Do you have a pregnant pooch on your hands? Are you considering breeding your pet? Puppies are super cute and lots of fun to have around. Most canine pregnancies are uneventful. Of course, your pup, like any other expectant mama, will need extra attention during this special time. Continue reading to find out how to look after a pregnant dog from a local Saginaw, MI veterinarian.

How Will I Know if My Dog is Pregnant?

This is a pretty common question, both for those who are delving into breeding and those who are wondering if their pets are expecting accidentally. Dogs’ gestation lasts about two months, or 62-64 days. This, however, is not a strict rule. Keep in mind that conception and breeding dates may differ. The outcome can also be influenced by the breed and size of the litter.

There are a few hints to look out for, however. For example, you may realize that your pet’s appetite has unexpectedly grown. After all, your beautiful kitten might be eating for anywhere from three to insert. (We’ll get to that eventually.)

Other pregnancy indications for puppies include:

• Gaining Weight
• Increased nipple size
• Low energy.

You may also notice certain behavioral changes. Certain pets grow cranky. Others are the opposite, preferring lots of hugs and affection. You may also see nesting behavior.

By the time a dog is about to give birth, the pregnancy may be visible to the naked eye. It can be  more difficult to determine in the early stages, though. Because tests cannot be obtained from pharmacies, the best option is to take your dog to a veterinarian clinic for testing.

These tests can take a few forms. The most basic is palpation, which involves manually feeling for puppies. This is something only a veterinarian should handle. After about 25 to 25 days, an ultrasound will be considered. An ultrasound detects heartbeats, allowing you to calculate how many small furballs your pet is creating. (Fun fact: puppies have two to three times faster heartbeats than their mothers.)  Hormone tests and X-rays are two more options for testing.

If you know or believe your dog is pregnant, take your pooch to the Saginaw, MI animal clinic right away. 

Caring for Your Pregnant Pet

Once you’ve determined that your dog is pregnant, you must prioritize her health and safety, as well as ensure that the growing puppies receive the nutrition they require.

There are a few facets to that:

Diet: Nutrition is very crucial in this circumstance. If your canine buddy is already eating high-quality food and was close to her target weight before getting pregnant, you may be able to keep feeding her until the conclusion of her pregnancy. You may need to brace yourself against begging tactics: overfeeding a pregnant dog can be fatal. As her pregnancy progresses, you may gradually increase your pet’s calorie intake. Smaller, more frequent meals are typically preferred at this point.

Exercise: Your furry pal’s usual exercise program should continue before and during pregnancy. This depends on your pet’s age, breed, and size. However, once her belly grows significantly, you’ll want to tone it down. Short, frequent walks are preferable to long excursions with breaks in between.

Veterinary Care: Your pup’s doctor will check for any issues that could affect or interfere with pregnancy or delivery. During her pregnancy, you must also bring your pet. If any concerns are detected, you may wish to schedule a C-section ahead of time.

Getting Ready For Puppy Arrival

As the big day comes, start looking for signs that your pooch is about to give birth. Nipple enlargement is one thing to watch out for. Fluid may also occur in the nipples. Some puppies may even move in ways that you can see or feel.

At this point, a proper whelping box is essential. This is a safe and comfortable environment for your dog to give birth. Using a kiddie pool is one option. Make sure Mama can get in and out while the puppies are inside. This should be put in a comfortable, peaceful, and non-drafty area.

Be sure to show your pet the box!

Here are a few supplies you might want to get:

Lining can be fashioned out of newspaper or butcher paper.

• Trash bags
• Bath mats
• Towels
• Syringe
• Thermometer
• A heating lamp
• Unwaxed floss and sterilized scissors (to cut the cord)
• Iodine

Ask your veterinarian for further information.

Helping Your Dog Deliver Puppies

You’ll want to get some specific info about what to expect from your veterinarian. Your dog’s appetite may diminish as the big day approaches. She may also begin developing a den for herself. (You may need to gently persuade her into the whelping box). Panting and a drop in rectal temperature are two other signs.

Here are a few key tips:

• The puppies will be born with membranes. Normally, the mother will remove this, but if she does not, you will have to do so yourself. Do not postpone this since puppies will quickly run out of air. Once the dog is free, massage it with a clean towel.
• In general, the mother licks the puppies and gnaws on the cord. If not, you will need to clip it. Sanitize with iodine and knot off the ends.
• Your pet may produce puppies on a steady basis, but there may be pauses in between. During this time, give your furry buddy water. Your pooch may demand a restroom break. Be prepared since she may birth a puppy outdoors!
• Typically, each puppy’s labor should last around one hour. This is why it is vital to know the expected number. Keep track of the number of placentas.

Ask your Saginaw, MI vet for more information. 

How Do I Know If Something Is Wrong?

Delivery can be pretty nerve wracking. You’ll need to watch for complications.

Here are a few red flags:

• Your dog’s rectal temperature dropped over 24 hours ago, but labor has not started.
• Your pet appears to be in great pain.
• More than two hours between arrivals and not all puppies are out.
• Any puppy has trouble breathing 
• No puppies have arrived within an hour of contractions starting, especially if there is green discharge.
• Trembling, collapse, or shaking.
• If your dog produces dark green or red liquid before the first puppy.
• Puppies do not nurse
• You have more puppies than placentas.

Contact your Saginaw, MI vet immediately if you notice any of these.

Make An Appointment At Our Saginaw, MI Pet Hospital.

Have you got any questions or concerns concerning your pregnant dog? Are you interested in dog reproduction services? Contact your pet hospital today!