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Dog pregnancy: duration and timing of gestation
Pregnancy in dogs requires attention and care.
Being well informed and consulting with your veterinarian are crucial steps to properly manage this sensitive stage and ensure the well-being of the mother and her puppies.
How long is the dog’s gestation
The dog’s gestation period has an average duration of 58 to 68 days.
However, some factors may affect the duration of pregnancy, such as breed, age of the canine, and possible complications.
Closely monitor your dog’s behavior and consistently consult with your Veterinarian to ensure that each stage of pregnancy is proceeding smoothly.
The veterinarian will also arrange when to have the pregnant canine undergo follow-up examinations and ultrasounds.
When to have ultrasound during canine pregnancy
An ultrasound should generally be performed between the 25th and 30th day of a dog’s gestation.
It is a noninvasive method that provides valuable information on embryonic development and fetal numbers without causing stress to the mother.
How many puppies can a dog have
The amount of puppies a dog can give birth to varies considerably depending on several factors.
On average, a litter may contain 1 to 12 puppies, with large breeds such as the German Shepherd or Golden Retriever tending to have larger litters than small breeds.
When you start to see the belly
A pregnant dog’s belly begins to be noticed about 30 days after fertilization.
Typically, this physical change becomes most noticeable around the 45th day of canine gestation, when the belly appears noticeably rounded.
It is important to monitor the dog’s weight and provide food in appropriate portions, avoiding excesses that could lead to complications.
What should a dog eat during pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is essential that the dog gets a balanced diet.
In fact, insufficient nutrition can impair puppy development.
We recommend switching to a high-quality dog food specifically formulated for pregnant and lactating dogs.
These specifically balanced foods contain higher levels of protein and essential nutrients.
When dog labor begins: symptoms
Labor in a dog usually begins between the 58th and 68th day of pregnancy.
Many canines show a reduction in appetite in the days immediately before delivery.
Before the actual onset of labor, the dog may show premonitory symptoms, such as restlessness and seeking a quiet place to give birth.
In the days leading up to delivery, create a space in which the dog can deliver her puppies peacefully-a comfortable kennel or whelping box.
Delivery is preceded by a slight drop in body temperature below 37.5°C.
In addition, the dog may start licking the genital area frequently.
How soon do dogs give birth: the stages
The time it takes a dog to give birth can range from a few minutes to several hours.
Usually, the birthing process is divided into three stages.
In the first phase, there is the labor of contraction and dilatation. in the second phase the passage of the pups takes place, while the third phase concerns the expulsion of the placenta.
Contractions begin as mild cramps and gradually become more intense.
They may manifest as abdominal tremors or visible body movements.
During labor, contractions may be accompanied by vocalizations indicating pain or discomfort.
In the second stage pup passage takes place.
It can take 15 to 30 minutes between the birth of one puppy and the next, although in some situations it can take even longer.
After each puppy is born, the mother cuts the umbilical cord with her teeth and stimulates the puppy by licking it.
The third and last phase involves the expulsion of the placenta, which the mother generally eats.
Once all the pups are born, the mother will begin to care for them.
Make sure all puppies attach to the nipples to take in the first milk since it is rich in antibodies (colostrum).
During delivery, your role is to monitor that everything is going well, trying to intervene as little as possible.
Complications of childbirth
There are instances when the life of the mother and pups could be at risk:
- When fetal expulsion does not follow after more than 30 minutes of strong contractions
- When hemorrhage occurs during delivery or blackish-green flows are expelled that are not followed by fetal expulsion
- When the interval between expulsion of consecutive fetuses exceeds 2 hours
It is imperative to contact the veterinary doctor and take the dog for examination to check the viability of the fetuses and possibly intervene by drug therapy or cesarean section.
If your dog is expecting and you want to monitor her pregnancy or for any other needs and information, please contact the veterinary doctors on our staff who are always available to you.
We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
