When can you tell if your dog is pregnant?
It will be possible to find out for sure whether the mating was successful only after 1.5-2 weeks. Noticeable signs of pregnancy in a dog appear only a month after conception. However, professionals may notice minor changes in the animal’s behavior, which may indicate an “interesting” situation has arisen. If this is the first pregnancy, then the belly of your four-legged pet may become rounded only just before birth. Today there is no need to guess whether the mating was successful. You can go to a veterinary clinic and in the first month of pregnancy find out the exact data about your dog’s condition. This can be done using ultrasound.
The beginning of an interesting journey...
Dogs, unlike people, do not keep diaries describing their love affairs. Therefore, having set the goal of getting healthy offspring from his four-legged pet, the owner must control all the events occurring in her life. The day the bitch was bred must be marked on the calendar. This way you will definitely not forget when your dog had a mating with the “gentleman”.
On the seventh to twelfth day after conception, the egg goes through the stage of formation into a tiny puppy. The end of the second week is notable because the embryos move into the uterus.
At first (2 weeks after conception), you may not notice any changes in either your pet’s appearance or her mood. Of course, the owner can purchase a special pregnancy test for his pet to find out whether it makes sense to prepare for a new addition to the canine family. However, the cost of such a test is quite high.
Proponents of the natural process of pregnancy in a dog argue that the best way to help a pet get used to its unusual state is to disturb it as little as possible. Excessive attention, cuddling, and limited walks can in some cases complicate the process of bearing puppies.
Ultrasound diagnostics
The most reliable way to find out if a dog is pregnant is an ultrasound. The procedure is carried out from 24 to 35 days after mating. At this time, you can accurately see not only the presence of puppies, but also find out their exact number and predict the course of pregnancy. For more accurate diagnosis, ultrasound is done at a later stage. For example, 38-45 days after mating. You can trace the formation of babies, draw conclusions about their health and readiness for birth.
Psychological and physiological changes in later stages
It would seem that in the later stages the answer to the question of how to find out if a dog is pregnant becomes obvious. But still some people have problems. However, several characteristic features can be identified here:
- Each female has a nesting effect. From the 3rd week after fertilization until the very birth, the pet will begin to behave strangely: sleep in a box or other container; carry rags and blankets into it. This suggests that the pet has begun to arrange a home for its future cubs.
- The dog's uterus will noticeably increase in size in later stages. Accordingly, it will begin to compress the stomach and bladder. The dog will be satisfied with a small amount of food and will often go to the litter box.
- In the third trimester, the dog's weight will increase significantly. It will become difficult for her to walk. She will spend most of her time sleeping.
- If you put your hand on the animal's belly, you can feel slight movements. At a later date, the dots can be seen visually.
- Gradually it will begin to “round up”. Because of this, her gait may also change.
As for psychological signs, there is no objective version. Each organism begins to react to a new state in different ways. The dog may become calm and affectionate, aggressive, lazy, or its mood may not change at all.
Early signs of pregnancy in dogs
Any dog owner wants to know as soon as possible whether the mating was successful. An attentive owner will be able to detect pregnancy in the early stages if he observes the behavior of his pet. The dog behaves as usual after mating. The first sign may be a decrease in appetite. Fertilization occurred - the hormonal background began to change. And the dog feels it. The body is under stress. This can be reflected in poor health, lack of appetite, and anxiety.
You won’t believe it, but dogs can get toxicosis too! The body may react to pregnancy with vomiting and diarrhea. This is a temporary phenomenon that will not last long. Provide the animal with comfort and peace. Toxicosis is an early sign of pregnancy. If vomiting appears in the second month, this is a bad sign. In this case, you need to urgently consult a doctor. Changes in behavior may also indicate an “interesting” situation. An active dog can become affectionate and refuse vigorous games in favor of quiet evenings in the company of its owner. Aggression and anxiety may also occur. The animal can worry and react negatively to touch, especially in the back and abdomen.
A dog may become passive if it is frequently overcome by drowsiness. Some expectant mothers can literally sleep all day long. It is very important not to forget that decreased activity and lack of appetite also indicate the onset of the disease. Therefore, if your dog becomes passive and stops eating, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. He will be able to accurately determine whether such behavior is a disease or the whims of the expectant mother. In the second week of pregnancy, changes in the nipples may be observed. They swell and change color.
Modern diagnostics
Finding out on your own whether a dog is pregnant after mating is quite difficult. It is recommended to contact your veterinarian if any changes appear. A set of diagnostic measures carried out by a specialist will allow you to find out the exact answer to this question.
- The first thing he will do is conduct a palpation examination. At this stage, even he will not be able to make an accurate verdict, since there is a high probability that he will confuse the interesting situation with an intestinal disorder.
- In the second trimester of pregnancy, he will be able to listen to the dog through a stethoscope. The presence of heartbeats in the uterine cavity is the surest sign of pregnancy.
- After conception, a hormone is actively produced in humans - hCG, and in dogs - relaxin. Another type of diagnostic test is a blood test. It will reach the desired value only on the 28th day after conception.
- Of course, the most accurate answer can only be given by the result of a diagnostic examination (ultrasound or x-ray). It will reveal whether there is a fetus in the uterus. It will grow to visible size on the 16th day after conception. For this procedure, you will have to cut the hair from the dog’s belly and give it a sedative that is safe for its condition.
It is recommended to choose a qualified veterinary clinic that has modern equipment.
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.
First symptoms
The average length of pregnancy in dogs is about two months. However, the first signs begin to appear no earlier than the twenty-fifth day. As a rule, the animal experiences swelling of the mammary glands, and in some cases an enlarged abdomen is observed.
And if you are thinking about how to find out whether a dog is pregnant after mating or not, then remember that there are also indirect signs indicating the imminent appearance of offspring. Starting from the second or third week, the animal becomes lethargic. It can sleep for a long time and not respond to external stimuli.
Clinical signs
4 weeks after mating, it is already clear whether the dog is pregnant. Hormonal storms will subside, the behavior of your four-legged pet will return to normal. Puppies in the second month of pregnancy are actively growing. The dog's belly begins to round out. She often turns over in her sleep and can lie down on the bedding for a long time. There are signs by which one can judge the normal course of pregnancy. The animal has a good appetite. Moreover, if the expectant mother’s diet is prepared correctly, it is balanced and satisfying, then she will not eat for three. The usual amount of food is enough for her.
The dog protects its belly, allowing only its owner close to it. If the animal has previously had problems with the perception of strangers, then it may become aggressive towards strangers. Many animals don't like their bellies being touched. In addition, uterine tone appears. The abdomen becomes hard and elastic. This protects the growing puppies. The nipples swell, change color and become warm. They can fill with colostrum. Clear mucous discharge may appear from the genitals, especially after urination.
From 25-30 days, the puppies' heartbeat can be listened to with a stethoscope. When you touch the belly, you can feel the babies and their movements. Many veterinarians do not recommend performing an ultrasound before 35-40 days. This gestation period in dogs makes it possible to determine the number of puppies and judge their health.
Precautions during difficult times
Under no circumstances should the owner, out of curiosity, feel the dog’s belly, trying to understand whether embryos are developing there. The fact that the animal is bearing offspring can be confirmed by ultrasound. But there is no point in giving your pet this examination in the first three weeks after mating with a male dog. Most likely, there will not be a clear image of the embryos on the monitor. A good time for an ultrasound examination is the second month after conception. Then the specialist will be able to find out the number of future puppies and see how the babies develop.
The pragmatic owner is interested in how many puppies will be in the litter. After all, purebred babies can be sold. Finding out about the number of expected babies is also important in order to plan how the birth will take place. If the first pregnancy was multiple, and the dog’s health is not very strong, a home birth can be quite dramatic. The veterinarian warns the owner about possible problems.
It is worth noting that miscarriages and problematic births are common among miniature breed dogs. Embryos develop, and the character of the mother dog changes!
If your guesses about your pet’s pregnancy are correct, then by the beginning of the 2nd month there will no longer be any doubts about the interesting position of the bitch.
The development of embryos affects both the appetite of the expectant mother and her appearance. Before the beginning of the second month, the babies already take on the appearance of small dogs. True, they do not have woolen “clothes”. And before the thirty-seventh day of gestation, the process of formation of all important systems in the bodies of future puppies (including claws) is completed.
Here are the characteristic signs of pregnancy in dogs:
- The pet's mammary glands enlarge and change color (become darker).
- The animal pounces on food with a special appetite.
- The bitch's pregnant belly is clearly visible. At a late stage of gestation (forty-first to forty-third days after conception), the owner will be able to feel the fruits with his hand.
- Transparent mucus is released from the pet's loop.
A dog's pregnancy lasts two months (plus or minus ten days). The less time remains before giving birth, the more the pet’s character changes.
Sometimes a dog's behavior during pregnancy can simply shock the owner. The affectionate pet becomes suspicious and shows aggression towards its owners and other pets.
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.
Care instructions
Having figured out how to find out if a dog is pregnant, you need to learn how to properly handle it during this period. A bitch carrying puppies needs special care, since the health of the future offspring depends on this.
Throughout the entire period, you need to monitor the dog’s well-being and its diet. In addition, it is recommended to provide the animal with the opportunity to move actively, without allowing it to jump or run on stairs.
It is also important to provide your pet with daily walks in the fresh air. Some experts recommend protecting a pregnant dog from contact with other animals, since there is always a risk of contracting some kind of infectious disease.
Caring for a pregnant dog
After the planned mating, without waiting for the first signs of pregnancy to appear in the dog, the owners should begin to rearrange the schedule and diet. The animal's place should be large so that the expectant mother can lie comfortably even with a grown belly. If necessary, the sunbed can be increased. Females in position are more picky about bedding, as it is difficult for them to find a comfortable position. If your four-legged pet begins to refuse any foods, for example, eggs or milk, you should not force it. This can lead to dysbiosis and allergies. Early pregnancy in dogs is the time to take a course of vitamins. Calcium, magnesium, and ascorbic acid are especially necessary. These can be powders or biological additives.
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.
Also, a pregnant bitch should be protected as much as possible from jumping, falling, and active games with other animals. Be as careful as possible on stairs and avoid them if possible. Find a veterinarian in advance who will manage the pregnancy and deliver the baby. You can urgently contact him in case of force majeure situations. Pregnancy in small breed dogs is often carried out under close veterinary supervision, as many are unable to give birth on their own and will require surgery. Monitor the condition of the animal. Remember that during pregnancy all diseases worsen and possible health problems make themselves felt. For example, brachycephalics may have difficulty breathing, and large dogs may suffer from joint pain.
Features of feeding
Those who have already understood how to find out if a dog is pregnant will probably be interested in how to change their diet in connection with the new situation. Let us immediately note that in the first month there is no need to greatly adjust the animal’s menu. But it is important that your pet’s nutrition is complete and well-balanced.
But starting from the second half of the term, it will have to be reviewed. This is especially true for those owners who gave their animals industrial food.
A pregnant bitch's menu should include as many natural products as possible. And in the process of developing a new diet, you need to take into account that your pet should not overeat. In addition, it is recommended to give her additional vitamins and mineral supplements. But it is better if they are prescribed by a veterinarian, since an excess of one or another substance can lead to unwanted problems.
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.
Signs indicating that labor is approaching
Many inexperienced owners are afraid that they may miss this important point. To independently recognize the onset of whelping, you need to observe the behavior of the animal. One of the main signs of an approaching birth is the freezing of puppies. If you put your hand on the dog’s belly, but do not feel the babies moving, then in the near future they will be born.
Shortly before giving birth, the dog begins to show noticeable anxiety. This is especially true for first-time mothers. The animal may begin to tremble, whine or moan. He is experiencing increased breathing. Some dogs begin to rush around and tear up the bedding.
Many may refuse food, while others, on the contrary, eat a lot and enjoy going for walks. A few days before the upcoming birth, their loop softens and enlarges. In almost all animals, sagging of the back becomes noticeable. This is due to prolapse of the uterus. As a rule, on the eve of the birth of puppies, the dog’s body temperature drops significantly and heavy discharge appears.
Some people are convinced that there is no need to interfere with the natural process of childbirth, so as not to disturb the animal. However, in some cases, a woman in labor may need assistance. This is especially true for representatives of dwarf breeds. Their births are much more difficult than those of other relatives. The same applies to long-haired individuals, who cannot always gnaw the umbilical cord on their own. In such cases, the dog should be given immediate assistance. Otherwise, the process may take a long time, and there is a risk of losing the puppies.
