Pregnancy in dogs - duration, signs, care features

How to tell if a dog is pregnant or not

The first symptoms of pregnancy in dogs can be noticed approximately 10-14 days after mating. In most cases, you will notice the following signs:

Happy mom

• loss of appetite. The animal may refuse food completely or eat less than usual. This phenomenon is explained by hormonal changes in the body, gradually appetite will be restored;
• nausea and/or vomiting. These are signs of toxicosis, which are also caused by changes in the endocrine system. No special actions are required from the owner; it is enough to provide the dog with access to clean water. Manifestations of toxicosis disappear around the end of the first month of pregnancy. If they continue, and especially intensify, then you need to consult a specialist to prevent intoxication;
• changes in behavior. They manifest themselves in different ways: some bitches become more affectionate, others fall into drowsiness and apathy, in others sensitivity may become aggravated, they do not allow themselves to be touched;
• nipple changes. Swelling and darkening of the nipples in early pregnancy in dogs is observed among those that have already been whelped. In firstborns, this process usually occurs later.

You can check whether your dog is pregnant or not at a veterinary clinic. If you are expecting offspring, a laboratory blood test will show increased levels of relaxin. However, this test is reliable only after at least two weeks have passed since the mating.

An ultrasound will also help determine the presence of embryos. Already at the beginning of the fourth week, the veterinarian will be able to record heartbeats. At a later date, for example, at the 6th week, the specialist will accurately determine not only the number of puppies, but also their level of physical development.

Palpation

Palpation is the cheapest and most convenient way to diagnose pregnancy. As each fruit develops, the membranes around it grow, forming sacs filled with liquid.

These sacs can be felt between days 21 and 35 of pregnancy (about three to four weeks), and they grow to about the size of a ping pong ball in a 45-pound dog. After a month, the sacs lose their characteristic shape and the uterus becomes flaccid, which can be mistaken for fat or pyometra.

Duration and characteristics of pregnancy in different dogs

Puppy in the womb

How long pregnancy lasts in dogs depends on the physiological characteristics of the animal. On average, the duration of the gestation period is 8-10 weeks (56-70 days). In the presence of pathologies (injuries, physical exhaustion, stress, illness) or due to age, labor may begin earlier or later than the specified interval. Knowing this, the owner should prepare in advance for possible complications.

The pregnancy of small dogs lasts about 60 days, and large breeds can give birth after 67-70 days, and for them this will be the norm. If more than 70 days have passed and the dog has not yet whelped, then you need to consult a veterinarian. Such a delay may be due to confusion in the timing, but it may also indicate the development of any deviations.

The number of puppies in the litter also depends on the size of the breed. According to statistics, a large dog has fewer of them than a small dog. The development of complications during pregnancy is not affected by the number of newborns or the size of the mother. However, post-gestation of the fetuses is of great importance - the puppies outgrow, and this makes childbirth difficult for the mother, and for newborns it results in hypoxia and intoxication. The early birth of offspring threatens babies with problems with the respiratory system.

First month

During the first month, the embryos move to the uterine horns, usually around day 7, and the embryos become embedded in the uterine lining around day 16. The fetus begins to take shape on the 22nd day, and by the 28th or 30th day the veterinarian should be able to detect the fetal heartbeat on an ultrasound.

Many dogs do not show any symptoms during the first three weeks of pregnancy. Some symptoms to watch out for during the first month:

• Increased appetite
• Slightly enlarged nipples
• More affectionate behavior
• Clear vaginal discharge (around the fourth week)
• Decreased physical activity
• "Morning Sickness"

Pregnancy periods in dogs

You can navigate by the timing of your pet’s pregnancy using a special calendar. It is compiled by days of gestation or by weeks. The last option is presented in the table below.

A week

Changes taking place

1

Egg division, embryo formation. There may be no changes in the dog's behavior.

2

The placenta is formed and the embryos are attached to the uterus. The animal loses interest in dogs, food, and sleeps a lot. Changes in the nipples are possible (a brighter color appears, the skin around them becomes rougher).

3

Future offspring can be seen during ultrasound examination. The content of relaxin in the blood is increased. At this time, toxicosis begins.

4

You can already feel the puppies with your fingers. Their bones form, antennae and eyelashes begin to grow. The expectant mother returns to her original state: she becomes cheerful, eats well, and vomiting and nausea disappear.

5-7

Organs of all systems grow and are finally formed, bone tissue becomes stronger, and fur grows back. It is during this period that a sharp increase in the dog’s body weight occurs. By the end of the 7th week, she becomes more careful, moves less, and protects her stomach.

8

The pet's mammary glands are completely ready for feeding; colostrum may leak from them. The puppies become cramped, they move actively, which is noticeable to the naked eye. Due to prolapse of the uterus, the abdomen is located very low.

8+

You need to be prepared for labor; it can start at any time. The bitch's temperature should be measured three times a day. A sharp drop indicates that labor will occur within 24 hours.

Caring for young animals in the first minutes of life

The dog takes care of the offspring on its own, licking the puppies and pushing them towards the nipples. But if she is weakened or does not know what to do due to the fact that she is giving birth for the first time (refuses to recognize puppies, is afraid of them), a person can temporarily replace her:

• newborn puppies are taken out of the box;
• make sure that they are all breathing freely;
• wipe the wool with a soft cloth soaked in water;
• wipe dry with a towel;
• placed on the dog's nipples.

Important ! The pet may behave aggressively, preventing the puppy from being picked up. In such a situation, simply install a heater next to the box so that the wet puppies do not freeze.

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 prepare for your pet's upcoming birth

You don’t need anything special to give birth to a dog. To be on the safe side, you need to prepare:

• scissors or a sharp knife for cutting the umbilical cord;
• disinfectants – alcohol, brilliant green, iodine;
• a syringe with oxytocin (a drug to stimulate labor, it is administered in the absence of normal contractions; a doctor must prescribe the medicine);
• suction to clear mucus from the respiratory tract of newborn puppies;
• thick and strong thread;
• bandage;
• syntomycin ointment (an antibacterial drug; pharmacies sometimes offer medications that may have a different name, but have the same effect);
• any means to stop bleeding that can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy;
• cotton wool

Important ! If the dog is extremely restless and in severe pain, a painkiller is administered intramuscularly. Only a veterinarian prescribes it and determines the sequence of further actions; this is important to understand.

Pathologies of pregnancy in dogs

The pathological course of pregnancy in dogs can be caused by many factors:

• diseases;
• helminthiasis;
• abnormalities of internal organs;
• age characteristics;
• stress;
• incompatibility with a male dog.

Such pathologies include false, frozen and ectopic pregnancy.

False pregnancy in dogs

6-8 weeks after estrus, your dog may show signs of a false pregnancy:

• increased appetite and thirst;
• swelling of the nipples, appearance of colostrum;
• nausea and vomiting;
• apathy, drowsiness.

During a false pregnancy, dogs may show increased interest in soft toys.

A pet may show increased interest in soft toys, “caring” for them.

False pregnancy poses a certain danger to the physical and mental health of the dog. Among its consequences are tumors of the mammary glands, cancer of the appendages and uterus, infectious diseases of the genitourinary organs, and mental disorders. If the animal exhibits the above symptoms, the owner should take the bitch to the clinic for an ultrasound as soon as possible.

Treatment of false pregnancy at the beginning of the development of pathology consists of changing the dog’s living conditions. The frequency of feedings is reduced to once a day, while significantly limiting liquid, dairy and meat dishes. All objects that remind the dog of its “motherhood” must be removed. The amount of time allotted for a walk is increased to the maximum possible, trying to stimulate the pet's physical activity in all available ways.

If after 3-4 days the situation has not changed, and even more so has become more serious, they begin drug treatment. Hormone-based medications and homeopathic remedies are indicated as therapy. If there is no result, surgery is performed.

Frozen pregnancy in dogs

This pathology is characterized by the death of embryos (all or partially). Stopping the development of embryos can occur for various reasons. What to do in this case depends on how the dog’s body reacts to what happened.

• If all embryos die, you should wait until a miscarriage occurs. If you wait for a long time, it is stimulated artificially, since frozen embryos can mummify and begin to decompose.
• If live embryos are preserved (ultrasound is required), the pregnancy is preserved. During childbirth, the dead embryos will be released along with the newborns. After birth, a control ultrasound examination of the animal is carried out: if there are dead remains in the uterine cavity, they are disposed of by stimulating contraction of the walls of the organ. If there is no result, the dog is sterilized.

There are other options for the development of events. For example, a partial miscarriage of dead embryos may occur with the preservation of normal or all embryos (both dead and living), purulent inflammation may begin or there will be no symptoms at all, and so on. The owner must be extremely attentive to the dog and contact the clinic at the slightest change in the animal’s condition.

Ectopic pregnancy in dogs

Ectopic pregnancies can also occur in dogs. It occurs due to various reasons: pathological structure of the uterus, trauma, endocrine disorders. The first signs are bloody discharge and pain (the animal may whine). Such a pregnancy is most often terminated with the help of medications, if the period is short, or surgically.

Vaccinations during dog pregnancy and lactation: possible or not

Pregnant and lactating dogs are not vaccinated. Vaccines can cause serious harm to developing puppies, ranging from developmental abnormalities to fetal death. Vaccinations must be given before mating. The animal’s passport will help determine the due date: the owner must look at the date of the next vaccination and compare it with the duration of the upcoming pregnancy and lactation. If they match, you need to contact a veterinarian and get vaccinations either before mating or after the expected lactation.

How to properly take part in the process and help the animal

If the birth takes place on time, then there is no need to help the dog. Her body will cope with this task on its own. The only thing you may need to do is:

1. Free the puppy from the bubble in which it is born. This is usually done by the bitch, biting the shell and releasing the puppy. But if the birth is the first or prolonged, then the bitch may not perform the required actions. In this case, the puppies are freed from the membrane on their own and, using suction, the airways of the babies are cleared.
2. Cut the umbilical cord. An inexperienced female may not know how to bite the umbilical cord or may not want to do it. The owner will have to perform this action himself, using a knife or scissors.

The protruding piece of the umbilical cord is tied with thread (before this, hands and instruments, the thread itself, are disinfected in an alcohol solution), treated with brilliant green or iodine. The necessary things should be at hand, which is why you need to prepare for childbirth.

Helping the dog

Termination of pregnancy in dogs

In some cases, it becomes necessary to terminate pregnancy in dogs. This can happen due to medical indications, for example, due to an ectopic pregnancy, or the mating was not planned. The sooner the interruption is made, the greater the chance that the animal will retain the ability to conceive again. Surgical abortion often results in complete sterilization.

Medical abortion is performed using hormonal drugs, such as mesalin. Injections are given twice, and if necessary, three times every other day.

Important: dog owners need to know that such intervention entails disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system, dysfunction of the gonads, inflammatory processes in the uterus, and abnormal course of subsequent pregnancies.

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!

The four stages of a bitch's reproductive cycle are:

1. Proestrus
2. Estrus
3. Diestrus
4. Anestrus

Proestrus lasts about 9 days and is the first stage of the reproductive cycle. This is when females begin to attract males, although they will reject their advances until the second stage. Signs of proestrus:

• Swelling of the vulva
• Bloody issues

Estrus lasts from 3–4 to 7–11 days. This is when the bitch is receptive to the male. Many breeders ask their veterinarian to take vaginal swabs and blood tests during proestrus and estrus to ensure they are breeding their dogs at the optimal time. Signs of proestrus:

• Soft enlarged vulva
• Discharge brightens and decreases

Diestrus is the final stage of the cycle. This usually happens around day 14. During diestrus, the bitch's discharge becomes redder and narrower, the vulva returns to normal and she no longer allows mating.

The fever is complete when all signs of swelling and discharge disappear. The time interval between one heat cycle and the next is called anestrus and usually lasts about six months.

Understanding the heat cycle plays an important role in determining the length of pregnancy. Breeders can calculate conception dates by tracking their dam's heat cycle and breeding season, making it easier for veterinarians to accurately test for pregnancy.