How to determine a dog’s pregnancy

A dog needs human care and attention, especially if it is pregnant. But how to determine that a four-legged pet is in a ticklish position? This question is faced by many owners of bitches. It is after the identification of pregnancy that it is necessary to revise the diet and daily routine of the animal.

How long does a dog's pregnancy last?

If we take the average value, the dog carries puppies in the womb for about 60-65 days. Conditionally, pregnancy lasts 2 months. There are some deviations that depend directly on the breed, lifestyle and nutrition of the animal. Sometimes pregnancy lasts up to 71 days. Each organism has individual characteristics.

When exactly can pregnancy be detected

It is possible to determine whether a dog is pregnant or not already 10-14 days after mating. More obvious signs will be visible only after 30 days following conception.

However, experienced dog lovers and veterinarians are able to determine pregnancy in the early stages (up to 2 weeks). Because the animal changes its behavior, interests in food and so on.

During the first pregnancy, the stomach is not always rounded after a month. This can happen just before birth or 1 week before them.

We live in the modern world, so do not wonder how well the mating of pets went. Contact your veterinarian, he will conduct an easy examination, make an ultrasound and tell you the result.

How to conduct a pregnancy test in a dog

It is enough to contact a modern veterinary clinic, where the doctor will take blood from a dog for analysis.

The study will be conducted in order to detect the hormone relaxin in the blood. With its high rates, you will know for sure that the dog is pregnant.

Such a test is best done 3-4 weeks after mating. Experts say that it is at this time that you can get a 100% result.

Ultrasound for a dog to detect pregnancy

Ultrasound will allow you to reconsider the lifestyle of the pet, adjust her diet. If you need a very accurate diagnosis, then go for an ultrasound scan when the dog is at a later date.

The ideal option is 37–44 days following mating. After the examination, the doctor will immediately tell you how correctly the babies are formed, whether they will be born healthy, how the pregnancy proceeds in general.

Early signs of pregnancy in a dog

1. The first bell is the loss of craving for food. This sign is the result of fertilization. Naturally, in the absence of health difficulties that can cause loss of appetite.
2. When the mating is successful, the hormonal environment of the pet changes dramatically. For the body, all these changes are stressful, so the animal feels a little worse. The dog often becomes apathetic or, conversely, restless.
3. Not all dog owners know that four-legged friends during pregnancy also suffer from toxicosis. Vomiting and nausea are characteristics of fertilization. Also, the pet can suffer from diarrhea, but such phenomena do not last long.
4. Another sign of pregnancy in a dog is toxicosis. Therefore, provide the animal with peace and comfort. The stove bench should be located in a warm place without drafts. If vomiting appeared 30 days after mating, this symptom does not carry good news. Take your dog to the vet urgently.
5. The behavior of the animal can tell you about pregnancy. The once active pet became tender, affectionate, prefers stroking to fun games. More often located near the owner.
6. But a dog can also become aggressive if something (or someone) threatens it. Simply put, the maternal instinct is triggered, especially if a person tries to touch the animal in the abdomen.
7. A pregnant dog is often drowsy, can sleep all day without paying attention to the owner. However, it is worth remembering that not only the delicate position becomes the cause of drowsiness and refusal to eat. A dog can simply get sick, so watch out for its health.
8. As a rule, 14-15 days after mating, the dog has a tightening of the nipples. They become swollen, change color. If this sign is added to others, you can easily determine that the dog is pregnant. But for reliability, we recommend visiting a veterinarian.

Common signs of pregnancy in a dog

1. A month after mating the animals, it becomes clear what position the dog is in. After this period, the hormonal background of the pet returns to its previous course. The behavior of the bitch becomes as it was. After 5 weeks of pregnancy, puppies begin to grow actively. The dog's stomach is noticeably rounded.
2. A favorite can often toss and turn in a dream or for a long time to fit in its place. Currently, according to experts, the dog can determine the normal course of gestation of puppies. Your pet should have a great appetite. In this case, it is important to plan a satisfying and balanced diet. If all is well, the bitch will eat for three.
3. It is important to know that the pet will take care of its belly and allow only the owner to approach it. If the dog was immune to strangers before pregnancy, such reflexes may become aggravated during the gestation of puppies. The bitch becomes more aggressive, be careful. Not all animals are pleased when they touch their stomach.
4. The abdomen gains increased elasticity and hardness, this phenomenon protects puppies from possible damage. Nipples can change color, swell and change temperature. Colostrum is often excreted. From the genitals after urination, translucent discharge sometimes appears. Do not worry, the phenomenon is absolutely normal.
5. 6 weeks after mating, you can listen to the baby's heartbeat using the device. Puppies begin to move, you can feel it by touching the bitch’s stomach. Veterinarians do not recommend resorting to ultrasound earlier than after 1 month. At this time, you can accurately determine the number of babies and their state of health.

The extreme weeks of pregnancy in a dog

1. After almost 2 months of pregnancy, it will be obvious how rounded the stomach. A large size may indicate that there will be many puppies. Also, from the right diet, the dog will gain weight.
2. It is worth taking measures only if the bitch is prone to obesity. Consult a veterinarian for a specialist to prescribe a diet. Otherwise, overweight can harm the pet and the kids. Obesity also negatively affects childbirth.
3. It is important to understand that during pregnancy the dog begins to lead an inactive lifestyle. The pet is trying to save energy before giving birth. According to the recommendations of the veterinarians, the walk time should be saved if necessary. It is worth installing bowls with food and water closer to the place where the dog is resting. Provide the bitch with complete peace.

How to care for a pregnant dog

1. If you have intentionally tied the dogs, the bitch needs to be provided with the proper conditions in advance. At the first signs of pregnancy, it is recommended that you gradually rebuild the diet. Allocate for the pet a suitable cozy place of large size. In the future, the pet should not feel cramped and uncomfortable.
2. You can increase the habitat of the animal. Pregnant dogs are too picky about bedding. The pet can be laid for a long time. Give the bitch a soft pillow or plaid. Do not force the dog to eat those products that she began to refuse. Otherwise, the animal may develop allergies or dysbiosis.
3. At an early stage of pregnancy, the dog must be provided with a complex of necessary vitamins and minerals. The composition should contain magnesium, calcium and ascorbic acid. Such funds can be produced as a treat for a pet or as a biological supplement.
4. If the dog wants to spend more time outdoors, you should not limit it in this. You will have to indulge almost all the pet's whims. Fresh air and pleasant sun rays are simply necessary for the animal. Thus, the body is the correct synthesis of enzymes.
5. Going for a walk, visit calm places. The bitch needs silence, nothing should disturb her. Do not allow the dog to lie on a cold surface for a long time. If you take your darling everywhere with you and often drive around, such actions should be reduced. The dog may get sick.
6. It is important to protect the animal from active games with children and other dogs. Pay special attention to your darling; if possible, avoid stairs and similar hazardous surfaces. It is recommended to find a veterinarian in advance who will monitor the pregnancy and receive the delivery in a timely manner. You should immediately consult a doctor if something happens.
7. If you have a pet of small breed, pregnancy should take place under close supervision. Many small dogs are unable to cope with childbirth on their own, so surgery is inevitable. Do not worry, this is a habitual practice for specialists. After this, it is important to monitor the condition of the animal.
8. During pregnancy, the animal most often exacerbates the disease, increases the risk of contracting ailments. Consider all sorts of chronic deviations. Take care of the dog and pay due attention.

How to raise a dog during pregnancy

If the dog does not want to get up and go somewhere, help her. It is forbidden to carry out manipulation, focusing on the stomach. First of all, make sure that the pet is feeling well. After that, try to raise the dog.

Put your hand on your chest, the second hold the pelvis of the animal. The darling should easily stand on all four paws, do not let go of your hands if you are not sure that the animal is in perfect order.

Every owner who is attentive to the dog’s health wants to identify the pregnancy as early as possible. If you observe the behavior of your pet, then soon you will understand everything. If necessary, do an ultrasound scan.

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