In order for the birth of your four-legged pet to go smoothly and without complications, and the puppies to be born strong and healthy, the dog should be especially carefully looked after during pregnancy. It is very important to change the diet and physical activity in a timely manner. Therefore, you need to know how to determine the pregnancy in a dog.
The duration of the "interesting" position
On average, normal pregnancy in friends of our smaller ones lasts 61-66 days, that is, about two months. There are deviations, but small. The exact gestational age in dogs depends on both the breed and the individual characteristics of the body and the number of puppies. It can vary from 57 to 72 days.
When can I determine if a dog is pregnant?
To find out for sure whether the knitting was successful, it will be possible to find out only after 1.5-2 weeks. Noticeable signs of pregnancy in a dog appear and do it only a month after conception. However, professionals may notice minor changes in the behavior of the animal, which may indicate the onset of an āinterestingā situation. If the pregnancy is first, then the belly of a four-legged pet can be rounded only just before the birth. Today itās not necessary to guess whether the mating was successful. You can go to the veterinary clinic and in the first month of pregnancy to find out the exact data on the condition of your dog. This can be done using ultrasound.
Pregnancy test
Signs of pregnancy in a dog help to find out about the condition of the pet early. However, today veterinary clinics offer an early diagnosis service using a special test. This is a blood test that shows the level of the hormone relaxin. By the second week of pregnancy, it begins to grow. This may indicate the onset of an āinterestingā situation. If you conduct this test by the end of the first month of pregnancy, then the result can be obtained 100%.
Ultrasound diagnostics
The most reliable way to find out if a dog is pregnant is an ultrasound scan. The procedure is carried out from 24 to 35 days after knitting. At this period, you can accurately see not only the presence of puppies, but also find out their exact number, predict the course of pregnancy. In order to more accurately diagnose ultrasound is done at a later date. For example, 38-45 days after mating. You can trace the formation of the kids, draw conclusions about their health and willingness to be born.
Early signs of dog pregnancy
Any dog āāowner wants to know as soon as possible whether the mating was successful. An attentive owner will be able to determine pregnancy in the early stages if he observes the behavior of his pet. The dog behaves as usual after mating. The first bell may be a decrease in appetite. Fertilization occurred - the hormonal background began to change. And the dog feels it. The body is under stress. This can be reflected in poor health, lack of appetite, anxiety.
You wonāt believe it, but dogs also have toxicosis! The body can respond to pregnancy by vomiting and diarrhea. This is a temporary phenomenon that will not last long. Provide the animal with comfort and peace. Toxicosis is an early sign of pregnancy. If vomiting occurs in the second month, this is a bad sign. In this case, you need to urgently consult a doctor. Changes in behavior can also indicate an āinterestingā situation. An active dog can become affectionate, refuse stormy games in favor of quiet evenings in the host society. There may be aggression, anxiety. The animal is able to worry and negatively relate to touch, especially in the back and abdomen.
A dog can become passive if it is often overcome by drowsiness. Some future mothers can literally sleep all day. It is very important not to forget that a decrease in activity and a lack of appetite indicates the onset of the disease. Therefore, if your dog becomes passive and stops eating, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. He will be able to accurately determine whether such behavior is a disease or the vagaries of a future mother. In the second week of pregnancy, a change in the nipples may be observed. They swell, changing color.
Signs of False Pregnancy in Dogs
The phenomenon of false pregnancy is not uncommon in the canine world. It occurs a month after estrus in unbound dogs or in case of unsuccessful breeding. At the same time, the hormonal background changes in exactly the same way as in a fertilized dog: all early signs of pregnancy are present. The nipples swell in the animal , colostrum is secreted. A female can equip a den and even treats her toys as puppies. Signs of false pregnancy in dogs usually go away on their own in 2-3 weeks. In some cases, the help of a veterinarian and hormone therapy may be needed.
Clinical signs
4 weeks after mating, it is already clear whether the dog is pregnant. Hormonal storms will subside, the behavior of the four-legged pet will return to normal. Puppies in the second month of pregnancy are actively growing. The belly of the dog begins to round. She often turns over in a dream, can be laid on a bed for a long time. There are signs by which to judge the normal course of pregnancy. The animal has a good appetite. Moreover, if the diet of the future mother is drawn up correctly, it is balanced and satisfying, then she will not eat for three. The usual amount of food is enough for her.
The dog protects the stomach, letting only the owner close to itself. If the animal had problems with the perception of strangers before, then it can become aggressive towards outsiders. Many animals do not like to touch their stomach. In addition, there is a tone of the uterus. The stomach becomes firm and elastic. This protects growing puppies. Nipples swell, change color and become warm. They can be filled with colostrum. Transparent mucous discharge may appear from the genitals, especially after urination.
From 25-30 days, the puppies' heartbeat can be heard with a stethoscope. When you touch the stomach, you can feel the babies, their movements. Many veterinarians do not recommend an ultrasound scan before 35-40 days. This period of pregnancy in dogs allows you to determine the number of puppies and judge their health.
The last weeks of pregnancy
At the end of the second month, the position of the future mother is obvious. The abdomen is noticeably rounded and sagging, especially if a lot of puppies are expected. The dog can get a little better, a layer of fat appears on its sides. And this is completely normal. However, if the appetite has increased or the dog has a tendency to be overweight and gluttony, then a strict diet should be established. Excess weight will not benefit either the mother or the puppies. Therefore, overfeeding the animal is prohibited. Obesity will negatively affect childbirth and subsequently affect the health of the dog.
The motor activity of the animal during this period is significantly reduced. Itās already hard for her to move, she saves her strength before giving birth. If necessary, walking time should be reduced, and in some cases even move bowls of food and water closer to the stove bench. And provide the animal with peace. If you put your hand on the dogās stomach, you can clearly feel the babies moving.
Caring for a pregnant dog
After the planned mating, without waiting for the first signs of pregnancy to appear in the dog, the owners should begin to rebuild the schedule and diet. The place of the animal should be large so that the expectant mother would be comfortable lying even with a grown tummy. If necessary, the sunbed should be increased. Females in a position are more choosy about the litter, as it is difficult for them to find a comfortable pose. If a four-legged pet began to refuse any products, for example, eggs or milk, it is not worth it to force. This can lead to dysbiosis and allergies. Early pregnancy in dogs - it's time to take a course of vitamins. Especially needed calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid. It can be powders or biological additives.
In walks, it is not worth restricting a pet. The dog herself will understand when it is time to stop active games. At the same time, it is also important that the expectant mother walks outside. She is useful for sunbathing, necessary for metabolism and the synthesis of vitamins. For the dog in position, rest is important, therefore the place should be in a quiet corner, where the animal and other pets will not irritate the animal with excessive attention. Do not let a pregnant bitch lie for a long time on a cold surface: concrete, earth, wet grass. Driving a car will also have to be reduced, as many dogs in position begin to rocking.
Also, a pregnant bitch needs to be protected as much as possible from jumping, falling, active games with other animals. Be careful on the stairs and avoid them whenever possible. Find a veterinarian in advance who will lead the pregnancy and have a baby. It can be urgently addressed in cases of force majeure. Pregnancy of dogs of small breeds often takes place under the close supervision of a veterinarian, since many are incapable of independent birth and they will need surgery. Watch the condition of the animal. Remember that during pregnancy all diseases worsen and possible health problems make themselves felt. For example, brachycephals may have difficulty breathing, while large dogs suffer from joint pain.
How to raise a pregnant dog?
Dogs in position often get spoiled in character. They can become moody. Some cease to obey the master and execute commands. A pet can simply lie on the ground and refuse to move on. Often there are situations when the dog needs to be picked up and placed on its paws. First, make sure that the animal is not sick. If the breathing is even, the eyes are clear, you can raise it. Never hold your stomach. Put one hand under the chest, the other support the pelvis. You need to put the dog on all four paws. Do not let go of your hands until you are convinced that she is standing herself.
The dogās early pregnancy signs will help you quickly find out if the mating has been successful. However, changing the usual way of life should begin immediately after the proposed conception. Proper care and care will contribute to a healthy pregnancy.