Everything You Need To Know About Dog Pregnancy Care
What is the most important thing to know if my dog is pregnant?
If your dog is pregnant, it is going to require some more care at home as well as veterinary care. So if you're suspicious of this, please give us a call at (276) 600-2631.
As soon as I suspect my dog is pregnant, just call right away?
Absolutely. We'll be able to advise when to make the appointment. We'll usually want to see the dog so that we can confirm that they're pregnant, and there's a certain timeline with that. So give us a call at (276) 600-2631 if you have any questions.
What are some signs of pregnancy in a dog?
Signs you might see include eating more, a bloated abdomen, and enlarged nipples that might produce milk. They may also show some nesting behaviors or even be a little lethargic. If any of that is noted, we're definitely going to want to see them.
How can I help to ensure the well-being of my pregnant dog?
Again, that's going to come down to veterinary care. We're going to want to advise you on nutrition, as they're going to need more nutrition while making the puppies and once they're feeding the puppies.
How will my veterinarian determine if my dog is pregnant?
The test that we like the most is an ultrasound. We can also do X-rays when they're a little bit later in the pregnancy. It's really important that you have this done, so we know how many puppies are in there, which will be important when we talk about whelping.
What are some things I can do at home to prepare for my dog's labor?
Yes, preparing for labor involves having a nesting box in a quiet, dimly lit area so that they feel nice and comfortable. You'll need lots of towels to keep mom and the puppies clean and dry, along with blankets.
How should I feed my dog while they are pregnant to ensure proper nutrition?
We're going to advise you on that based on where they are in the pregnancy, but just know that you do need to feed them more, and we'll help you with that.
Are there possible complications of dog pregnancy that I should be aware of?
The biggest complication you're going to see is called dystocia, which is when labor stops. Labor is when they are giving birth to the puppies. Signs that it's an emergency include your dog straining to get a puppy out for more than 30 minutes, actively trying to push, or if there are more than 2 hours between puppies. This is why it's really important that you come see us so you know how many puppies are in there and know what to expect.
After labor, what is something that I can do to help my dog recover?
To help with recovery, nutrition is going to be really key as she's going to be doing a lot of work. Make sure that the puppies are getting the amount of milk they need. Typically, we'll have you feed them puppy food to ensure proper nutrition. Also, look after the puppies. If one seems very lethargic, isn't latching, or is rejected by the mom, we certainly want to know right away.
Going back to labor, what is something that is expected of me to do while my dog is in labor?
Great question. Really, you should be a monitor and be there, as sometimes this happens in the middle of the night. Be prepared for that. You're going to want to time when the puppies come out, ensure they are thriving, and if you have any questions during that, either give us or an emergency clinic a call.
Should I let my vet know when these puppies are delivered?
Absolutely, because most likely we're going to want to see those puppies a couple of weeks after they're born for those initial exams. We'll help set that up for you!
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (276) 600-2631, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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