Everything you need to know about Toy Terrier pregnancy

Breeding toy terriers is a matter that requires great responsibility and attention from the breeder.

Because this process is not the easiest.

The desire to get offspring from a pet will also require certain knowledge and understanding of the breeding process itself.

You can become a Toy Terrier breeder only if you have all the opportunities to do so.

The dog itself must be magnificent both in appearance and in character.

At what age should you breed a Toy Terrier?

The best age for the first mating of a male dog will be from 1.5 years of age, since earlier matings will negatively affect the still fragile psyche of the future sire.

It is recommended to untie a toy terrier bitch on her third heat: by this time, a girl of this breed will not only have time to fully develop and get stronger, but also win show titles.

A toy terrier girl should be untied at about two years of age, and it is necessary that the weight of the future breeder be at least 2 kg.

How to understand that your pet is ready for mating

Toy terriers are bred from 10 to 16 days from the start of estrus, but it is still better, when choosing a suitable day for mating, to focus on the individual characteristics of the bitch.

By the beginning of ovulation, the loop increases in size and becomes soft, maintaining elasticity only at the top.

By this time, the discharge lightens to a straw-pinkish hue and acquires a characteristic odor.

The dog's behavior changes: the bitch is more loyal to males than at the beginning of estrus.

Signs of pregnancy

During the entire first month it is almost impossible to determine the result of mating. Therefore, inexperienced owners do not know how to understand that the dog is pregnant; the toy terrier very rarely becomes drowsy after the first week and feels increased thirst. In other cases, you can rely only on the results of ultrasound. The study is carried out no earlier than 24 days after mating.

Over time, attentive owners begin to notice specific signs of pregnancy:

• At 3-4 weeks, the toy terrier begins to refuse food or, on the contrary, its appetite increases. In the first case we are talking about toxicosis.
• Later periods are accompanied by darkening and swelling of the nipples, and the release of colostrum from them.

As the puppies grow in the womb, the dog begins to expand in size. Her fur on her belly thins and later disappears completely. This is facilitated by frequent licking of the belly. In this way, the dog prepares the nipples for future feeding of puppies and stimulates the birth process.

After the first 30-35 days, the toy terrier returns to normal life. The greatest activity remains only at the moment of begging for additional food. A pregnant dog, with the exception of the first and last weeks, is constantly hungry.

Signs of pregnancy in a toy terrier

False pregnancy

False pregnancy is not considered a disease. If this condition does not occur in an acute form and does not annoy the pet itself, specific therapy is not required. It is necessary to wait until changes in the dog’s behavior and other symptoms go away on their own. To speed up this process, experienced veterinarians recommend removing for a while all toys that the bitch perceives as her puppies. In this way, the natural stimulus for lactation can be reduced.

How to choose a pair?

To find a partner, it is best to contact a club, where specialists will help you choose the most suitable male for a given bitch. If the owner himself selects a partner, then he needs to adhere to the following recommendations:

The male must be interesting in terms of origin and be at least the same as the female in terms of exterior quality.

He must have a full pedigree and permission to breed.

The line from which the stud dog comes must be free from hereditary diseases.

The partner must have all the necessary vaccinations, and he himself is completely healthy.

It is undesirable to breed a bitch with her close relative: inbreeding in some cases helps to improve the breed, but it is very risky for a non-specialist to do it.

In order to make the process of pregnancy and childbirth easier for the bitch, it is advisable to breed her with a smaller male.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

“A few weeks before mating, you need to adjust the bitch’s weight: if she is overfed, keep her on a diet, and if the girl’s weight is slightly below normal, fatten her up a little. At the same time, you need to understand that you should not breed a very small bitch, since the risk is too great. Also, with the onset of heat, you need to start giving the bitch vitamin supplements. And, of course, you need to take care of all the necessary veterinary measures in advance: vaccinations, deworming and treatment for external parasites.”

Diet during pregnancy of a toy terrier

Pregnancy invariably entails changes in the hormonal state of the body, which is a serious stress for a tiny pet. The owner must take this into account when feeding the animal.

If we talk about changing the diet during pregnancy of a toy terrier week by week, in the first weeks the dog does not need a large amount of additional energy, so nutrition should be the same as before pregnancy, you can read about the diet of a toy terrier. Starting from week 3, you need to introduce more protein sources into your dog’s menu. But there is no need to transfer the bitch to feeding only meat. It is better to increase the amount of fermented milk products and sea fish, which have a beneficial effect on the formation of the nervous system of puppies. Meat in the diet should remain unchanged.

If the toy terrier eats dry food, then it will be enough to switch the pet to a specially developed premium food for pregnant dogs.

In the first month of pregnancy, a toy terrier may change its taste habits. If a bitch regularly refuses a product, even despite its great benefits, there is no need to insist. It is better to look for a substitute for such a product that the animal will like.

Starting from the 4th week of pregnancy of a toy terrier, the bitches’ appetite generally increases. But there is no need to overfeed the dog - this can lead to extra pounds, which can cause various complications during childbirth.

It is also impossible to keep your pet hungry, therefore, from the 5th week of gestation, it is necessary to introduce an additional meal, the portion size should remain unchanged. After 6 weeks, a pregnant toy terrier needs to be fed 4 times.

Starting from day 55, the amount of protein in the menu should be reduced to the previous level. A few days before giving birth, fish and meat should be removed from the bitch’s menu.

It is important to consult with your veterinarian about the need to prescribe vitamin supplements.

Preparing the dog

On the day of mating, dogs should not be fed at home; as a last resort, you can give them some food in the morning if mating is scheduled for the evening. But it is necessary to take both partners for a walk.

At the same time, you need to make sure that during the last walk before mating, no other males approach the bitch.

Before mating, you cannot bathe a Toy Terrier girl with detergents or treat her fur with anything that will remove the natural odor of a bitch in heat..

Proper care for a pregnant dog

Hygienic measures for the animal include examinations every day, cleaning the fur, and checking the skin. In the second half of gestation, a pregnant dog sometimes has mucus discharge from the birth canal. In most cases, the dog removes the discharge by licking itself. In rare cases, when the dog is still young and this is her first pregnancy, she may not do this, then you should simply clean the area with ordinary clean water. However, there is no point in cleaning the animal 2 weeks before giving birth.

When the pet has not received timely treatment with deworming drugs before mating, in this case, this process must now be delayed for 14 days after the birth has been resolved. Remember that during the period of breeding dogs, it is also necessary to abandon such activities and any other medications, including flea treatment. Watch your dog so that it does not have contact with sick animals or stray dogs.

There are times when a dog can relieve itself in an apartment. This is a fairly common occurrence during pregnancy, since the dog sometimes cannot control this process. You shouldn’t take this aggressively and take your anger out on the dog.

After all, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, the animal needs special attention and care. Try to plan and organize your upcoming birth location as quickly as possible. The area should not only be comfortable for the animal, but also free from drafts.

Also try to arrange the place so that there is free access to the dog to assist during childbirth. Gradually accustom the dog to the area so that in the future the dog does not look for another place to give birth. An important place in the later stages is given to walks, since spending time in the fresh air cannot be reduced.

Walking will only benefit the dog. In the first month of pregnancy, training is not contraindicated, however, starting from the second month, protect the bitch from jumping and running.

Vitamin complex

Vitamins have a beneficial effect on metabolism throughout the body. The prescribed complex of essential beneficial microelements are catalysts that promote better absorption of food. Of course, animals need a certain amount of vitamins, especially during pregnancy. Most of the vitamins enter the body from food, but not always in the required dose, which is why there is an urgent need for additional supply to the body.

During pregnancy, the pet's menu should be enriched with additional elements, which can be prescribed by the doctor if necessary. The development of puppies will require a lot of minerals and vitamins, which the dog sometimes lacks. Therefore, a good option for the healthy development of puppies is additional vitamins prescribed by a veterinarian.

In the first month after mating, veterinarians do not advise changing the pet’s menu, and the introduction of vitamins is not yet required. Ordinary habitual nutrition will be able to fully guarantee the basic needs of the body at this stage. It’s a good idea to add a few yolks per week to your dog’s diet. The menu needs to include more protein foods and lean meats, for example, beef.

After the first month of pregnancy, it is recommended to significantly increase the dosage of food and switch to feeding 3 times a day. It is necessary to add a small amount of fish oil to food, which guarantees a supply of nutrients during pregnancy. In addition, you will need to use vitamins A, B, D and E. Together with vitamin D, large amounts of Ca should be used - an important element in the formation of the skeleton of puppies and the maintenance of the mother’s body as a whole.

In cases where large offspring are expected, a special need appears for lactate and glycerophosphate. However, in addition to vitamins, you shouldn’t lose sight of simple foods. Pay attention to the benefits of dairy food, which is necessary for a pregnant bitch. They have a huge amount of calcium and phosphorus, as key elements that a dog cannot do without during the gestation process.

Basic rules step by step

Basic mating rules to follow:

• Mating of Russian Toy Terriers is carried out indoors, having previously covered the slippery floor with old carpets or thick fabric.
• You need to put a muzzle on the bitch or wrap a bandage around her face.
• Let both dogs into the room so they can get to know each other.
• The dogs will begin to play and flirt with each other until the bitch suddenly stops, moving her tail to the side.
• At this time, the girl’s owner must hold her by the collar with one hand and under her stomach with the other.
• The male does the mounting himself or is helped by his owner. .
• As soon as a “lock” is formed, the partners need to turn their backs.
• Until the dogs separate themselves, you need to keep them in place.
• After the animals are freed from the “castle”, they must be immediately taken to different rooms and given water to drink.
• After 1-2 days, carry out a control mating.

If the dog cannot reach the bitch's loop, then you should place a stand under his hind legs.

How does pregnancy progress by day (table)

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Pregnancy of a toy terrier is an interesting and difficult period, which will develop favorably if you know some of the features and properly care for your pet.

How long does a toy terrier's pregnancy last?

Toy terriers stay pregnant for an average of 60 to 70 days. Sometimes labor may begin a couple of days earlier or later than the specified period. This is due to the fact that ovulation and fertilization may not coincide with the day of mating.

Pregnancy of a toy terrier. General changes

The symptoms are the same as in humans. The animal may experience mood swings, toxicosis , and vomiting. Major weight gain or loss. The dog gets a lot of rest. The belly grows , sensitivity to everything appears.

Towards the end of gestation, the mammary glands enlarge and swell.

IMPORTANT! Often, dogs of miniature breeds have a false pregnancy , which in some cases “resolves” on its own. Only a specialist can distinguish it .

Frequent repetitions can lead to cancer and other serious problems. Read more about diseases of the toy terrier.

Pregnancy calendar by week

What happens to the expectant mother?

1-3 weeks. This period can pass without much change. Sometimes you can find out about pregnancy only by ultrasound results. The favorite is playful and eats with the same appetite.

During this period, all organ systems of puppies are formed, so the expectant mother should not be wormed or given any other medications. Morning sickness may occur periodically.

4th. Lumps are felt in the mother’s abdomen. During this period, an ultrasound is prescribed and changes in dynamics are monitored, the date of birth is determined.

From this moment on, the belly quickly grows in width. The bitch becomes more sensitive. There may be swelling of the nipples and discharge of clear mucus from the loop.

5th. Increased amniotic fluid, abdominal growth, weight gain.

6th. The nipples become larger and darker. Daily weight gain.

7th. Shedding fur on the belly. The body is preparing for childbirth.

8th. Puppies begin to move in the womb; the movements can be felt by placing your hand on the stomach. Colostrum is released. From this point on, it is important not to reduce the amount of calories consumed, otherwise eclampsia (convulsions due to toxicosis) may occur.

In the 9th, last week, body temperature drops slightly. The dog becomes restless and prepares the place.

Important! During the gestation period, defenses weaken , and the dog can easily get sick.

It should be protected from jumping, hypothermia, and drafts. Any stress, illness or injury can lead to miscarriage, early fetal death and resorption.

In order for pregnancy to proceed normally , good care is necessary. First of all, it involves feeding.

They are fed 4-5 times a day in small portions, the daily caloric intake is increased by 30%. The main thing is not to overfed the dog, otherwise the birth will be difficult.

On a note! Walks in the fresh air are required, but they should be leisurely, without much activity. They help strengthen muscles and improve appetite.

Development of fetuses in the womb by week:

1-3 weeks. All organs and vital systems are formed. The fruit is about 1 cm in size.

By the end of 4 weeks, the fruit is comparable in size to a walnut. Formation of the eyes and spine.

5th. Formation of claws and whiskers. Development of primary sexual characteristics.

6th. The fruit grows quickly. The period of formation of internal organs is coming to an end. The skeleton is formed and fur begins to grow.

7th. The puppies are fully formed and continue to gain weight.

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8th. The cubs have gained 3/4 of their birth weight. The rudiments of teeth are formed.

9th. The babies are ready to be born. The fur has grown, the lungs are ready to breathe. Height is about 10 cm.

Pregnant toy terrier (photo):

So, from this article we found out that:

• A female toy terrier bears puppies for 60 - 70 days;
• It is impossible to determine exactly how long it will take to give birth, because, as described above, this is due to the fact that ovulation and fertilization may not coincide with the day of mating;
• You need to feed about 30% more;
• There is a false pregnancy, which can only be determined by specialists.

For a toy terrier bitch’s pregnancy to proceed normally, she needs to be fed adequately and balancedly, provided with walks and good care.

6th. The nipples become larger and darker. Daily weight gain.

Pregnancy of any dog ​​is an important stage in its life and at the same time quite a troublesome time for its owners. During this period, serious changes occur in the body. For the Russian Toy Terrier, nature has allocated only 9 weeks for the formation and development of one or several puppies inside the womb.

Pregnant toy terrier bitch

• Age for mating and first heat
• Signs of pregnancy
• False pregnancy
• Length of pregnancy
• 1-3 weeks of pregnancy
• 4-6 weeks
• week 7
• 8 week
• Week 9
• Caring for a pregnant dog
• How many puppies are there in a toy terrier's litter?
• Preparing for childbirth at home
• Helping a dog during labor
• Postpartum care for the toy terrier

Childbirth for the first time - what are the features?

The first birth can be a serious test for a toy terrier girl and her owner. The bitch is anxious and does not understand what is happening. She may appear scared or confused and may not show maternal instincts.

IMPORTANT!

Since during the first birth it is unclear how easily the dog will be able to give birth and whether serious complications will arise, it is recommended to ensure that either a veterinarian or an experienced breeder is present during the first litter.

Complications during childbirth

Large breeds often give birth much easier than small breeds. Even if the pregnancy of a Yorkshire terrier or toy terrier proceeded well, this does not mean that the birth will definitely go well. If the attempts have been going on for an hour, and the puppy has still not been born, then you need to call the clinic. The fetus may be too large, then the small dog will not be able to give birth to it. In this case, the doctor performs a caesarean section.

Another common complication is postpartum eclampsia. It is due to the fact that the embryos took too much calcium from the mother during development. Therefore, it is very important to feed a pregnant bitch in a balanced manner. Without treatment, the dog dies from eclampsia, often in a fairly short time. The main symptoms of the disease:

• shiver;
• convulsions;
• frozen look.

This pathology requires immediate contact to a veterinary clinic. It is better to place puppies before consulting a veterinarian.

How to determine the beginning?

The day before giving birth, the bitch’s temperature drops to 36 degrees, and the puppies seem to freeze .

Just before labor begins, the dog becomes very anxious. She looks for a place for a “den,” digs the bedding, whines and seeks help from the owner. At this time, amniotic fluid may begin to leak, which is a viscous substance of a pale yellow hue.

Many bitches refuse to eat before giving birth, but continue to drink water.

Signs of labor in a toy terrier.

On day 57 of pregnancy, begin measuring your dog's temperature in the morning and evening hours. The norm for a dog is 38.5⁰С. As soon as your baby's temperature drops sharply to 36.5-37⁰C, you can expect childbirth in the next 24 hours. A sharp rise in temperature indicates the beginning of the process.

Important: A low temperature for a dog of 36.5-37⁰C, lasting more than a day, and no contractions occurring is a reason to call a veterinarian. Also, calling a dog doctor is necessary when the temperature rises to 39⁰C.

In addition to temperature fluctuations, signs of labor in a toy terrier include restless behavior and refusal to eat. In the last week before the puppies are born, keep an eye on your toy's feces. Yellowish or dark green stool with an unpleasant odor means the dog has problems and requires prompt consultation with a veterinarian.

If the expectant mother does not want to eat, do not force her, offer her food often, but in small quantities. Complete loss of appetite occurs a day or two before the onset of labor.

In addition, additional signs that the terrier is beginning to give birth are: obvious movement of the puppies in the bitch’s stomach when she is lying down. At the same time, the toy terrier breathes frequently and heavily, the muscles may tremble slightly, and the mammary glands become full.

How does childbirth take place and how to take it at home?

to tremble slightly and breathe more often: this is the beginning of contractions . They turn into attempts, as a result of which the amniotic sac with the puppy inside is expelled.

This bubble can burst on its own, or, if the bitch has developed maternal instinct, she bursts it. Then the dog gnaws the umbilical cord and begins to vigorously lick the puppy, which helps him breathe independently and empty his intestines.

After this, the puppy goes in search of milk and, having reached the bitch’s nipple, begins the first independent meal in its life.

A few minutes after the baby is born, the afterbirth leaves, which the bitch will try to eat. You can let her do this, but you should remember that the dog should not eat more than 1-2 afterbirths due to the risk of severe diarrhea.

The next puppy may be born in a few minutes, but its appearance should not last longer than 3 hours. If this happens, then you need to call the veterinarian.

If the birth proceeds normally, then there is no need to interfere with this process: it is enough to simply observe the bitch and the newborns and encourage the pet from time to time.

If the dog is confused or scared, you need to calm it down. If the bitch does not know what to do with the puppies, the owner needs to handle them.

To do this, after breaking the bladder and clearing the mucus from the newborn’s mouth with a gauze swab, you need to free it from the membranes and, after tying the umbilical cord with a strong thread 2 cm from the baby’s abdomen, cut it a few millimeters below, on the side of the placenta.

After wiping the puppy with a soft towel, you need to give it to the bitch so that she licks it, after which you can place the baby on the nipple, choosing one of the milkiest.

That terrier gives birth.

The development of childbirth in a toy terrier, both Russian and smooth-haired, can occur according to one of three scenarios:

• the dog can give birth on its own without needing your help. You will only monitor the process.
• you help the dog, but the birth of the puppies proceeds normally without complications.
• Complications that arise require the presence of a specialist. This applies most of all to the mini toy terrier breed.

The process of giving birth to puppies, regardless of how many puppies are born to a toy terrier, is divided into three periods.

• preparatory.
• fetal excretion.
• postpartum.

How to give birth to a terrier at home.

Let's look at how to give birth to a toy terrier at home. You must be prepared for any developments and prepare in advance.

Let's start with the necessary items and tools. Place a box with: next to the place where the toy terrier will give birth:

• clean towels, gauze napkins, previously boiled and ironed;
• a room thermometer to monitor the temperature in the puppy box;
• cotton wool;
• scissors for cutting the umbilical cord. Scissors should have rounded edges;
• hand sanitizer;
• a container in which to disinfect instruments;
• brilliant green or iodine;
• syringe;
• ampoules with oxytocin;
• sterile Vaseline;
• scales for weighing puppies;
• multi-colored woolen threads used to mark puppies, and white harsh threads for tying the umbilical cord;
• large oilcloth;
• veterinarian's phone number.

Also prepare warm, sweet tea with milk or some light broth for mommy and, just in case, goat’s milk for the puppies.

There should be warm water near the place where the toy terrier will give birth.

Toy terrier birth periods.

Preparation period.

The dog begins to have contractions (the muscles of the uterus contract), under the influence of which the cervix opens and the amniotic sac enters. This phase can last for a bitch from two to twelve hours. All the dog needs from you is peace and quiet, you can lightly stroke your pet.

Removal of the fetus.

As soon as the cervical canal is fully dilated, under the influence of contractions and pushing (this is when the muscles of the abdominal wall contract), the fetus begins to move into the birth canal to come out. The position of the fetus can be either in the cephalic or pelvic presentation (about 30% of cases). A toy dog, such as a toy terrier, often does not have enough strength to push the puppy out of itself.

There is no need to rush your dog into giving birth to its first puppy. A terrier can give birth to her first child, especially for the first time, in about an hour. In most dogs, puppies are delivered with a bladder or the bladder ruptures on its own in the birth canal. But among the Toys, if the birth process is delayed, the bladder is pierced so that the baby does not suffocate.

Once the dog or you have ruptured the bladder, you need to cut the umbilical cord three centimeters from the puppy's tummy. The umbilical cord is raised so that all the fluid in it flows down. A harsh, disinfected thread is taken and tied around the umbilical cord. Make the cut below the bandage. Then wipe the baby with a cloth and treat the umbilical cord with hydrogen peroxide. If the puppy does not take a breath, then open the baby’s mouth and, tilting it down, make sure that the liquid flows out of the mouth. You can shake the newborn slightly. Or use a gauze pad to gently remove this mucus, not forgetting the mucus in the nasal openings.

As soon as the puppy takes its first breath, place it on its mother's chest so that it "smacking." Help the baby by massaging the mother's nipple until colostrum is released. After about ten minutes, wean him from the breast and place a separate box (box), but so that the mother can see her child.

Dry birth canals need additional lubrication; to do this, use a syringe to pour Vaseline onto the mucous membrane or coat it with the same Vaseline applied to gauze.

It happens that the terrier’s attempts become weaker. This happens when there are a lot of puppies and the dog gets tired. Help mommy with a gentle massage between the ribs and pelvis and give her sweetened tea with milk or warm broth. Never forget to count the delivered placentas. You, of course, can pull on the cut umbilical cord and pull it out, but you should not do this, since the next puppy that is born will push it out on its own.

Advice

Attention! The optimal solution if difficulties arise during childbirth is to call a veterinarian.

But it is extremely important that the number of afterbirths released coincides with the number of puppies born. Otherwise, if the placenta remains in the dog’s uterus, it will begin an inflammatory process, and subsequently lead to the death of the animal.

The birth is completed when the dog has no contractions or straining for two hours and all the placenta has come out. This process will become clearer and more understandable for you after watching the VIDEO “Giving birth to a toy terrier at home,” which shows step by step how toy terriers give birth.

False pregnancy

An unmated toy terrier bitch develops a false pregnancy, during which the dog's behavior may change and milk may appear. Some dogs also experience false contractions, causing the pet a lot of suffering.

About two months after the end of her heat, the bitch suddenly begins to worry, dig in the litter and act as if she is about to give birth.

Many Toya girls begin to produce milk at this time, or at least their nipples increase in size.

NOTE!

The dog may begin to nurse soft toys or other objects that seem similar to puppies to it and react very aggressively to the owners’ attempts to take the “children” away from it.

It is necessary to distract the dog’s attention from the imaginary puppies: play with it more or train it. In some, especially severe cases, it makes sense to consult a veterinarian about treatment with hormonal and sedative drugs.

Childbirth

The owner should prepare in advance for the expected date of birth of the puppies. It is necessary to determine the place where the animal will give birth. The owner should purchase absorbent diapers and a heating pad for the puppies. For long-haired Toy Terriers, the hair around the nipples and loops should be trimmed.

The opening of the birth canal in a dog is accompanied by contractions. At first they are very weak and unnoticeable, but then they intensify. The dog at this moment becomes nervous, digs the bedding, and often asks to go to the toilet. 3-12 hours after the onset of contractions, the bitch begins to push. The dog lies on its side and gives birth to a puppy. The baby is in the membranes, which the bitch ruptures. If she does not do this, then the owner must come to her aid. Then you need to tie the umbilical cord, trim it with sterile scissors and treat the wound with peroxide.