In this guide, we will look at how to take care of a pregnant dog and what conditions to provide it with so it’s comfortable in its journey to becoming a mother.
Congratulations on finally having your dog pregnant, it’s a good feeling! But as with all dogs, taking care of a pregnant dog is no different from any other dog. The signs of pregnancy in dogs are the same as in humans, except that puppies tend to come early (around 7 weeks gestation) and are very small.
Puppies can be born prematurely if they are born before 37 weeks gestation and are therefore more prone to health problems. Pregnant dogs are much quieter than usual, often spending long periods sleeping and eating less than normal. A few of the most common things you may notice are:
- Increased appetite
- Excessive drinking
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- A sense of warmth around the abdomen
You should be careful that you do not feed your dog too much during pregnancy. You should keep an eye on her weight gain and keep it under control. If she is gaining too much weight, then you need to consider the amount of food that you are feeding her and how often she is eating.
Let’s get down to the business of how to take care of a pregnant dog in the right way to ensure they remain healthy and bring forth healthy kids.
How To Take Care Of A Pregnant Dog?
Immediately you realize your dog is pregnant, it is important to start taking good care of it. Let’s learn how to take care of a pregnant dog.
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Ensure the pregnancy is progressing well.
The first thing to do is to ensure that your dog is healthy and that the pregnancy is progressing normally. This way, you will have a healthy baby and a healthy mother. Take your pregnant dog to the vet for check-ups and advice.
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Keep an eye on the changes in your dog’s behavior.
This includes changes in your dog’s temperament. During the third trimester of pregnancy, your dog may be more nervous and restless than usual. If you see any signs of aggression or stress, it is best to seek help from a vet.
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Keep an eye on your dog’s diet.
You should make sure that your dog is eating enough. Remember, dogs have a very high metabolism and they need to eat regularly.
Read more about Can Dogs Have Avocados? Positives And Negatives.
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Be ready for the delivery of your baby.
As mentioned above, it can be risky for your dog to give birth. Make sure that you are prepared for this. Have a few people around who will help you with any complications that may arise. You should also keep an eye on your dog’s condition. Your vet will check her daily to ensure that there are no complications.
Postpartum Care For Dogs
You should start feeding your dog again after she gives birth.
Feeding your dog after giving birth will allow her body to recover. She will also be able to bond with her new puppies. The first two weeks after your dog delivers are critical. Ensure that you feed it with healthy meals to help her get enough milk for her puppies.
After about four weeks, your dog should resume her normal diet.
If you are planning on keeping the puppies, you must provide them with a safe and healthy environment. Make sure that you have enough food, water, and other necessities. It is also very important that you provide your puppies with a clean and safe place to sleep. Make sure that the area is free of fleas and other parasites.
Get your puppy’s vaccination.
The most common vaccines are against canine distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Puppies should receive a series of three shots starting at six weeks old. Some veterinarians recommend a booster shot at six months old as well. Be sure to talk to your vet about what vaccines your puppy needs and when she should get them.
Take your dog to the vet for a checkup after delivery.
The vet will need to check her weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. The vet will also want to make sure that there are no signs of any sickness or infections and that your dog is in perfect health condition. The vet could also examine the puppies as well to ascertain their health status.
Your vet will also want to look over your dog’s health records from her previous pregnancies and any other health problems you may have had with your dogs. Once the vet clears your puppy’s health status, you can start looking for pet lovers who would love to adopt them if you don’t intend to keep them.
Take-home
It is important to learn how to take care of a pregnant dog so that you help it overcome the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum. Just like humans, pregnancy in dogs is also risky and if not properly taken care of can lead to death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you feed pregnant dogs?
Pregnant dogs are fed a variety of foodstuffs, such as whole raw meat, raw egg, cooked or raw egg, raw milk, and raw dairy products. It is recommended that pregnant dogs be fed a diet with no more than 20% fat. If the dog has an allergic reaction to any component of the diet, it should be removed from the diet completely and treated with antihistamines.
Do pregnant dogs need special care?
Yes. The most important thing for a pregnant dog is to avoid getting sick. In addition, if your dog is showing signs of heat stress (e.g., panting excessively, sweating heavily, etc.), then the dog needs to be treated immediately with cooling measures such as wet towels or ice packs applied to the dog's head. These cooling measures should be repeated every 2--3 hours until the dog's temperature is back to normal. Pregnant dogs also require more frequent visits to the veterinarian to monitor the dog's weight throughout its pregnancy and provide care during labor and delivery.
Does a pregnant dog sleep a lot?
Pregnant dogs generally sleep more than non-pregnant dogs. They may also feel more tired. A pregnant dog is usually eating more than usual and may have an increased appetite. In addition, the fetus secretes hormones that alter a dog's metabolism and increase her need for food.
Should I bathe my pregnant dog?
Bathing your dog during pregnancy should be done with caution. The risk of complications such as infection and miscarriage increases if the water temperature is too hot or if the soap contains harsh chemicals. You should also avoid using a shampoo that has been designed to cleanse your dog's coat. Instead, use a mild cleanser and water only when necessary.