Dog Pregnancy: Signs, Symptoms And Care
On Mar 07, 2025
Dog Pregnancy is an important stage full of anticipation and excitement. It is important to understand the indications and symptoms to guarantee the safety of the mother and her puppies.
They can become pregnant for up to 63 days on average. Veterinarian exams, physical signs, and behavioral changes can all be used to identify the condition.
Making this journey as easy and joyful as possible can greatly benefit the health and safety of the expecting mother and her puppies by being prepared for what to expect and giving them the care they need during this time.
Can My Dog Be Pregnant?
A veterinarian should be consulted in addition to behavioral and physical changes to determine whether a dog is pregnant. There are also dog pregnancy tests available on the market but make sure you know the instructions for using them.
Canine females who are not spayed and have interacted with males may get pregnant. Dogs do not experience menopause and reach sexual maturity at the age of six months.
The symptoms of pregnancy in dogs are mild at first but may become more noticeable with weight gain, especially in the abdomen, increasing tiredness, and nesting habits.
Signs of Pregnancy
It is important to identify pregnancy signs and symptoms to provide prompt care and get ready for the delivery of puppies. Some of the early signs of dog pregnancy are as follows:
Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes provide important information during canine pregnancy. Dogs who are expecting may have a stronger need for affection and aggressively seek out your company and cuddling.
Hormonal changes and a heightened sensation of vulnerability naturally cause an increased craving for attention. Nesting habits in dogs become noticeable as whelping (delivery) approaches.
The dog may search for isolated spots to build a cozy and secure den for her puppies. They also become lethargic instead of their usual playful self.
Physical Changes
Pregnancy in dogs is characterized by specific bodily changes such as darker, larger nipples with a milky discharge. The weight of a pregnant dog grows gradually and becomes more noticeable in the second half.
The abdomen of a dog gets noticeably larger as the puppies grow in the second half of the gestation.
Appetite Changes
Changes in the diet of pregnant dogs are normal. Some mothers experience a rise in hunger as their bodies try to provide nutrition to their developing puppies.
Some dogs also go through a short period of decreased food intake in the early weeks of pregnancy.
Veterinary Confirmation
Veterinarian diagnostics can be done to confirm a dog's pregnancy. Ultrasounds provide the earliest detection as it is able to visualize the developing embryos inside the uterus.
An experienced veterinarian might be able to feel the puppies themselves by gently palpating the abdomen around week four. With the help of these techniques, you can provide a parental care plan for your dog and confirm that your dog is pregnant.
Signs of Labor In Dogs
Nesting Instinct
The instinct of a dog takes over when she is about to give birth and will start looking for a private, peaceful place to give birth. This nesting behavior could include moving the bedding, clawing at surfaces, or showing a strong liking for a specific place.
Make sure to provide a comfy whelping box in a peaceful area of your house to support her transition.
Restlessness and Panting
There is a rise in pacing and panting as the delivery date nears. The dog may look nervous, seek your company, or want to be left alone.
This is a normal behavior as their body gets ready to give birth.
Vulvar Discharge
One of the main signs of labor can be a clear or slightly bloody leak from your dog's vulva. This release eases the birth canal and suggests that the labor may start in the next 12 to 24 hours.
This is a natural process, but if the leakage starts to smell bad or gets very bloody, it is important to call your vet.
Temperature Drop
The temperature of a mother's body drops as the canine pregnancy concludes. The fall in temperature usually happens between 12 and 24 hours after the delivery.
Their temperature may fall below 37.8 degrees Celsius. Take the dog’s temperature so that it can give you important information about when the dog is likely to begin giving birth.
Preparing for Puppies
To prepare for puppies make sure to create a whelping box that is warm, airtight, and clean. You can buy pre-made whelping boxes or use a tiny plastic kid's pool.
The mother should be able to enter and exit the box easily, but the range of motion of puppies should be limited.
Get your dog used to the whelping box ahead of time to avoid her picking a different place to deliver. Make sure you learn everything about your role during childbirth by speaking with your vet.
Possible Complications During Labor
Most of the dog deliveries go without any issues, but problems might occasionally occur. It is important to seek your vet's help if your dog shows any of the following complications during labor.
- No labor following temperature drop: One of the complications can be a sign of no labor after the temperature of a dog dropped more than a day ago. Make sure to consult your vet to avoid risks to both the mother and puppies.
- Mother In Distress: The dog may appear to be in great discomfort if there is something wrong. It may also occur when the first puppy does not appear after two hours of contractions.
- Long interval between puppies: Sometimes a dog may appear worm out, starns for an hour without giving birth, or take more than two hours between puppies. This may be a sign that something is wrong and you should seek help.
- Severe Symptoms: Shivering or trembling are signs that could put the mother and puppies at risk. Contact your vet as soon as possible if any such symptoms occur.
- Green discharge before puppies: The green discharge is usually released after the first puppy is born. If it is released before the birth of puppies, it can be a sign of possible complications.
- Prolonged whelping: Extended labor occurs when the birth process takes longer. This creates a complicated situation for both the mother and her puppies.
- Placenta missing: A missing placenta can indicate that it is still inside the uterus or consumed during the birthing process. The situation should be monitored carefully as it can lead to serious health issues.
- Puppies not nursing: This can cause serious health risks as puppies depend on their mother’s milk for essentials. It may be due to weakness at birth or post-birth issues.
Caring for a Pregnant Dog
Nutrition
Give high-protein dog food that is made for pregnant dogs. This will provide them with important vitamins necessary for fetal growth.
You can also consult your vet for specific food advice based on your dog's breed and size.
Veterinary Care
Take your dog for a routine checkup at the vet throughout their pregnancy. This will help to track the developing fetus, diagnose possible issues, and seek advice on appropriate care.
Exercise
Moderate activity during pregnancy is healthy and beneficial. You can take your dog for shorter walks and more frequent restroom stops as their belly grows.
Preparation for Delivery
Learn to recognize the warning symptoms of approaching labor such as temperature drop and restlessness. Consult with your vet about supplies and possible risks before they give birth.
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