5 Things To Do When Your Dog is Expecting

Usually when a dog goes into labor, her instincts kick in and you shouldn’t have to do anything. But if you have a dog that’s pregnant, there are still things you should do or expect and to provide some help if you can. Here are 5 things you should do when your dog is expecting. Click “Next” to continue…

1. Take Your Dog To The Vet

If you plan to get your dog pregnant, it is always advisable to have her checked up by a vet before breeding, and then again after about one month into the pregnancy. If you did not plan it, take her to the vet immediately when you notice that she is expectant.

It is recommended that you plan to breed only if your dog is no younger than 24 months. That is when she will have matured enough to resist any consequential medical problems.

2. Be Attentive When Giving Her Medication

Avoid giving your dog any medication hazardous for pregnancy, unless under direct prescriptions by your trusted vet. Not even vaccinations. The dog ought to have been immunized before the breeding, so she can pass vital antibodies on to her offspring.

Do not do it while she is pregnant, since some vaccines can turn detrimental to developing fetuses. If you have to use flea control, ensure you use products that are certified safe for pregnant dogs. Ensure that the dog is on a de-worming program as well.

3. Understand The Progression Of Pregnancy

Normally, a dog takes between 58 and 68 days of gestation. It is good to know when exactly the conception occurs. This helps you anticipate her labor accordingly.

After 45 days of pregnancy, your vet can safely scan her using X-ray to discover how many puppies in the litter she is heavy with. Then, you may notice her begin nesting behavior and the tendency to withdraw and retreat. That is normal and should be of no surprise.

4. Discuss The Proper Nutrition With Your Vet

Most expectant dogs ought to be fed puppy food in the last third to the later half of their pregnancy. Puppy food contains more calories than normal adult dog food, and the mother needs it to pass quality nutrition to the developing fetuses.

Avoid supplementing her diet with more calcium except only when instructed to do so by your vet. Small breed dogs are especially prone to eclampsia (milk fever) a few weeks after delivery, threatening the health of both the mother and pups.

5. Have Your Vet Take X-rays

The vet will be able to tell how many puppies are in the litter through the use of X-rays after 45 days of pregnancy. For large breed dogs, there may be up to 10 puppies. For small breed dogs, however, 3 or 4 puppies in the litter would be abundant.

If the vet sees just one or two puppies, this may pose difficulties during birth; fewer puppies tend to grow larger than necessary. If that’s the case, planning a C-section is usually the best option.