Pregnancy in dogs: timing, signs, care


When does a pregnant dog produce milk?

A normal pregnancy usually lasts 61-66 days, although, depending on the breed, slight deviations of 2-3 days are possible, both in the direction of decreasing the duration and increasing it.

In the early stages of pregnancy, it is difficult to notice any changes in the pet's condition. In some cases, apathy and drowsiness may be noted at 2-3 weeks.

By the end of the first month (25-30 days), the skin in the area of ​​the mammary glands swells and the glands become clearly visible, and in dogs with fair skin they look bright pink, and there is a noticeable increase in the abdomen in the area behind the ribs. However, this is not always the case.

From 21-24 days (three weeks) pregnancy can be diagnosed using ultrasound. On the screen of the ultrasound machine, amniotic sacs with embryos inside are clearly visualized. To assess the viability of the fetus, ultrasound examination is best performed in later stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy can be diagnosed in the early stages using laboratory tests - a comprehensive test of blood serum for the hormone relaxin.

Second month (29-61 days). Signs of pregnancy become obvious. The mammary glands become greatly enlarged. Usually, milk appears 7-10 days before giving birth, but in bitches with their first pregnancy, milk can form several hours before or during childbirth, while in dogs whelping for more than the first time, lactation can begin with 40th day. Three weeks before giving birth, the pet’s weight begins to increase sharply.

On days 38–45 (week 6–7), the skull bones and ribs of the embryos are identified, and individual fetuses in the uterus are palpated. Moscow city veterinary doctors recommend that in later stages of pregnancy (7 weeks), especially with large litters, an X-ray examination is performed. During this period, the number of puppies is determined more accurately.

In the early stages of pregnancy, it is difficult to notice any changes in the pet's condition. In some cases, apathy and drowsiness may be noted at 2-3 weeks.

Do I need to contact a veterinarian?

The most important question that worries dog owners, especially if they are giving birth for the first time, is whether to contact a veterinarian.

or you can handle this delicate matter on your own.

According to experts, it is necessary to call a doctor only if the upcoming procedure causes unnecessary anxiety and the owners do not have the slightest idea how to behave correctly.

If you have at least minimal experience in giving birth or caring for a dog in position, or the owners are well acquainted with all the necessary information and are confident in their abilities, you can safely deliver the baby yourself

. You should only contact your veterinarian if any complications arise.

The birth of puppies is a process that can be divided into 3 stages

. First, the birth canal opens, after which contractions occur, and then the puppies are born.

Determine upcoming birth

can be seen by changes in the behavior of your pet: she begins to behave excitedly, scratches her paws on the floor, rushes from side to side, her breathing quickens. In some cases, the dog looks for a secluded place, protected from bright light. Other dogs can become especially affectionate, constantly crawling under your arms as if demanding attention. Some dogs experience an increased appetite, while others, on the contrary, experience a deterioration. During this period, the owner must surround his pet with care and attention.

What are the first signs of imminent labor in a dog? One day before birth

Dogs sometimes experience grayish or whitish discharge with a sticky consistency. You can also identify the upcoming birth by decreasing . Normally, it is 38°-39°C, but before giving birth the dog’s temperature will be about 37°C.

Start of labor

can be determined by the occurrence of contractions. The uterus begins to contract, pushing the puppies out. When the interval between contractions is 2 to 3 minutes, it means that the dog will give birth soon.

Average gestation time

Dog puppies are about 60 days old. Calculating the due date, knowing when the mating took place, is quite easy. You need to prepare for the upcoming birth half a month before it. If the birth will take place under the supervision of a veterinarian, you will need to agree with him in advance so that he arrives at the beginning of labor.

A week before giving birth, you need to prepare the place

, where the dog will give birth - the best option would be a box slightly larger in size than the dog. It is recommended to lay a soft cloth on the bottom, and cut off one of the sides of the box so that the dog can leave it, but the puppies cannot get out.

It is better to use old unnecessary rags as bedding, which can later be thrown away. In addition to the box in which the birth will take place, it is also necessary to prepare a place where the expectant mother will live with the children for the first time. This should be a warm place, preferably heated, so that the puppies do not become hypothermic. But excess heat is also harmful for them. During the first 2 weeks, the optimal temperature for puppies is

it will be +27°C. Then you can gradually reduce it to +20°C.

In addition, you will need to prepare some tools:

a heating pad, three types of thermometers - regular, room and veterinary. You may also need scissors, gauze pads, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, a syringe and Levomekol ointment, as well as a basin where you will throw dirty rags.

Before giving birth

You should thoroughly wash your hands and cut your nails, and wash your dog’s stomach and genitals. If the dog has long hair, it is advisable to trim the hair in the loop area so that it does not interfere during childbirth.

When does colostrum appear during pregnancy?

Every woman strives to breastfeed her baby. In the first hours and days after childbirth, the woman still does not have milk, but the baby has enough colostrum, which is superior in composition to milk. When colostrum appears during pregnancy, a woman thinks that milk will definitely come, that is, the appearance of colostrum is a kind of signal that everything will be fine with the milk. But the release of colostrum during pregnancy is considered as normal as its absence. And colostrum does not affect the appearance of milk.

Colostrum usually appears in the second trimester and initially has a thick and sticky consistency . Closer to childbirth, it becomes more transparent and liquid. But! I repeat once again, if you have no colostrum, this is not a reason to be upset; often colostrum begins to flow out during childbirth or immediately after it.

Do you always follow doctors' orders?

Yes, they know us better.

42.82%

Not always, because more information can be obtained from other women in labor.

21.29%

I comply, but I check reviews and advice from various mothers.

35.89%

Voted: 418

When colostrum appears during pregnancy in its early stages, this is only one of the signs of pregnancy itself , along with breast enlargement or swelling of the mammary glands. During pregnancy, colostrum can be released due to sexual stimulation, during a massage, if the air temperature in the apartment is elevated or the pregnant woman has experienced stress.

In principle, colostrum does not bother a woman during pregnancy, but in some cases it leaks heavily, so at this stage you should use breast pads. Do not forget to change them in a timely manner, since colostrum is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. You should also wash your breasts - just with warm water, without soap.

You CANNOT express colostrum during pregnancy. Any stimulation of the breast entails the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractile activity of the uterus. That is, by expressing, you can cause a miscarriage.

When pregnant women produce milk, is this normal or pathological?

Pregnancy is a complex process of preparing the body for childbirth and subsequent feeding of the baby. This also applies to the mammary glands, which change under the influence of hormones, and upon the birth of a baby they are able to fully provide him with the most beneficial nutrition in the world.

Everyone knows that milk appears after childbirth. But what happens when pregnant women produce milk? Is this normal? Expectant mothers often worry about any reason, and this is no exception. Let's figure out when it's really worth sounding the alarm, and when milk production during pregnancy is just an individual feature of the body.

The main hormones that influence changes in the breasts are estrogens, which begin to be produced in full force starting from 13-16 weeks of pregnancy, when pregnant women most often produce milk. This is due to the fact that the placenta matures, in which the main part of estrogens is produced. Also in the process of preparing the mammary glands for lactation, the pituitary hormone prolactin is involved. It is thanks to it that milk is produced, so if prolactin begins to enter the blood in sufficient quantities during pregnancy, then a small amount of milk may begin to be released.

When does a pregnant dog produce milk?

Pregnant dog

During the last pregnancy, the bitch had a much smaller belly (now it is very large) and she gave birth on the 62nd day. Moreover, her temperature dropped to 36.5 on the 61st day and labor began a day later.

And if so, how dangerous is this for the puppies and for the bitch herself if today she is day 55 of pregnancy, but if she gives birth in a day, she will be day 56 of pregnancy.

When does milk appear after childbirth?

Breast milk is the baby’s very first food, and at the same time the most healthy and nutritious. Fortunately, gone are the days when cow's or goat's milk was considered a more suitable diet for newborns. Today, new mothers can breastfeed their babies to their heart's content.

Those women who have given birth for the first time may worry why they do not produce milk immediately after giving birth. But everything is very simple - the lack of milk after childbirth is quite normal, and the appearance of milk awaits you very, very soon.

Usually, in the first few days, a woman secretes colostrum from her nipple - a clear liquid that tastes sweet. At first, this is quite enough for the baby. Higher fat milk is not yet suitable for his digestive system. After all, it has just started working, the intestines have just begun to be populated with beneficial bacteria.

Under no circumstances should you give your child formula from a bottle now, thinking that he will not get enough of colostrum. Having felt how easily milk flows from the nipple, your baby may not take the breast again - because in this case, you need to work hard to get food.

The arrival of milk is usually noted 2-3 days after birth. Sometimes this happens on day 5-6. And when the long-awaited milk appears and arrives after childbirth, it brings new questions. After all, the breasts often become very full and even hard.

Signs of pregnancy become obvious after the 29th day. The mammary glands greatly enlarge, and 7-10 days before birth, experienced mothers begin to produce milk. Only a dog with her first pregnancy can produce milk during labor or a few hours before.

Precursors of childbirth in dogs and the process itself

About a day before giving birth, the dog’s temperature drops, and 3-4 days later you can notice a drooping of the abdomen: the upper part becomes sunken, and the lower part becomes more rounded. Changes also occur in the dog’s behavior: it begins to look for a nest, show anxiety, and refuse to eat. Vomiting may occur and urination may become more frequent.

It is advisable to notify the veterinarian about this before giving birth, in case unforeseen circumstances arise. The area around the vulva is trimmed (if the pet has long hair). Once again, the dog should not be worried; often this process in bitches proceeds normally and without human help. When contractions begin, it is worth monitoring their interval: if it is 10-15 minutes, it means that the labor phase is approaching. After your water breaks, your first puppy should be born within 6 hours or within an hour of pushing - if labor is weak, call your vet!

The puppy is born forward with its paws or head - both positions are normal; it may appear in the amniotic sac - it is better to tear it open immediately, wipe the puppy’s mouth and nose from mucus with a dry cloth. The umbilical cord can be chewed by a bitch, or you can cut it yourself (2-3 cm from the baby’s tummy, having first tied it tightly with thread).

During birth, the dog can be given a little water, the intervals between puppies are from half an hour to two, if attempts are unsuccessful, you need to consult a doctor. You cannot stimulate labor on your own, since such activity may result in uterine rupture or spasm. On average, the birth process lasts up to 15 hours, after which the dog needs to be given rest, given water little by little, and not offered food for 6-8 hours, otherwise it may cause vomiting. It is advisable to invite a veterinarian the next day to examine your pet (there are hidden problems that are revealed after birth).

When does a pregnant dog produce milk?

Pregnant dog

During the last pregnancy, the bitch had a much smaller belly (now it is very large) and she gave birth on the 62nd day. Moreover, her temperature dropped to 36.5 on the 61st day and labor began a day later.

And if so, how dangerous is this for the puppies and for the bitch herself if today she is day 55 of pregnancy, but if she gives birth in a day, she will be day 56 of pregnancy.

When does milk appear after childbirth?

Breast milk is the baby’s very first food, and at the same time the most healthy and nutritious. Fortunately, gone are the days when cow's or goat's milk was considered a more suitable diet for newborns. Today, new mothers can breastfeed their babies to their heart's content.

Those women who have given birth for the first time may worry why they do not produce milk immediately after giving birth. But everything is very simple - the lack of milk after childbirth is quite normal, and the appearance of milk awaits you very, very soon.

Usually, in the first few days, a woman secretes colostrum from her nipple - a clear liquid that tastes sweet. At first, this is quite enough for the baby. Higher fat milk is not yet suitable for his digestive system. After all, it has just started working, the intestines have just begun to be populated with beneficial bacteria.

Under no circumstances should you give your child formula from a bottle now, thinking that he will not get enough of colostrum. Having felt how easily milk flows from the nipple, your baby may not take the breast again - because in this case, you need to work hard to get food.

The arrival of milk is usually noted 2-3 days after birth. Sometimes this happens on day 5-6. And when the long-awaited milk appears and arrives after childbirth, it brings new questions. After all, the breasts often become very full and even hard.

At what stage do pregnant women develop a belly?

Therefore, the talk “I’m 11 weeks pregnant and I already feel a rounded tummy” is either wishful thinking or I need to eat less :).

There are no fat or fat people here))) Everyone’s structure is different, but in terms of eating less, girls need to eat less when they feel sick, even at such a short time as 4-5 weeks! you just need to do it more often and a little bit, and if there is nausea, it’s better to quell it with saltine crackers, and the stomach may not be visible until 6 months or may appear at 8-9 weeks, this is most likely due to the location of the uterus, whether they are further away or closer ))))

I am not small in size, 96 kg, pregnant. 6-7 weeks, I haven’t gained a single kg, but it feels like all the fat from my body has rolled into my stomach, it’s no longer comfortable in front of my husband (((who knows why this is so(((

I'm 14 weeks! It seems like I can still fit into the dress, but after lunch it’s no longer comfortable to sit - it’s pressing. And jeans put quite a lot of pressure on my stomach, so I don’t torture myself or my baby, so I bought maternity jeans) I weigh 59 with a height of 176, so I never considered myself fat

Everything is individual. I'm 8 weeks along and my stomach has been sticking out for about 2 weeks now. And this is with my 55 kg and height 174 cm. It even infuriates me, no matter what I wear, it still feels tight, I feel fat.

I’m 17 weeks, I’ve gained 3.5 kg, but my belly has become visible, it’s almost as if all those kg were deposited there. But the belly, although big, is very pretty.

Every woman is different! I had a belly at 8 weeks, weighing 45 kg and a narrow pelvis. And at 16 weeks it was big enough that I was wearing maternity clothes. So there is no need to be clever and say that the appearance of a belly before 16 weeks means you need to eat less. Every woman is individual.

It is a misconception that all puppies are the same from birth and the cost

Dog pregnancy: everything an owner should know

A dog's pregnancy is the period of development of a fertilized egg into a future puppy, right up to the moment of its birth. This is always stressful for the animal’s body, and during this period chronic diseases may worsen or new health problems may arise.

How long does pregnancy last in dogs?

Normal pregnancy in dogs lasts 60-62 days. However, viable puppies can be born earlier - from 58 days, or later than this - up to 72 days. This may be due to the individual characteristics of the bitch’s body.

The cause of premature birth before the 58th day may be injury, hidden disease, poor readiness of the bitch for pregnancy: exhaustion, excessive obesity, too young or too old body.

Dog pregnancy by day: signs and symptoms

How to determine pregnancy in a dog? Signs of pregnancy depend on the stage of pregnancy. So until the third week, practically no changes are noticeable, except perhaps drowsiness and apathy.

By day 25-30, the skin in the area of ​​the mammary glands swells and the glands themselves become clearly visible or pink in dogs with fair skin. An enlarged abdomen may be noticeable in the area behind the ribs.

Using ultrasound, pregnancy is diagnosed from 21-24 days. You can already see amniotic sacs with embryos on the ultrasound machine screen.

Signs of pregnancy become obvious after the 29th day. The mammary glands greatly enlarge, and 7-10 days before birth, experienced mothers begin to produce milk. Only a dog with her first pregnancy can produce milk during labor or a few hours before.

By day 25-30, the skin in the area of ​​the mammary glands swells and the glands themselves become clearly visible or pink in dogs with fair skin. An enlarged abdomen may be noticeable in the area behind the ribs.

We try to find the most interesting questions and give comprehensive answers to them. visit us more often and you will always find something new and interesting for yourself.

A normal pregnancy usually lasts 61-66 days,

although, depending on the breed, minor differences of 2-3 days are likely, both in the direction of decreasing the duration and in the direction of increasing it.

In early pregnancy

It’s hard to see any changes in the pet’s condition. In some cases, apathy and drowsiness may be noted at 2-3 weeks.

By the end of the first month (25-30 days)

the skin in the area of ​​the mammary glands swells and the glands become clearly visible, and in dogs with fair skin they look bright pink, and there is a noticeable increase in the tummy in the area behind the ribs. But it is not always the case.

How long does pregnancy last in dogs?

Pregnancy in dogs lasts 58-62 days, but viable babies can be born up to 72 days.
If 72 days have passed and the birth process has not begun, the help of a veterinarian is required. Many owners, after the first mating, take the dog for a second mating in order to increase the chances of having babies. It is worth remembering that only a healthy dog ​​aged 1-1.5 years is ready for pregnancy; at an earlier age there is a great danger that the animal will not survive childbirth or the offspring will be born non-viable. Until the 3rd week, it is difficult to notice any symptoms of pregnancy, except that the pet becomes more sleepy and lazy. On days 25-30, you can see changes in the mammary glands: they acquire a pinkish tint, become more visible, the skin around them swells, and an enlarged abdomen may be observed.

On days 21-24, pregnancy can be diagnosed using ultrasound; after the 29th day, the mammary glands become greatly enlarged; from the 33rd day, the dog itself begins to gain significant weight. On days 38-45, you can already feel the fetuses in the uterus (you can feel the skull bones and ribs of the embryos); it is better to entrust this matter to a veterinarian, since an inexperienced owner can accidentally injure future offspring. Recently, veterinarians have recommended using x-rays to determine the number of future puppies, especially if this is the first pregnancy. On the 45-50th day of pregnancy, milk may begin to be released from the nipples. A day or less before giving birth, dogs' temperature drops (in small breeds - up to 36 degrees, in large breeds - up to 37). After the end of the birth process, the indicators will return to normal.

There is also a false pregnancy, which is very similar in physiological characteristics to a normal one; this syndrome is caused by abnormalities in the functions of the gonads. The belly begins to grow, the mammary glands swell, and colostrum may appear. The only sign by which a false pregnancy can be distinguished from a real one is the absence of fetal movement, in which case you need to contact a veterinarian. Dairy products are excluded from the dog's diet, sedatives are given, and the dog is given more walks.

Signs of false pregnancy in dogs

The phenomenon of false pregnancy is not uncommon in the dog world. It occurs a month after estrus in unmated bitches or in case of unsuccessful mating. In this case, the hormonal background changes in the same way as in a fertilized dog: all the early signs of pregnancy are present. The animal's nipples swell and colostrum is released. The female can set up a den and even treats her toys like puppies. Signs of false pregnancy in dogs usually go away on their own after 2-3 weeks. In some cases, veterinary assistance and hormone therapy may be needed.

How to get healthy offspring

Depending on the breed and the rate of physical maturation, the female's first estrus begins at 7–12 months. Breeding rules differ slightly in different countries, regions and even clubs, but the “law” about mating in 3rd heat has not lost its relevance and validity for decades. Based on the cycle, depending on the size of the female, she is untied no earlier than 1.5–2.5 years.

Males show sexual activity much earlier; sometimes, a 2-3 month old puppy tries to “jump” on his chosen one, not quite realizing what exactly he is doing. However, males mature mentally and physically later than females, this applies to all mammals, including humans. The normal age for the first mating of a male is considered to be 2 years, for dogs of small breeds - 1.5.

Ignoring the above “law” brings problems to everyone. The female may become infertile or lose health. The male will sacrifice mental stability and length of sexual life. Owners run the risk of getting weak or inferior offspring, which will be rejected from breeding.

Last weeks of pregnancy

At the end of the second month, the position of the expectant mother is obvious. The belly becomes noticeably rounded and saggy, especially if a lot of puppies are expected. The dog may gain a little weight, and a layer of fat appears on the sides. And that's completely normal. However, if the appetite has increased or the dog has a tendency to be overweight and gluttonous, then a strict diet should be established. Excess weight will not benefit either the mother or the puppies. Therefore, overfeeding the animal is prohibited. Obesity will negatively affect childbirth and subsequently affect the dog's health.

The animal's physical activity during this period is significantly reduced. It’s already hard for her to move, she’s saving her strength before giving birth. If necessary, walking time should be reduced, and in some cases even bowls of food and water should be moved closer to the bed. And provide the animal with peace. If you put your hand on the dog's belly, you can clearly feel the babies' movements.

Stages of pregnancy

The ideal period for gestation of puppies is considered to be 63 days; in fact, births come earlier if there are many puppies, and several days later with one or two “babies.” In small dogs, delivery at 59–60 days is considered timely. Taking into account the errors, the size of the dogs, and the number of offspring, the period of birth from 56 to 72 days of pregnancy is considered normal.

How to raise a pregnant dog?

Dogs in this situation often have a deteriorating character. They may become moody. Some stop obeying the owner and following commands. The pet may simply lie down on the ground and refuse to move on. Situations often arise when you need to pick up a dog and put it on its paws. First, make sure that the animal does not become ill. If your breathing is even, your eyes are clear, you can raise it. Never touch your stomach. Place one hand under your chest and support your pelvis with the other. You need to stand the dog on all four paws. Do not let go of your hand until you are sure that she is standing on her own.

Early signs of pregnancy in a dog will help you quickly find out whether the mating was successful. However, changing your usual lifestyle should begin immediately after the expected conception. Proper care and care will contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

There is no need to limit your pet on walks. The dog itself will understand when it’s time to stop active games. At the same time, it is also important that the expectant mother goes outside. She benefits from sunbathing, which is necessary for metabolism and vitamin synthesis. For a dog in this position, peace is important, so the place should be in a quiet corner where the animal will not be annoyed by excessive attention from children and other pets. Do not let a pregnant bitch lie for a long time on a cold surface: concrete, ground, wet grass. Car trips will also have to be reduced, as many dogs in this position begin to get motion sickness.

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