Caring For A Dog That Is Pregnant
Many people who have dogs don’t expect them to get pregnant. But sometimes it happens and all they can do is learn how to take care of them so that they can have healthy puppies. It is important to remember that these dogs need special care because of the many changes that their bodies are going through.
A dog is pregnant for a total of 60 - 63 days. Of course it can be hard to pin down an accurate date when you do not know when they first conceived. In order to make this easier you need to be made aware of the symptoms of pregnant dogs.Around three weeks after your dog has mated they will have an upset stomach and will refuse to eat anything for a week or more. A good way to see if your dog is pregnant is to check her vulva. If the swelling in the vulva has not gone down since she was in heat and it looks swollen then that is a sign she might be pregnant.
Thirty days after conception you can take her to the vet and have them do a blood test to confirm or deny your suspicions. Around the fifth week your dogs’ nipples will grow and develop and she will start to look bigger around the middle. During the twenty first day your vet can perform an ultrasound and after forty five days a radiograph can be taken. The radiograph will show you how many puppies she is having.
Because their bodies are changing you need to put them on a specific diet that will keep both her and her puppies safe. During the first thirty days you can allow her to eat the normal foods that she is used to - but keep it high quality. During the last month of the pregnancy change her food to the high quality puppy food.
Exercise is also important to keep them mother happy. Try to take her on a walk every day. You don’t want her to gain too much weight during the pregnancy. She needs to be in shape for the pregnancy and delivery. If you don’t have time for a walk you can allow her to run around in the backyard. However, during the remaining three weeks of the pregnancy do not take her out and do not let her near other dogs. This will prevent them from spreading diseases to her.
Keeping an eye out for these symptoms of pregnant dogs when you have not fixed them is important. Even if you do not want more puppies it is important that you keep them and the mother safe, healthy, and happy.
By: Naomi West
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