Introduction
Pregnancy in dogs, or “bitches,” is a fascinating journey that lasts around 63 days. However, just because a dog has been bred doesn’t automatically mean she’s pregnant. There are several signs and methods to determine if a dog is pregnant, as well as specific care requirements to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. In this article, we’ll explore how to determine if your dog is pregnant and provide guidance on caring for a pregnant dog.
Determining if a Bitch is Pregnant
In the early stages of pregnancy, around the first three weeks, changes in the dog may be subtle. Some signs to look out for include increased attention-seeking behavior, slightly enlarged nipples, and an increased appetite. However, these signs are not definitive proof of pregnancy, as they can also occur during a “false pregnancy,” a hormonal abnormality that can happen after a dog has been in heat.
To confirm pregnancy, there are several methods available:
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Mucoid Vaginal Discharge: A clear mucoid discharge may be observed around 4-5 weeks into pregnancy, which is a reasonably reliable sign and continues until birth.
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Ultrasound: This can detect fetal heartbeats from about the 28th day of gestation, providing an estimate of the number of puppies and confirming pregnancy.
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Veterinary Palpation: Around the same time as ultrasound, a veterinarian may be able to feel the fetuses by palpating the uterus. This might be challenging in larger dogs or those with puppies located under the rib cage.
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Blood Test: A blood test checks for the hormone relaxin, which is produced when a fertilized egg implants. This test can be conducted around 28-30 days into the pregnancy. However, small litter sizes may result in a false negative.
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X-rays: Taken around the 60th day of pregnancy, X-rays can confirm pregnancy, count the number of fetuses, and assess whether the puppies will fit through the birth canal.
Care of the Pregnant Bitch
Proper care during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both the mother and the puppies. Regular, non-strenuous exercise should be maintained to help the dog maintain muscle tone and avoid excessive weight gain.
High-quality, premium dog food is usually sufficient in meeting the nutritional needs of a pregnant dog. Oversupplementation can be harmful, so it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian before adding any supplements like cottage cheese or cooked eggs for extra protein.
As the pregnancy progresses, especially from the fourth or fifth week, gradually increase the amount of premium performance or puppy food in the dog’s diet, while decreasing the adult food. By the final week of pregnancy, the dog should be on all performance/puppy food. Increase meal frequency to three times a day by mid-pregnancy, and consider smaller, more frequent meals during the last week as the puppies grow.
During the last week of pregnancy and the first 3-4 weeks of lactation, the dog’s food intake may increase significantly. The goal is for the dog to weigh the same at weaning as she did at breeding, provided this was an ideal weight.
Parasite control is also important. Discuss treatment options with your veterinarian to ensure the mother and puppies are protected.
Medications should generally be avoided during pregnancy and lactation, with exceptions only made under veterinary advice due to potential risks to the puppies.
Determining the Whelping Date
The whelping date can be determined using progesterone and/or luteinizing hormone (LH) testing, or by tracking the onset of diestrus. If vaginal smears are taken from proestrus through diestrus, the whelping date can be predicted as 57 days after the first day of diestrus, plus or minus one day.
Preparing for Whelping
At least two weeks before the expected whelping date, set up a whelping box to allow the dog to become accustomed to it. Waiting too long may result in the dog choosing an unsuitable location to give birth.
Arrange for dewclaw removal and tail docking with your veterinarian if appropriate, usually performed at 2-3 days of age. Be sure to check show regulations for breed-specific requirements.
Conclusion
Caring for a pregnant dog involves monitoring for signs of pregnancy, providing appropriate care, and preparing for the arrival of puppies. By following the guidelines outlined above and consulting with a veterinarian, you can ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy for your dog.
References
- Cain, J; Lawler, D. Small Animal Reproduction and Pediatrics. Pro-Visions Pet Specialty Enterprises. St. Louis, MO; 1991.
- Ettinger, SF. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 3rd ed. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia, PA; 1989.
- Evans, JM; White,