Pregnancy in Dogs

How long is a dogs pregnant for?

The gestation period for a dog is 63-65 days.

How does my veterinarian confirm pregnancy?

• Unlike humans, it is not possible to determine a pregnancy via a urine test. It is possible to perform a test which picks up the hormone relaxin in the blood stream, this test can not be done until around 22-27 days after mating.

• An experienced veterinarian should be able to feel the puppies in the abdomen from the 20th day of pregnancy.

• Abdominal ultrasound can detect the presence of fetuses from around 18 days.

• It is possible to detect the fetal heartbeat from 23-25 days.

• X-Ray can be performed from the 45th day of pregnancy when the skeletons begin to calcify.

What are the signs of pregnancy in dogs?

• Enlarged nipples.

• Decreased appetite may occur in early pregnancy. Appetite will increase in late pregnancy.

• Rapid weight gain in the last 3-4 weeks.

• In the last month of pregnancy the bitch will start producing milk.

Does a pregnant dog have any special requirements?

A good quality, nutritious diet is important. Avoid supplementing the diet unless your veterinarian has given the go ahead to do so.

Over feeding & excessive weight gain should be avoided as this can complicate labour. Although your bitches food requirements will increase in later pregnancy. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend which food is best for the bitch.

It may be necessary to also begin to feed more often as the bitches stomach may have difficulty holding a large amount of food.

You should take your queen to the veterinarian early in pregnancy for a health check, your veterinarian will also advise on the care of your queen during pregnancy. He/she will probably want to see the queen again in late pregnancy.

Do I need any equipment for the dog's birth?

• Whelping box. This can either be a sturdy cardboard box or a commercially available whelping box.

• Sterile surgical gloves.

• Eyedropper or syringe to aspirate the mouth & nose secretions.

• Dental floss or cotton thread for ties.

• Antiseptic to apply to the umbilical stumps.

• Scissors.

• Clean towels.

• Your vet's phone number in an easy to reach place.

• An emergency vet's phone number.

• Puppy milk replacer.

How to prepare for the birth:

During the last week of pregnancy, the whelping box should be placed in a warm, quiet, draft free room which is off limit to children & other pets. She should be encouraged to sleep in this box.

Obviously, food & water also need to be placed in this room.

The whelping box can be lined with old newspapers which can easily be changed or an old blanket.  The bedding should be changed regularly.

How do I know when my dog is going into labour?

• The mammary glands increase in size during the last week of gestation.

• Around two days before the queen gives birth she will start producing milk.

• She may start nesting.

• Drop in temperature to below 99F.

• Her appetite may wane in the last day or two of pregnancy.

• Change in behavior. During the last week or so your bitch may become either reclusive & seek out a secluded place or she may become more affectionate, especially if she is particularly bonded to one carer.

Danger signs:

Seek veterinary attention immediately if you notice the following signs;

• If your bitch stops eating for more than 24 hours

• If she has an elevated temperature

• If she becomes depressed or lethargic

• If she has any unpleasant smelling discharge coming from the vagina

Can I give my dog medications while pregnant?

Some medications can cause birth defects & or abortion in pregnant dogs so it is vital that you speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any medications.

Can I flea my dog when she is pregnant?

I believe there are some flea products which are safe to use on pregnant dogs These are available from your veterinarian, so it is best to speak to him/her. DON'T ever use a flea product on a pregnant or nursing dog without the okay from your veterinarian.

Other things not to do:

Do not use human antiseptics and the like - such as Dettol etc as these can be poisonous to dogs and also burn the skin. If you need to use any antiseptics, use one recommended by your veterinarian.

Do not handle the newborn puppies a lot in the first two days - minimal handling - let the mother bond with her babies.

If it is intended to get her de-sexed - around 7 weeks is a good time - she can still nurse her puppies afterwards.

Is this litter planned?

Breeding a dog is a huge responsibility & should only be carried out by breeders with experience. In many cases everything will go along fine, but there are risks involved to both the bitch & puppies.

If this is an unplanned pregnancy are you prepared for the unexpected? Some problems which may be encountered are:

• Difficulty in birth, requiring an emergency c-section

• Death of the mother

• Death of the puppies

• Mother rejecting the puppies, this will mean that the puppies will have to be hand raised for the first few weeks. Hand raising kittens is a rewarding but challenging job, which requires around the clock feeding for several weeks.

• Have you found suitable homes for the puppies?

• Are you prepared to keep hold of the puppies until they are at least 10 weeks old?

• Remember that microchipping is mandatory in some states in Australia, and all puppies must be microchipped before they go to their new homes. So please remember to factor this into your budget.

• Puppies will also need to be wormed & vaccinated prior to going to their new homes.