Helping your dog bring a litter of puppies into the world is an exciting experience but also a huge responsibility and requires careful planning. Dog pregnancies can be confusing, and there is always a degree of risk involved. For these reasons, it’s essential to know what you are getting into before deciding to breed your dog.
If you have questions about dog pregnancy, we’re here for you. We have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dog pregnancy below. If you have further questions and are in the Boca Raton, FL area, give us a call at (561) 786-1100 to schedule an appointment.
How can I ensure my pregnant dog’s well-being?
Ensuring your pregnant dog’s well-being begins with confirming that she’s in good overall health before breeding. Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on a dog’s body, so scheduling a physical exam to ensure she’s healthy enough to have puppies is crucial. We recommend having her tested for infectious diseases such as Brucellosis and parasites before breeding.
Pregnant dogs need high-quality food high in protein, minerals, and fat, and they usually need about one and a half times as much food as usual. As your dog’s veterinarian, we can help you determine what type of food is right for your canine companion and how much she needs during pregnancy. Your dog will also need regular short walks during pregnancy. Like all expectant mothers, pregnant dogs should not engage in overly strenuous activity.
How long will my dog be pregnant?
The gestation period for dogs is 63 days, or almost exactly two months. Broken down into trimesters, it comes out to 21 days per trimester. However, timing your dog’s pregnancy may be tricky because the date of conception does not always match the breeding date. Breed and litter size may also impact the length of your dog’s pregnancy.
How soon should I see a veterinarian if I suspect my dog is pregnant?
If you think your dog might be pregnant, we recommend scheduling an appointment about three to four weeks after the breeding date. Dogs sometimes go through false pregnancies when coming out of heat, and the symptoms are very similar to those of actual pregnancy. Even as veterinarians, there is very little we can do to determine whether a dog is pregnant within the first few weeks of breeding.
A hormone known as relaxin is released in the first 21 to 27 days after breeding. After 30 days, this hormone should be present in any pregnant dog. At that point, we can perform relaxin testing to accurately determine whether your dog is pregnant.
What dog pregnancy symptoms should I look for?
Detecting pregnancy in dogs is very difficult in the first trimester. Some dogs experience decreased appetite and vomiting in the first few days of pregnancy, but these can also be false pregnancy symptoms. The symptoms become more apparent in the second and third trimesters.
Symptoms of pregnancy in dogs include:
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite
- Swollen abdomen
- Enlarged, possibly engorged, mammary glands
- Slight swelling of the external genitalia
- Irritability
- Increased affection
- Nesting behavior
- Decreased energy
Will my veterinarian use diagnostic testing to determine if my dog is pregnant?
Testing for the presence of the relaxin hormone is one of the most common ways of diagnosing pregnancy in dogs, but it isn’t the only one. We also commonly use x-rays to confirm pregnancy and count the number of puppies. The skeletons don’t ossify until around the fiftieth day, though, so we usually don’t recommend radiographs until later in the pregnancy.
We use ultrasound to assess puppies’ health during pregnancy. This tool allows us to check heart rates and other metrics to make sure the pups are viable.
What are some possible complications of dog pregnancy that I need to be aware of?
Like human pregnancies, there is always a degree of risk involved in dog pregnancies. This is one of the many reasons it’s so important to work closely with your veterinarian if you plan to breed your dog or if she is already pregnant.
Possible complications in pregnant dogs include:
- Gestational diabetes
- Retained placenta
- Mastitis
- Uterine infections
- Calcium deficiencies
- Complications during labor/delivery
What are some things I can do at home to prepare for my dog’s labor?
Set up a whelping box or area where your pregnant dog can escape from the typical noise and chaos of your home and enjoy quiet time by herself. Choose a warm, dark area that’s well-padded for comfort. Most dogs do not want to go through labor and delivery with an audience, so give them a spot where they can do so privately and comfortably.
Depending on your dog’s size, a large kiddie pool filled with blankets, towels, and/or pillows often works well. A cardboard box placed inside a closet could be the perfect option for smaller dogs. As the anticipated whelping time gets closer, ensure you have plenty of towels and warm water. You may need to help clean the puppies or warm them up after delivery. Having some basic supplies on hand minimizes stress and makes the process easier.
How can I help my dog recover after giving birth?
Most dogs know what they are doing and, unless there are complications, they usually do not need any help. Unless you need to intervene for the mother’s safety, we recommend letting her do her thing with little to no interference. Once her maternal instincts kick in, your dog will clean the puppies, eat the placenta, and snip the umbilical cord. It may sound unpleasant, but Mother Nature does a great job of giving animals the instincts they need to handle these situations.
There are certain signs to watch out for that indicate you need to intervene.
Signs that your dog may need help during labor or after giving birth include:
- Pushing for 30+ minutes without delivering a puppy
- Taking more than three to four hours between puppies
- Failing to deliver a placenta for each puppy
- Bruising/discoloration of mammary glands after birth
- Milk that is yellowish-tan (or darker) instead of white
- Abnormal vaginal discharge after birth
Dark green to black discharge is usually expected. Tanish, brownish, or yellowish discharge that looks or smells like pus is indicative of a uterine infection.
If everything seems to be going smoothly, let nature run its course. But if you have any reason to suspect that your dog or her puppies could be in danger, contact us right away.
At Calusa Veterinary Center, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (561) 786-1100, or you can email us at customerservice@cvcboca.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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