Caring for Your Pregnant Rottweiler in the First Five Weeks

Signs Your Rottweiler is Pregnant

One of the most exciting times for any dog owner is when their female rottweiler becomes pregnant. However, those first few weeks can also be the most nerve-wracking as you anxiously await signs that the pregnancy is progressing normally. By around the five week mark, you should start to see clear physical and behavioral changes that indicate your rottweiler is expecting puppies.

Physical Changes in a Pregnant Rottweiler

Some of the earliest signs that your female rottweiler is pregnant include:

• Swollen or enlarged nipples - This is often one of the first signs of pregnancy, occurring around 3-4 weeks into gestation.
• Weight gain - Your dog's weight will steadily increase as the puppies grow inside her. A slight rounding of her belly may start to become noticeable around 5 weeks.
• Increased appetite - To support her growing litter, your dog's appetite will likely increase. Make sure you are feeding her a high quality puppy food diet.
• Fatigue - The physical demands of pregnancy may result in your dog seeming more tired and less active. Rest is important during this time.

As you pass the five week mark, some other physical signs to look for include:

• Morning sickness - Hormonal changes may cause nausea or vomiting in some pregnant dogs. This usually resolves by week five.
• Enlarged abdomen - Your dog's belly will become obviously distended as the puppies continue to grow in size.
• Visible movement - By around 5-6 weeks you may be able to see and feel the fetuses moving inside your dog's belly.

Behavioral Changes in a Pregnant Rottweiler

In addition to physical changes, you are also likely to observe some behavioral differences in your pregnant rottweiler. Around the five week mark, watch for:

• Increased affection - Your dog may become more attentive and affectionate toward you as her maternal instincts kick in.
• Nesting behaviors - She may scrape her bedding, carpets or other surfaces as she tries to create an ideal birthing area.
• Decreased interest in food - As her abdomen swells, she may eat less due to physical discomfort.
• Increased urination - The fetuses pushing on your dog's bladder will likely cause an increased need to urinate.

Your dog's demeanor may also change as her body is flooded with pregnancy hormones. She may seem more restless, irritable or withdrawn. As her due date approaches, protectiveness of the chosen nesting area is common.

Caring for Your Pregnant Rottweiler

The key priorities in caring for your pregnant rottweiler are providing excellent nutrition, proper veterinary care, a quiet and comfortable place to birth her puppies, and lots of love and positive reinforcement. Here are some tips for keeping your expecting rottweiler happy and healthy.

Nutrition

Making sure your pregnant rottweiler receives optimal nutrition is one of the most important things you can do. Her caloric needs will increase by up to 50% during pregnancy. Feed her a high quality puppy food diet formulated for gestation and lactation. Break meals into smaller portions fed more frequently to aid digestion. Provide unlimited access to fresh water. Stay alert for any changes in appetite or interest in food, which could indicate a problem.

Exercise

Exercise remains beneficial during pregnancy but should be moderated. Gentle daily walks and light play sessions are recommended. Avoid intense exercise, roughhousing or jumping during the final weeks. Provide plenty of soft bedding so your rottweiler can rest comfortably as needed. Signs your dog needs reduced activity include fatigue, reluctance to move, or excessive panting/breathing difficulties.

Grooming

Continue grooming your pregnant dog as normal, being extra gentle around her abdomen and mammary glands. Trim toenails if needed to prevent accidental scratching of the uterine area when your dog cleans herself. Clean her facial folds carefully to prevent bacteria buildup. Prior to birthing, trim the hair around the vulva to keep the area sanitary.

Veterinary Care

Schedule a vet visit as soon as you suspect pregnancy to confirm and pinpoint the due date. Ultrasound is sometimes used. Your rottweiler will need vaccinations specifically tailored for pregnant dogs. Deworming may also be performed. Follow your vet's recommendations for periodic checkups throughout the pregnancy term.

Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any concerning signs such as bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, fever or anything else unusual.

Birthing Preparations

Around week 5, begin preparing a whelping area where your rottweiler can comfortably and safely deliver her puppies. A large box or kiddie pool lined with blankets in a quiet room away from other pets works well. Wherever you set it up, make sure your pregnant dog can come and go freely while keeping the area clean, dry and draft-free.

Gather any supplies your veterinarian recommends having on hand for the birth, such as clean towels, scissors, dental floss and bulb syringe. Have emergency contact numbers for your vet, emergency clinic and experienced breeders who can mentor you through your girl's first litter.

Be patient, attentive and keep your pregnant rottweiler comfortable, fed, watered and free of stress. With your loving care and supervision, soon she will be joyfully caring for a beautiful litter of Rottweiler puppies!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are rottweilers pregnant?

The normal gestation period for a rottweiler pregnancy is 63 days from the day of breeding. Some variation from 58 to 68 days can occur.

Do pregnant rottweilers need more food?

Yes, it's important to increase the amount of high quality food you feed your pregnant rottweiler by up to 50 percent once she is in the final 3-4 weeks of pregnancy when nutritional demands reach their peak.

When will my rottweiler start showing?

You may notice a small swelling in your rottweiler's abdomen around 4-5 weeks into pregnancy. Significant distension becomes obvious over weeks 6-8 as the puppies grow.

How many puppies can a rottweiler have?

The average litter size for rottweilers is 8-12 puppies. Some may have has few as 4 or as many as 15 depending on the particular dog.

Should I take my pregnant rottweiler to the vet?

Yes, it's very important to have your pregnant rottweiler examined by a veterinarian to confirm the pregnancy, determine how far along she is, and monitor for any potential health issues.

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.