Dog pregnancy: early diagnosis, dog pregnancy calendar

Signs of pregnancy in dogs

Many owners ask what are the signs of pregnancy in a dog.

There are no signs of pregnancy in a dog in the early stages. At this time, it is impossible to determine whether the bitch will have puppies, either by palpation or by appearance.

The first signs of pregnancy in a dog after mating concern not physical condition, but behavior. The dog may become calmer, more affectionate, and sometimes show signs of illness.

Signs of pregnancy in a dog most often appear 21–22 days after mating. At this time, if you know where to look, you can feel small lumps on both sides of the abdomen. These lumps can be felt until the 35th day, and later become soft, so that they can be felt with difficulty. But by this time, signs of pregnancy include an enlarged belly.

By the 4th - 5th week, signs of pregnancy in a dog include thickening on the sides, the body becomes rounded. But sometimes these signs of pregnancy in a dog are visible only at the 7th week.

During the 5th week, enlarged nipples are added to the signs of pregnancy in the dog, and in the 6th week, if the bitch lies on her side, puppies can be felt in the horns of the uterus. A sign of pregnancy in a dog at the 7th week is a significant enlargement of the mammary glands. In the last week, a drooping belly is added to the signs of pregnancy.

One of the surest signs of pregnancy in a dog is the movement of the puppies.

Diagnosis of the condition of the bitch and the health of puppies in late pregnancy

Starting from the second month after mating, owners no longer need to guess or resort to tests and ultrasound to determine whether the dog is pregnant. The bitch begins to gain weight, the mammary glands swell and increase in size, and the belly is also clearly enlarging. The dog gains weight especially sharply three weeks before giving birth. At 6-7 weeks of pregnancy (38th-45th day), puppies can already be palpated by palpation of the abdominal cavity (inexperienced owners are not recommended to carry out this procedure on their own to avoid injury to the dog and fetuses). At 48-50 days, it is already possible to conduct an X-ray examination, which allows you to accurately determine how many puppies will be born.

During a dog’s first pregnancy, milk may appear only a few hours before or immediately after birth. In a dog that is not giving birth for the first time, it sometimes begins to secrete as early as the 40th day of pregnancy. On average, the onset of lactation is considered normal 7-10 days before birth.

An important indicator that allows you to diagnose the course of pregnancy and predict the time of onset of labor in a dog is rectal temperature. If in the early stages, with normal fetal development, the dog’s temperature remains within normal limits, then in the last week of pregnancy the indicators begin to “jump” noticeably. 8 - 24 hours before birth, the temperature, as a rule, drops sharply (in large breeds it can drop to 37⁰C, and in small breeds - up to 36⁰C). The dog's temperature returns to normal after birth.

How to detect pregnancy in dogs at home

You can determine if a dog is pregnant at home by the following symptoms:

1. Changes in appetite (during mid-pregnancy, the dog usually loses his appetite).
2. Vulvar discharge (4th week of dog's pregnancy).
3. Decreased dog activity level.
4. Enlargement of the dog's belly.
5. Enlargement of dog's nipples.

How else can you tell if your dog is pregnant? There are additional ways:

1. Pregnancy test. However, please note that a human pregnancy test will not help determine if a dog is pregnant.
2. Veterinarian examination. Typically, if a dog is more than 25 days pregnant, the puppies' heartbeat can already be heard through a stethoscope.
3. Ultrasound and X-ray.
4. Analysis for relaxin is a hormone whose level in a dog’s blood during pregnancy is very high.

What is required from the owner?

If you suspect your dog is pregnant, it is important to provide her with the best possible care as a lot depends on it.

Here's what you can and should do at home:

• Just take your pet to the vet. The sooner you do this, the better, since a specialist, among other things, can immediately create a new diet or adjust the current diet.
• Consult your veterinarian about the need for a multivitamin supplement. Do not use such drugs on your own, as they will cause more harm if used incorrectly.
• In the first three weeks, you can maintain the same intensity of walks, but you should refuse training (if we are talking about a service animal). In the following days, you can also walk, but active games and fast running should not be allowed. If possible, you should avoid contact with other animals, as they can be carriers of various infections that are dangerous not only for the bitch herself, but also for her offspring.
• Many dogs prefer this time. You can help your pet by moving her bedding to a quiet and secluded place where the animal can feel completely safe. Ideally, for this they use the room farthest from the front doors, where the new mother will not worry about every sound and people constantly passing by.
• Strive to reduce stressors. Don't slam doors loudly, don't shout, try to refrain from using karaoke. All this once again worries your pregnant pet and does not allow her to rest properly.
• Prepare in advance a basket or box that can accommodate both the mother and her brood. Of course, the “container” must be large enough, since in a tight basket the dog can crush some of the puppies. This is especially important if your pet is giving birth for the first time.

If anything seems strange to you, or you are worried about your pet’s health, be sure to call your veterinarian.

Moreover, we would strongly recommend visiting the clinic during the first two weeks, regardless of other circumstances. Qualified specialists will help not only give useful advice on caring for a pregnant bitch, but will also certainly be able to accurately determine the timing of pregnancy. In particular, today veterinarians actively use ultrasound . This technique has been known for a very long time, no side effects are known, and the probability of accurately determining pregnancy is close to 100%.

Dog pregnancy by days and weeks

The detailed course of a dog’s pregnancy by day and week can be traced using the following table.

How to care for a pregnant dog

Proper care of the dog will be required not only after mating, but also 2-3 months before it. The four-legged friend will need to be shown to a veterinarian to rule out contraindications for pregnancy, discuss possible vaccinations (including those that fall out during pregnancy), be tested for various infections, and undergo anthelmintic therapy.

After pregnancy has occurred, the owner needs to pay special attention to the physical activity, nutrition and hygiene of the animal. In addition, the upcoming addition to the family will require the owner to make some changes in the house.

Walks

In the early stages of pregnancy, you should not protect your dog from long walks. A sufficient amount of oxygen will reduce the manifestations of toxicosis during its development, and will also have a positive effect on appetite and the development of offspring. However, there is no need to force an animal to engage in physical activity. If the pet is lethargic, wants to sleep, and turns to go home, then it is better to take it for a walk more often, but not for long.

Nutrition

Food should be high in calories within reasonable limits. The guideline is the dog’s appearance: with obvious weight loss, the calorie content of the diet is increased and vice versa. Toxicosis should also be taken into account - it can cause the animal to lose weight. It is necessary to add more protein foods to the diet, and reduce foods containing carbohydrates. In the second month of pregnancy, excess carbohydrates and fats can trigger the development of obesity, which can lead to problematic childbirth.

A pregnant dog requires extra attention

If your dog prefers dry food, you should choose a product specifically designed for this period. Don't forget about vitamin and mineral supplements. With natural nutrition, they are added to food or given separately from food.

Attention: dry food for pregnant dogs, as a rule, already contains the necessary components; information about their quantity can be found on the packaging. Excess vitamins can harm both the expectant mother and the puppies.

In the first month of pregnancy, the diet remains the same - twice a day. Subsequently, the frequency of meals is increased to 3, and then to 4 times a day. Small meals allow for more complete absorption of food and prevent stagnation in the intestines, since growing puppies put pressure on the stomach and interfere with the normal movement of food through the digestive tract.

Hygiene

Hygiene procedures include washing paws after a walk and regular treatment of eyes and ears. Experts do not recommend bathing a dog during pregnancy and lactation. This can only be done if absolutely necessary. The owner must ensure that the animal is not exposed to a draft: the fur must be dried as quickly as possible.

Changes in the house

The owner will have to make changes to the interior in the second half of the pet’s pregnancy. By this time, the dog’s body weight increases, it becomes less active, and rests more. To make her comfortable, you need to make a new, larger bedding.

Closer to birth, the animal looks for a suitable place for this. It is advisable for the owner to select a secluded corner in advance, equip it accordingly, and then gradually accustom the animal to it. Sometimes the dog itself determines the desired territory and does not want to change it to another. In this case, you will have to make concessions (within reason).

The room in which the newborn puppies and mother will be located should not be too cold or too hot. Optimal conditions: average air temperature, absence of drafts, ability to move. At first, the corner needs to be fenced off from the rest of the space in such a way that the puppies cannot leave it, and the adult animal can easily pass back and forth.

How to detect pregnancy in dogs at home

You can determine if a dog is pregnant at home by the following symptoms:

1. Changes in appetite (during mid-pregnancy, the dog usually loses his appetite).
2. Vulvar discharge (4th week of dog's pregnancy).
3. Decreased dog activity level.
4. Enlargement of the dog's belly.
5. Enlargement of dog's nipples.

How else can you tell if your dog is pregnant? There are additional ways:

1. Pregnancy test. However, please note that a human pregnancy test will not help determine if a dog is pregnant.
2. Veterinarian examination. Typically, if a dog is more than 25 days pregnant, the puppies' heartbeat can already be heard through a stethoscope.
3. Ultrasound and X-ray.
4. Analysis for relaxin is a hormone whose level in a dog’s blood during pregnancy is very high.

Diet and vitamin supplements

A mother who is preparing to give birth to babies needs high-calorie nutrition with a high content of biologically active substances. Most of them will become building material for the internal organs of future puppies - for example, calcium will contribute to the formation of bones and the skull.

In the first trimester, feeding may not differ from usual. By the middle of pregnancy, you will need to increase the total amount of food by about 10% of the previous norm, and by the end - by 15-20%. Divide the daily norm into small parts, gradually increasing the number of feedings from 2 (non-pregnant bitch) to 4-5 (late pregnancy bitch). But try not to overfeed your Labrador: quality is more important than quantity here. If you doubt whether your pet has gained too much weight, check with your veterinarian to see if its growth and size are normal.

Ideally, the bitch will receive all the nutrients and vitamins from regular food. For this purpose, special feeds with a high content of minerals and vitamins are produced. If you prefer natural feeding, you will need to calculate and track what exactly your pet receives and in what doses. You will have to study the composition of the products offered to her. You should not try to make portions larger by using “empty” ingredients (for example, putting more porridge for the same amount of meat) - the diet should meet the needs of the animal.

You can use vitamin and mineral nutritional supplements, but only in cases where:

• the introduction of complementary foods has been agreed upon with the veterinarian;
• There is no way to change the diet so that the dog gets all the necessary substances from food.

Synthetic vitamins are generally less absorbable than those found in fresh foods. Absorption depends on many factors: solubility in certain substances (for example, fats), compatibility with other nutrients. In addition, vitamins from a jar, unlike vitamins from carrots, are highly concentrated - if the consumption regimen is not followed, the animal’s condition can be complicated by hypervitaminosis.

Ultrasound of a dog during pregnancy

An ultrasound of a dog during pregnancy is often performed. Ultrasound is the optimal method for diagnosing pregnancy in a dog.

An ultrasound of a dog during pregnancy can be performed from the 15th day after mating, but the optimal time for an ultrasound of a dog during pregnancy is 24–28 days. It is at this time that the heartbeat of future puppies can be detected.

An ultrasound of a dog during pregnancy makes it possible to assess the condition of the fetuses by observing their movements, heartbeat, etc. You can determine the size of the puppies and their approximate age. And on day 28, an ultrasound is 99.3% accurate in determining whether a dog is pregnant.

But it is difficult to accurately determine the number of future puppies using ultrasound.

What changes occur in the second month of pregnancy

The dog's belly enlarges, the mammary glands swell and darken, and viscous mucus may be released from the loop. The pet becomes less active and quieter, and its appetite increases. Starting from the 50th day, the puppies can be seen moving.

After 50 days of pregnancy, the female begins to look for a secluded place for herself and her puppies. Owners should monitor the nesting and find a cozy corner for the pet. If your pet's size allows, offer her a large cardboard box lined with moisture-absorbing diapers. Keep in mind that in such a “kennel” the dog will spend a lot of time with the puppies; there should be enough space for everyone. If necessary, trim one side to make it easier for your dog to enter his shelter. Be prepared for the fact that your pet will drag your “nest” to another, more convenient place for her. You'll have to come to terms with this.

Discharge in a dog during pregnancy

After mating, the dog's estrus should stop, but there are cases when a dog discharges during pregnancy.

If your dog's discharge during pregnancy is not too heavy, light pink or clear, this is normal.

Also, on the 21st day of pregnancy, after urinating, dogs have clear, watery discharge - this is also normal. A clump of mucus may hang on a loop or stick together in the dog's fur under the tail. If the bitch is not washed, the discharge may form a brown or caramel crust. Sometimes black or greenish clots come out with mucus - these are embryos that died at the beginning of development.

If a dog’s discharge during pregnancy (3rd – 4th week) is bloody and bright red, this is a reason to immediately contact a veterinarian. There may be several reasons for such discharge, but it is necessary to do an ultrasound to rule out uterine rupture.

If a dog's discharge during pregnancy (at any stage) is dark green, with a strong putrid odor, this may indicate the death of the fetus or placental abruption. Don't wait - take your bitch to the vet as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you risk losing not only all the puppies, but also the dog!

1 - 2 days before giving birth, the dog begins to have discharge of a light brown, greenish or whitish hue - this is also normal and signals the approach of labor

Last days before giving birth

You can find out that birth is approaching by looking at specific vaginal discharge from the animal. Most often, they appear after the dog wakes up or when urine is released. At this time, you need to monitor your body temperature. Approximately 20-24 hours before delivery, the temperature will drop by 1-1.5 degrees. In addition, a change in the pet’s behavior will also indicate the onset of labor: she begins to look for something, dig a “hole” in the floor. When the dog begins to sit down and fuss, you need to prepare to receive newborns - no more than an hour and a half remains before their appearance.

Pregnancy in a domestic dog should be under the constant supervision of the owner, who has first aid supplies on hand, as well as the phone number of a veterinarian. Attention and care are the key to successful pregnancy and birth of healthy puppies!

Termination of pregnancy in dogs

Sometimes an unplanned mating occurs, and the owner turns to the veterinarian with the question of whether it is possible to terminate the dog’s pregnancy.

So, is it possible to terminate a dog’s pregnancy and how to terminate a dog’s pregnancy?

Termination of pregnancy in a dog in the early stages is possible through the use of hormonal drugs that prevent the implantation of fertilized eggs into the walls of the uterus. Such termination of pregnancy in a dog occurs within 7 days after using the drug.

After your dog has had an abortion, you must return to your veterinarian to confirm the abortion using an ultrasound.

Another option for terminating a dog’s pregnancy is surgery, which involves removing the uterus and fetuses.

Labrador giving birth

A few days before hour X, wash the bitch and dry it thoroughly so as not to catch a cold. The birthing place should also be free from drafts.

The approach of labor in a Labrador can be identified by the following signs:

• restlessness, search for a bed, shelter;
• active licking;
• prolapse of the abdomen;
• “freezing” of puppies in the stomach a day or two before birth;
• separation of the mucus plug (transparent or slightly yellowish discharge).

The most direct symptoms that labor has almost begun:

• discharge of amniotic fluid;
• training contractions (muscle contractions that open the cervix).

At this time, you should be close to your pet and be ready to provide her with any help.

Preparation

Keep on hand:

• phone number of a veterinarian you know;
• notepad and pen (write down the time of onset of labor, contractions, weight of puppies);
• electronic balance;
• diapers, napkins, sterile gauze;
• dry towel;
• vinyl sterile gloves;
• antiseptic;
• oilcloth (this will then need to be removed from the “nest”);
• sharp scissors with rounded edges;
• colored threads for marking puppies;
• a ready-made warm heating pad - put the babies aside while the mother gives birth to the next ones;
• silk thread in a disinfectant solution.

We deliver babies at home

A Labrador gives birth from several hours to a day; it is difficult to say in advance exactly how long the labor will last (the first birth in life is usually the longest). The birth of each puppy takes place in three stages:

• contractions, dilation of the cervix (the duration of one contraction is up to 30 seconds, between them the dog can relax);
• the birth of a puppy (the most stressful process);
• waste of the placenta (dogs eat it, there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you let it eat it all, you can cause an upset stomach).

Normally, the bitch ruptures the amniotic sac with her teeth, but if she has a multiple pregnancy, she may not be able to reach it due to the size of her belly. How many puppies a Labrador bears is also difficult to predict; usually there are 5–6 of them, but during the first birth the litter will be smaller. If the litter is large, you will have to help the dog - rupture the amniotic sac and tie the umbilical cord with a silk thread.

After the baby is born, bring it to the mother's face and let her sniff and lick it. Then rub it with a towel and put it in a separate box with a heating pad.

When all the puppies are born, you can place them next to their mother. After 2-3 minutes they should find the nipples and start feeding - this will mean that everything was successful.

False pregnancy in a dog

Many owners confuse a false pregnancy with a failed one. What is a false pregnancy in a dog? False pregnancy is a physiological condition of a dog that, without being mated, exhibits all the symptoms of pregnancy.

Symptoms of a false pregnancy in dogs resemble those of a real pregnancy. The dog prepares the nest, experiences something reminiscent of labor pains, and may handle toys as if they were puppies.

Many owners are wondering: if a dog has a false pregnancy, what to do? First of all, you should contact a veterinarian - you may have to give the dog sedatives that will help the animal return to normal.

Sometimes a false pregnancy in a dog indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the uterus, and this requires serious treatment.

Sometimes it happens that about a month after mating the bitch, the puppies “dissolve”, although the signs of pregnancy in the dog do not disappear. This phenomenon is called a “failed” pregnancy, and should not be confused with a false pregnancy. False pregnancy in a dog is a condition when signs of pregnancy and childbirth appear in a dog that has not been bred.

When can a dog become pregnant?

Before moving on to the main signs, let's look at a very important question - when exactly a dog can become pregnant. Bitches can become pregnant when they reach sexual maturity. This occurs in smaller breeds between 6 and 15 months , while larger dog breeds mature later, at 24 months of age. During this period, we should expect our bitch's first heat (bloody vaginal discharge).

Although some females are ready to breed quite early (the aforementioned small breed dogs), the optimal breeding age for a female is between 2 and 6 years .

Dogs do not go through "menopause", which means they can become pregnant for the rest of their lives. However, after 7 years of age, the likelihood of congenital defects in puppies and problems during the birth process increases significantly (the so-called difficult pregnancy).

Features of care

Be that as it may, pregnancy is always stressful for a dog. Therefore, during this period, problems with her health may arise, because the load on the entire animal’s body is very large. Therefore, in order for your pet’s babies to be born healthy and strong, and for the birth to proceed easily, it is necessary to provide high-quality care for the animal:

• food for a pregnant dog should be balanced, try not to overfeed it, because it’s already very difficult for the expectant mother;
• Pregnancy is not a disease during which you need to be on bed rest; you should walk your dog several times a day. The only thing is that it is advisable to avoid excessive loads in the form of long runs and high jumps.

Be attentive to your pet throughout the entire pregnancy. If it seems to you that something is bothering your dog, or it doesn’t want to eat, refuses to go outside, or there is any discharge from the noose, be sure to call the veterinarian!

IMPORTANT! Your dog's behavior will tell you about your dog's upcoming birth. On the eve of delivery, she will become restless, running from corner to corner. Depending on its character, it can reach closer to its owner, or, conversely, hide. If you have provided her with a secluded place, she can remain there right up until labor begins, without even getting up to go to the toilet.

Don't leave your dog alone during labor! After all, even if everything happens normally, and this is usually the case, some kind of failure can always happen, during which the pet will need medical attention. From the above, it is clear that pregnancy for a dog is a special, difficult period that exposes its body to great stress and stress. And if you want to breed puppies, then please treat this with full responsibility, because a dog is a man’s friend.

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