'rippling' along your dog's abdomen. Typically contractions start about an hour before the first puppy arrives.

The American Bully Whelping Process

Understanding what to expect as your American Bully gives birth will help you stay calm and assist her. Here are the three stages of labor:

Stage 1: Uterine Contractions

This is the longest stage, often 12+ hours. Your dog will seem anxious and have visible contractions. Her cervix will begin dilating but she will not yet push.

Stage 2: Active Labor

This is when intense contractions begin and your dog actively starts to push. Pups will be delivered one by one during this stage. It can last up to 24 hours.

Stage 3: Placental Delivery

After all pups are born, your dog will deliver the placentas. This may happen with each puppy or all at once. Stage 3 generally lasts 15 minutes to a few hours.

Your vet should examine your dog within 24 hours after birth. Contact them right away if you have any concerns about labor or delivery issues.

Caring for Newborn American Bully Puppies

Once your American Bully has given birth, the puppies will require round-the-clock care as they grow. Here are some tips for keeping them healthy:

Weighing Puppies

Weigh each newborn puppy once a day at the same time, like morning or evening. Healthy pups gain about 10% of their body weight daily. Contact your vet if any puppies fail to gain weight.

Feeding Schedule

Puppies will nurse every 1-2 hours around the clock during the first few weeks. Allow unrestricted nursing as long as the mother dog is tolerant. Check that all pups are nursing and gaining weight.

Providing Supplemental Formula

If you need to hand-raise any puppies or supplement nursing, use commercial puppy milk replacer. Only use cow's milk or goat milk in an emergency until you can buy formula.

Helping Eliminate Waste

Puppies cannot urinate or defecate on their own until around 3 weeks old. Gently stimulate each puppy with warm damp cloth after feeding to help them eliminate waste.

Keeping Puppies Warm

Ensure the whelping area remains at around 85F for newborn puppies. Chilling can be fatal to delicate puppies. Use supplemental heating pads if needed.

Post-Whelping Care of Mother American Bully Dogs

After your American Bully gives birth, she'll need extra attention as she recovers. Be sure to:

Allow Ample Time to Rest

The first 2 weeks post-whelping are a crucial recovery period. Let your dog rest as much as needed while you handle puppy care. Encourage quiet bonding time together too.

Keep Her Well-Fed

Nursing requires nearly triple normal calorie intake. Feed a premium lactation formula dry food constantly available. Give smaller meals throughout day and night.

Monitor for Mastitis

Red, painful nipples or swollen mammary glands may indicate mastitis. Contact your vet, as antibiotics are needed to treat potentially serious milk fever infections.

Watch for Postpartum Depression

If your dog seems withdrawn or disinterested in the puppies, she could have postpartum depression. Providing comfort and reducing stress aids recovery.

Allow Vulva to Normalize

Your dog's vulva will remain enlarged for a few weeks after giving birth. The swelling and discharge should gradually subside during this time.

Your devoted care and attention will help ensure your American Bully has a safe, healthy pregnancy and delivery. If you have any concerns along the way, be sure to consult your trusted veterinarian right away. With preparation and vigilance, you and your dog will be able to enjoy the exciting journey of welcoming a lively, beautiful new litter of American Bully puppies into your family!

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.