As a responsible dog owner, you more often than not have a lot of queries regarding how to go about breeding your dog and the eclectic ways in which it needs your ultimate care and attention. You also might find yourself wondering how to initiate your dog’s journey of pregnancy: the different stages involved in it, how it needs to be treated, what preparatory measures are needed for a successful delivery and so on. This guide promises to take you through all that you would want to know, from the very first symptoms of pregnancy to preparing your furry friend for the Big Day.
As a responsible dog owner, you more often than not have a lot of queries regarding how to go about breeding your dog and the eclectic ways in which it needs your ultimate care and attention. You also might find yourself wondering how to initiate your dog’s journey of pregnancy: the different stages involved in it, how it needs to be treated, what preparatory measures are needed for a successful delivery and so on. This guide promises to take you through all that you would want to know, from the very first symptoms of pregnancy to preparing your furry friend for the Big Day.
What is the ideal time for a mature female dog to get pregnant?
If your furry friend has attained certain sexual maturity between 6 to 12 months of age, she is often considered prepared to welcome her pups. However, it is important to note that larger breeds might sometimes take slightly longer periods to mature.
When does a domestic bitch enter into that recurring period where she becomes receptive to mating?
In optimum cases, a bitch becomes suitable for pregnancy the moment she enters her first estrous cycle. But, breeding before the third cycle is generally not recommended since optimal maturity is the primary requirement for pregnancy, so that its body becomes physically and physiologically prepped to cope with the stress of pregnancy and labour.
For how long does dog pregnancy last?
It takes around 59 to 65 days for a dog to complete her pregnancy. Bitches deliver their puppies on about day 63.
What variations can cause the mother dog to deliver babies beyond the calculated period?
Since the process of mating does not directly correspond to the time of ovulation, the birth of the babies may range from 56 to 72 days.
What are some of the prominent symptoms to note if you are expecting your dog to be pregnant?
Some key features that may hint at dog pregnancy include:
- Vulvar Discharge: About a month from mating, discharge from your dog's vulva is common.
- Weight: At five weeks into gestation, your dog is expected to gain weight. According to the number of puppies she is expecting to deliver, she may add up to 15-25% of her original body weight.
- Appetite: A bitch's appetite is noted to increase in the later stage of pregnancy because now she is feeding the puppies inside her womb.
- Changes in the Teats: Teats will be swollen after 40 days of gestation; the mammary glands swell in preparation for milk throughout lactation.
- Behavioural Changes during Pregnancy: Behavioural changes can also be an indication of pregnancy. Your dog might seem more affectionate, clingy, or even a bit irritable as she approaches the last weeks of her gestation. On the other hand, while some dogs start experiencing morning sickness during the very early stage of pregnancy, this will sometimes make them less active or act uncomfortable for short periods.
What are some of the crucial tests that your dog has to undergo in order to confirm her pregnancy?
A visit to a veterinarian at about four weeks of pregnancy is a must to be sure of the pregnancy by undergoing tests like:
- An elaborate procedure of palpation
- Blood or urine tests
- An ultrasound to get a clear view of the stages of pregnancy.
- An X-ray to check the number of puppies.
What are the factors that I need to keep in mind while planning the diet for my pregnant dog?
While you are planning the diet for your pet, make sure you choose good-quality, nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest. This is essential as the caloric requirement increases and incorporating food that is easily degraded by the body is of primary need.
When do I start feeding my dog more owing to the pregnancy?
For as long as 42 days, an increase in the amount of food is not required. However, after the completion of five to six weeks of pregnancy, she will have to be given more amounts of food. Up to 30-40% extra food is normal for a pregnant bitch to intake to nurture her pups in the womb.
What are the sizes of meals that need to be provided to the pregnant dog?
It is advisable to provide short but frequent meals to pregnant dogs. This ensures optimal nutrient absorption while maintaining a steady flow of digestion.
Which macronutrients are essential to be incorporated into the diet of a pregnant bitch?
A carbohydrate and protein-rich diet is of utmost importance throughout pregnancy to supply surplus amounts of energy needed to tackle the stress of nurturing babies as well as prepare the body for delivery. Even food supplements could be avoided if a properly balanced diet could be ensured.
What are some of the dietary alternatives that can be registered for pregnant dogs as well as pups?
- Royal Canin Mother & Baby Dog Starter Dry Adult & Puppy Dog Food: This is for weaning puppies as it aids in supporting the immune system of the mother dog and her puppies. It also tends to be easily suitable for the puppy's stomach due to the nutrients such as protein, rice, animal fats, and vegetable protein. This is known to help gestation as well as lactation of mother dogs. Beagle, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Cocker-Spaniel, Siberian Husky, Poodle, and Boxer are some of the breeds upon which this food works well.
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Hill's Science Plan Puppy Healthy Development:
This non-vegetarian formulation is for medium-sized dogs under a year old. It has added omega-3 and DHA that help support the joints and bones of unborn puppies. With added antioxidants, it is an ideal perfect choice to strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, it is nutritionally balanced, and hence, easily digestible.
- Canine Choice Puppy: With 60% meat, this formula is a grain-free option that supports digestive health as well as immunity. It includes cranberry, rosemary and rosehip for bolstered immunity. In this formula, there are prebiotics, camomile and probiotics, which are key components to aid digestion. With no added food colouring, this substitute does not cause any irritation.
Is it healthy to make my dog exercise during her term of pregnancy?
Exercises performed by dogs during pregnancy should be done with care. While regular physical activity is essential, rigorous activities must not be done at all, especially at a more advanced stage of pregnancy. Very short walks and light games are normally sufficient to keep a dog fit without over-exercising her body. Avoid rendering her too exhausted as she might go out of breath and end up stressing herself and the puppies.
Why deworming a pregnant bitch is crucial?
The process of removing parasitic worms from the body of dogs is essential, especially in pregnant bitches as this process would prevent the influx of harmful worms into the puppies through milk or placental network.
What are some of the most important dewormers available in the market that are effective for pregnant bitches?
Fenbendazole (Panacur) and Pyrantel/praziquantel combinations are some of the best dewormers in the market and are considered most suitable for pregnant dogs.
What are some of the major benefits of using Panacur Liquid Suspension & Granules?
Being effective in fighting against roundworms and other intestinal worm species, this dewormer is mild for your dog’s stomach. In addition to being safe to be used during pregnancy and lactation, this is also effective for pups of 2 weeks old.
How to incorporate Panacur into your dog’s diet?
You can either give it directly or fuse it with food to incorporate it into your dog’s diet.
What are the worms that Panacur is effective against?
Roundworms, hookworms, some lungworms and tapeworms are the worms that Panacur helps combat.
What is the ideal time to start deworming pregnant dogs with Panacur?
The process of deworming your pregnant bitch should start from day 42 of her pregnancy until 2 days post-delivery.
What is the recommended dosage for Panacur to be added to the diet of a pregnant bitch?
It is always wise to read thoroughly the instructions for use that are provided on the pack, yet consulting your veterinarian is always the safest option before administering any new dewormer in your bitch’s diet.
What is the dosage for puppies?
Ideally, puppies should be treated with Panacur from the first two weeks of age until 2 weeks of weaning. Read the instructions on the pack carefully for a suitable dosage before administering. If still not sure, talk to your vet.
What are the factors to remember before introducing any sort of medications and/or vaccines into the bloodstream of your pregnant bitch?
You should consult your veterinarian before introducing any medications or vaccines in your pregnant dog. Although most drugs can be used during pregnancy, some are not safe. Hence, you should consult your veterinarian with utmost necessity. If your dog requires preventative treatments such as heartworm medication, you might continue these throughout her pregnancy, but always remember to consult your vet first.
When is the ideal time to vaccinate your bitch if you are planning to breed her?
Planning the vaccination just before conceiving facilitates the transmission of elevated levels of antibodies into conceived puppies.
What are the points to be considered to facilitate a healthy and successful delivery of puppies?
- The first and foremost step that needs to be taken before welcoming the babies home is to isolate your maturely pregnant bitch from other dogs. This would prevent her from catching herpes virus, which can lead to miscarriage.
- You need to pay complete heed to your dog’s preferences: if she is not preferring to stay all by herself, accompany her as much as possible.
- You need to become exceedingly patient with your dog’s temperaments. There are high chance that she might turn irritated instead of being the same affectionate being.
- From a few days before labour, your dog might want to seek a safe place where she finds the comfort and trust to deliver her offspring. A whelping box is something that you must prepare for her beforehand, about two to three weeks prior to her due date.
To sum it up, proper care should be provided to ensure that the mother and pups' health is in good order. So, properly regulated feeding patterns, correct exercises, and timely veterinary check-ups will ensure that the whole term of pregnancy runs smoothly. If you are uncertain with any of the above procedures like deworming and preparing the pregnant dog for delivery, consult your veterinarian without hesitation.
These steps will lead you through the process of taking perfect care of your pregnant dog, provided you keep an eye on her health, needs, and behaviour.
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