Welcoming a new litter of puppies into your family is undoubtedly an exciting time and we’re sure you’re having fun pondering new names for them. But much like a human pregnancy, a pregnant dog can experience confusion and stress, especially if it is the dog’s first pregnancy.
Understanding what your dog is going through and what you will need to prepare for can help alleviate that stress, so for a stress-free experience, here are the 10 things you should know about your pregnant fur baby. While you’re here, why not check out our other dog guides and reviews to help make your dog ownership easier?
Helpful Dog Pregnancy Information
#1 – Dogs are pregnant for approximately 63 days, about 2 months
Unlike human beings who are pregnant for around 9 months, dogs are pregnant for a much shorter time, around 2 months. Not only does this mean that you won’t have long to plan until the new puppies arrive, but it also means that your dog will be going through significant physical and behavioral changes in a short span of time. Your veterinarian can help you understand breed-specific changes that might occur as well as pinpoint exactly how far along your dog is in her pregnancy. So don’t forget to book an appointment as soon as you suspect a pregnancy.
#2 – Want to know how many puppies she’s carrying? Ultrasounds are the answer
To determine if your dog is pregnant, her vet may do something called a “feel test”, where the vet feels along the abdomen to see if there is a significant lump in her womb which indicates the presence of a growing puppy. But a feel test will not be able to accurately determine how many puppies she’s carrying. Instead, your vet may recommend an ultrasound exam, which can accurately determine how many puppies she’s carrying after the 29th day of pregnancy.
#3 – Your dog should stay up-to-date on all their vaccinations and treatments
Your dog is as vulnerable as she ever will be when she’s pregnant. Infections, diseases, and parasites can easily make your dog sick and even spread to the puppies she’s carrying. That’s why it’s incredibly important that you make sure your dog’s vaccines are up to date and that they continue any deworming or flea treatments they are on. A healthy dog will bring about a healthy pregnancy and birth!
#4 – Nutrition is more important than ever for your pregnant dog
As the saying goes, they’re eating for at least two dogs now. This especially applies to pregnant dogs, who could be eating for two, three, four, or even more – depending on how many puppies she’s carrying. That’s why your vet will probably put an emphasis on making sure that you’re feeding her the right stuff. Forget low-quality dog food and instead invest in food that is high in protein, fat, and minerals. Not only will this help your puppies develop well, but it could also help stave off any pregnancy troubles associated with malnutrition.
#5 – Some dogs may display some troubling behavioral changes that are actually normal
For any other dog, the loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and signs of depression would be very alarming. But as pregnant dogs go through rapid physical and hormonal changes, the effects will usually show up in the way they act. If your dog suddenly is not as interested in food as she used to be, it is important to be patient with her and continue to offer food but not force her. Similarly, a lethargic dog should be encouraged to walk, which brings us to our next point.
#6 – Your dog should still be exercising regularly
Staying healthy during pregnancy is incredibly important for your fur baby. Not only does that mean that you should not encourage them to overeat, but it also means that you should still be helping them move around and exercise. Of course, we don’t mean that you should take your pregnant dog on a 10-mile run, but you should be taking them on regular walks and playing with them gently. If you are not able to take your dog out (for example, if they seem distressed outside), then there are many indoor exercise options for pregnant dogs like dog treadmills. What is important is that they’re moving!
#7 – Your dog may be more hostile to strangers during pregnancy
Some dogs may be distant towards you while they’re pregnant while others are increasingly clingy and affectionate. But around strangers, pregnant dogs are usually quite hostile and distressed. This is because they are reacting to a natural instinct to protect their unborn puppies from harm, which they believe strangers may pose. During the later stages of your dog’s pregnancy, it is thus best that you keep them away from strangers and put a temporary ban on strange visitors to your home.
#8 – She will instinctively begin to build a nest before she gives birth
Dogs naturally prefer to give birth in secluded private areas of the home and your dog will begin to look for that area as they enter the second month of pregnancy. You can help them along with whelping boxes that will keep your dog and puppies warm and safe. Before she gives birth, start lining the box with newspaper, blankets, and other soft warm furnishings to give her a head start on nesting.
#9 – In the days leading up to her pregnancy, your dog will be noticeably more restless
Luckily for us, dogs won’t go from normal to giving birth overnight. You will get a warning that a birth is imminent from their sudden restlessness, whining, and even scratching at floors. Your dog will also start to spend more and more time in their whelping nest as they prepare to give birth.
#10 – A dog can usually handle giving birth alone, but you should still stay close
Prepare to be amazed by just how amazing dogs are when we tell you that dogs can handle all stages of giving birth by themselves. That means delivering, taking every puppy out of their protective sac, chewing off each umbilical cord, and cleaning them after the birth. But rarely, a dog will run into trouble taking them out of the sac or removing the cord, which is why it’s still a good idea to stay close and watch carefully that each puppy is safe and breathing.
Conclusion
Understanding, caring for, and preparing your dog with these important tips will be crucial to ensure a healthy and happy pregnancy. With all these things in mind, you should be prepared to guide your dog through her pregnancy and welcome a new litter of puppies!