Providing Attentive Care for Your Pregnant Dog

Caring for Your Pregnant Dog

If you suspect or know your dog is expecting puppies, it's important to provide extra care and attention during her pregnancy. Like human pregnancies, a dog's gestation period comes with unique needs to support momma and babies' health. Follow these tips to keep your can i worm a pregnant dog comfortable, nourished and safe as she prepares to give birth.

Confirm the Pregnancy

First, make an appointment with your veterinarian to confirm the pregnancy. They will perform an abdominal palpation to feel for puppies and recommend an ultrasound around day 25-35 of gestation to check litter size and health.

Blood and urine tests can also detect pregnancy hormones but aren't as accurate at estimating due dates. Record your dog's suspected breeding dates to help estimate whelping timeline.

Provide Quality Nutrition

Pregnant and nursing dogs require extra nutrition to support their health and growing puppies. Feed a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for reproduction.

Increase food intake by 25-50% starting around week 6-7 and continue through weaning. Offer smaller, more frequent meals as appetite grows. Avoid overfeeding to prevent excessive weight gain.

Supplement with fatty acids like omega-3s for skin, coat and fetal brain development. Prenatal vitamins or calcium supplements also help nourish mom and pups.

Accommodate Changing Body

Making a few adjustments helps keep your pregnant pooch comfortable:

• Provide orthopedic bedding for cushioning and support
• Limit strenuous exercise and activities
• Help her in/out of cars, stairs and furniture
• Gently brush and groom her coat
• Elevate food and water bowls

Loosen collar as her neck swells or switch to a comfy, adjustable harness. Be patient with decreased mobility and appetite changes as your dog's body works hard.

Reduce Stress

Help your expecting dog relax by:

• Keeping routines consistent
• Providing a quiet, cozy place to rest
• Using calming pheromones
• Doing gentle massage and brushing
• Giving affection and reassurance

Avoid stressful situations like chaotic environments, being teased by kids or other pets, loud noises and unfamiliar people. Report concerning behavioral changes to your veterinarian.

Prepare a Whelping Area

Set up a spacious, private whelping box or area a few weeks before your dog's due date. Include:

• Non-slip, easily cleaned surfaces
• Washable bedding, pillows and blankets
• Divider or pig rails to keep puppies contained
• Heating pad or lamp for regulating temperature
• Supplies like scissors, towels and bulb suction

The area should be large enough for momma to lie down and give birth comfortably. Keep young children and other pets away during whelping for safety.

Watch for Labor Signs

Pay close attention as your dog nears delivery for these signs of impending labor:

• Nesting behavior and mothering toys
• Reduced appetite and vomiting
• Enlarged nipples and milk discharge
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Restlessness and pacing
• Repeated squatting or straining

Call your vet if you notice strong contractions, signs of distress or active labor hasn't begun within 24 hours of these changes. Most dogs deliver puppies without human intervention but be prepared to assist if needed.

Allow Natural Birthing Process

Labor lasts 6-12 hours on average but can vary significantly. Things may progress quickly or over many hours.

Provide comfort, remain calm and let your dog's instincts guide the birthing process. Only interfere if complications arise like:

• Active straining over 1 hour with no puppy
• More than 4 hours between puppies
• Heavy bleeding from vulva
• Strong contractions for over 2 hours with no puppy

Call your vet right away if you notice any abnormal signs before, during or after whelping.

Care for Newborn Puppies

Momma dogs take excellent care of their new pups, but you can assist:

• Dry pups with towel if needed and tie umbilical cord
• Return each to mom immediately for nursing
• Make sure pups are nursing within first 24 hours
• Weigh pups regularly to ensure healthy weight gain
• Provide supplemental feedings if mom struggles nursing

Monitor litter at least twice daily for the first two weeks to identify any weakness, dehydration or low birth-weight puppies needing extra care.

Support Mom Postpartum

Your dog needs ample recovery time after the intensity of labor and delivery. Support her through the postpartum period:

• Let her rest, only take pups to nurse
• Continue providing high-calorie nutrition and prenatal vitamins
• Clean soiled bedding and whelping area
• Gently clean her vulva/anal region if needed
• Watch for signs of infection like discharge, fever or lethargy

Your new mom will need lots of love, patience and pampering as she recovers from pregnancy and cares for her puppies.

Schedule Vet Check-Ups

Take momma and puppies to the veterinarian:

• 24-48 hours after whelping to check health
• At 2-4 weeks old for dewclaw removal, first vaccines and examinations
• At 6-8 weeks for spay/neuter before rehoming puppies

Your vet monitors recovery and addresses any birthing complications for momma dog. Well-puppy visits ensure the litter develops properly and leaves for new homes healthy.

With preparation and attentive care, you can help your beloved dog have a safe, smooth pregnancy and delivery. She'll reward you with adorable puppies and memories of a beautiful experience.

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.