How long do pregnant Alabai dogs walk and how do they give birth?

Breeding dogs is not easy, especially when it comes to such a large breed as the Alabai. Although she is independent during the birth process, you need to be prepared for anything.

Also, the pregnancy of these dogs has its own characteristics that you need to know about. This article describes in detail the main stages of pregnancy in a dog and the nuances associated with labor.

Estrus

The first estrus occurs in Alabais at the age of 6-13 months and in length it is most often shorter than subsequent ones. The onset of estrus means that the dog is now ready to conceive and bear a child, but the mating process should be postponed until the third estrus, when the pet is already fully formed and it will be easier for her to endure pregnancy and childbirth.

Estrus repeats once every 7-8 months and has several phases:

Proetrus . Lasts 7-10 days. At this time, the bitch becomes attractive to the male, but does not yet allow him to approach her.
Estrus . Lasts 9-10 days. During this period, the female is ready for mating, the amount of estrogen in the blood reaches its maximum.
Matestrus . This is the period when the dog already refuses mating. During it, the pet’s sexual arousal subsides.
Anaestrus is a break between heats. Lasts until the onset of proestrus.

There are also certain signs by which you can determine the onset of estrus:

The dog goes to the toilet often.
The loop increases in size and swells.
Males begin to pay attention to the bitch.
The appetite changes: it may be increased or decreased, and the animal may also begin to eat everything indiscriminately.
The female often licks herself and often rubs her anus on the floor.

Changes in dog behavior

During estrus, even a well-trained female Alabai shows disobedience. The dog may become unusually affectionate or, conversely, overly aggressive, excitable or apathetic. A sudden change in appetite is possible. The pet becomes disobedient and does not respond to commands.

Physiological signs include:

in the first days the loop is stiff, but there is a small amount of discharge; frequent urination (this is how the Alabaya bitch puts marks, luring males); by the time of ovulation, the loop becomes swollen and soft, the discharge becomes pinkish and more intense; frequent licking of the loop; with the onset of estrus, the dog is ready for mating and, seeing a male dog, takes a characteristic position, moving its tail (it takes the same position when pressing the palm of the hand on the croup).

Deviations from the norm include:

weakness; complete refusal to eat for several days; presence of discharge for more than one month; extreme thirst; change in color of urine and stool.

Mating

Alabaev breeding should occur on the third heat. Before it, 1.5 months before, it is necessary to have your pet examined by a veterinarian, pass the necessary tests and get vaccinations if they were not done in a timely manner.

also important to choose the right partner, who should also be examined at the clinic . If you want to get healthy offspring, then both parents must be healthy and not have any pathologies or abnormalities.

There is no need to feed the animals before the process itself, you can only supply water. Mating should take place on the male’s territory, where he will feel confident. Mating should occur on the 10-14th day of estrus.

In order for the mating to end successfully, certain rules must be followed.:

If this is the first mating for a female, then she needs a more experienced partner.
The most favorable time for this process is the first half of the day.
Don't expect the dogs to attack each other right away; they need about half an hour to get to know each other.
If the mating is manual, then the owner of the male dog must help him get attached to the bitch.
You cannot interrupt the animal lock; it can last differently - from five minutes to half an hour.
In order for conception to occur with the greatest probability, the dogs must mate again after two days.

Alabaev mating

It is recommended to untie a bitch of this breed on the third heat, but mating is best done on days 9–14.
In the very first days after the bitch has “flowed”, you should call the owner of the selected male and agree with him on the time of mating. It is necessary to discuss in advance all the conditions and how payment will be made. Usually, mating is either immediately paid for on the spot, or the owner of the male takes one or two puppies as payment for mating.

In this case, you should remember:

Only healthy dogs with a balanced temperament and a stable psyche can be bred.
Before mating, it is necessary to show the bitch to a veterinarian.
3-4 weeks before estrus, it is necessary to give the bitch anthelmintic, since later, during pregnancy and nursing, this cannot be done.
For the first mating, you should select an experienced male.
It is advisable to invite an instructor who will tell you what to do if any difficulties arise.
As a rule, dogs are bred in the male territory: there he will behave more confidently.
It is better to knit dogs in the morning, without feeding them, but giving them a good walk.
It is advisable to have only three people present: the owner of the bitch, the owner of the dog and the instructor; strangers will only interfere.
Mating should be carried out in a calm environment.

There are two ways of knitting: freestyle and manual. In free mode, the dogs are left together for a while; in manual mode, the dogs are helped. The second method should be used only if the animals for some reason cannot breed on their own.

Both dogs should have collars, and if the “bride” is too obstinate, then she should be muzzled.

The owner of the bitch needs to hold her by the collar with one hand and under the belly with the other. A male dog usually does not need help, but sometimes, if he cannot reach the bitch’s loop, he has to be seated.

During mating, you should not shout at the dogs and, of course, under no circumstances should you force them apart. Owners should reassure their pets if they show indecisiveness, and, conversely, calm them down if they become overexcited.

One or two days after the main one, it is recommended to carry out a control mating, especially if there is no confidence that the first one was successful.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the female Alabai needs additional care and attention . You can notice that a dog has given birth only after a month due to swollen nipples and a slightly enlarged belly. Walks should be calm, away from other dogs that could touch or disturb the pregnant woman.

What should you pay attention to the first time?

The first pregnancy for a dog can be stressful if the owner does not show proper attention to the pet. You should be prepared that your dog may experience loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.

The behavior of the Alabai may also change, and in both directions. At the beginning of pregnancy, a dog shows both apathy to everything that is happening and becomes fussy.

Carefully monitor your pet's condition in order to document the onset of pregnancy in time.

Photo

Next in the photo you can see what a pregnant firstborn of the Alabai breed looks like.

How long does it take to bear puppies?

So how long does a pregnant dog walk? On average, an Alabai pregnancy lasts 62-64 days. If the number of puppies is large, then birth can begin on day 57-58. In case there are few of them - on day 65.

On the eve of the birth of the cubs

If this is the first birth for your Alabai, and you are not sure that you can cope, then it is better to call a veterinarian at home.

Before your dog gives birth, make sure you have the area prepared. Stock up:

disposable diapers;
first aid kit;
a notebook and pen where you will record the height and weight of newborn puppies;
a basket in which you put them when you clean the place;
a bottle of hot water if the bitch does not show proper attention to the puppy;
also scissors for cutting the umbilical cord in case the pet cannot cope on its own;
latex gloves.

The onset of labor is determined by the following signs:

The dog begins to worry.
The temperature rises to 39 degrees, and the day before it drops to 37.
The animal begins to breathe intermittently.
Within a day, the plug comes out of the loop, closing the opening to the uterus.

You need to make sure that labor begins exactly in the place that you have allocated for this. Prepare all the necessary items and do not leave your dog until the end of the process.

All about heat

How many days does an Alabai's heat last, and how to properly care for your four-legged friend during this problematic period - sooner or later every owner of a bitch of this breed will have to face this problem. As a rule, a female dog's first heat begins at the age of two years. There may be minor shifts for a couple of months.

Discharge in Alabais occurs once a year - from August to February. It is at this time that it is recommended to breed a dog. However, there are cases when the Central Asian Shepherd goes into heat twice a year. In this situation, it is better to start mating dogs in the spring.

Remember that mating Alabais, as well as all subsequent concerns associated with the bitch’s pregnancy and subsequent births, will not be cheap. It’s better to weigh the pros and cons in advance if you plan to breed. If the dog participates in exhibitions and receives good marks, its chances of a successful mating will only increase. But if, after several exhibitions, your pet continues to be without an “excellent” rating, it is not recommended to deal with it. Most likely, your costs will not pay off.

Childbirth

Puppies can come out with both their heads and tails, but always with the amniotic sac instead. It must be remembered that the number of placenta during childbirth should always be equal to the number of puppies born. The first newborns come out quickly, and then the interval may increase - this is also worth remembering.

Your first labor can be especially difficult, so it's important that you don't miss the start. If the dog is a “firstborn”, it may not be able to rupture the amniotic sac itself, so you will have to do it - rupture it, rub the puppy. If the mother herself has chewed the umbilical cord, then bring it to the nipples; if not, then do it yourself.

The birth process can last differently: from 2.5 hours to 16. After birth, all puppies must find and suck milk at their mother's breast.

How many puppies does it give birth to?

Usually, the Alabai gives birth to many puppies . On average, this is 6-10 puppies.

But here everything is individual, the number of kids can be much larger or smaller. The younger the bitch, the larger the litter she will produce.

Offspring in winter

It happens that a dog gives birth during the winter period . If the dog is in the yard, it still needs to be placed in a warm room to protect the mother and offspring from hypothermia.

The dog should not be in the cold or draft, and the recommended temperature is +26-+30 degrees.

Features of care

Considering the unbalanced behavior of the bitch during heat, the Alabai should be walked with a muzzle and only on a leash. The Central Asian Shepherd is a strong, robust animal. During this period, choose places for walking that are deserted and where there are no other dogs. If your pet is kept in the yard, lock it in a strong, secure enclosure. Males go to all sorts of tricks to get to a hot beauty.

The dog must be protected from stress, providing calm living conditions. is in heat
- a time when you cannot participate in exhibitions or make changes to the composition and nutritional standards.

To exclude problems with the genitourinary system, you should not take long walks in cold weather, allow the animal to lie on the ground or snow, or swim in open water.

In veterinary pharmacies or pet stores you can buy sanitary panties that do not allow odor to pass through, do not allow marking, and protect against infections. However, they cannot be worn for a long time. They create a greenhouse effect, which can lead to changes in microflora, the growth of pathogenic bacteria and various fungi. The Alabai bitch must lick her vulva herself.

Features of feeding

It is better to feed a pregnant Alabai with special food enriched with vitamins and beneficial elements; the food should be balanced. Make sure that the female does not overeat - this will negatively affect her health and the health of the puppies.

Pregnant bitch

Obesity can threaten a dog in the second period of pregnancy, when it is actively gaining weight. If this happens, she should be put on a diet - give less cereals and more greens.

A pregnant bitch's diet should include::

Raw meat and offal (for example, boiled liver).
Cottage cheese and porridge with milk.
Finely chopped greens and vegetables (except cabbage).

You can also give her artificial food, but it must be of high quality. Don't forget vitamin and mineral supplements.

From the fourth week, the number of feedings and food increases, and in the second half of pregnancy the dog should eat 30-40% more food than before , and the increase comes from protein foods. From the 8th week, meat is replaced with sea fish, by the 9th week the amount of food is reduced by 20-25%, the dog is fed 4-6 times a day.

A few days before giving birth, fish and meat are completely excluded from the menu.

Nutrition for a nursing shepherd

Immediately after birth, the dog can be given only water . On days 2-3, it is allowed to give only liquid and nutritious, but not fatty foods. Gradually begin to introduce the bitch's usual food. To improve lactation, give weak tea with milk.

It must be remembered that fresh meat is a natural source of proteins that are necessary for a nursing mother and puppies. You need to feed her at least 3 times a day.

Breeding dogs is not easy, but your efforts will pay off in any case. The main thing is to calculate your moral and material strength. This hard work will bring you not only joy in the future, but also additional income, because each of the puppies born will have to find a new owner.

Preparation for mating

Mating of Alabai occurs at 3-4 heats. Mating a younger dog can lead to pathologies of internal organs and death of the puppies. Up to two or three years, the owner should keep a diary and write down in it how long the stages last, what is the intensity of the discharge, the condition of the loop, reaction to male dogs, and the peculiarities of the bitch’s domestic behavior during estrus.

Based on these records, you can calculate the days of the next heat. Three months before mating, you must take the dog to a veterinarian for examination. At this time, an analysis is carried out for infectious agents that do not cause concern to the bitch, but often cause early mortality in puppies.

At the same time, deworming and flea and tick prevention are carried out. If estrus coincides with scheduled vaccinations, or a hidden infection is found in the bitch’s body, it is necessary to skip this year. Remember that delaying the time of ovulation with the help of hormonal drugs has a negative impact on the health of the dog and its offspring.

How long after mating do dogs give birth and how many puppies can there be in a litter?

It is impossible to say exactly how long a dog’s pregnancy lasts, since this period depends on how pregnant she is, as well as many other factors: breed, health of the female, number of fetuses, etc. The average duration of this process – about 2 months, or more precisely 55–65 days. The owner of the bitch should count 55 days from the date of mating (the first of which is organized no earlier than 1.5 years). Starting from this day, your pet may experience contractions at any time. If a dog's pregnancy lasts more than 70 days, it should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

It is also difficult to say how many puppies a dog will produce. The number of fetuses is influenced by the breed, size and age of not only the expectant mother, but also the father. Females of large breeds usually give birth to 7–10 puppies, sometimes 12, small dogs – 2–4 puppies. In primiparous and elderly animals, as a rule, the number of puppies in one litter is less than in young and already giving birth.

Place for birth

If the bitch previously had problems with bearing and giving birth to puppies, she could not give birth on her own, or the offspring turned out to be non-viable, then the next birth of the dog is carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. To do this, she is taken to the clinic. A healthy dog gives birth on its own, without outside help. The main thing is to prepare a place where she could retire during childbirth. This could be a bedding in some corner or a cardboard (wooden) box with high sides.

The bottom of the box is covered with old rags in several layers to make the animal comfortable. You will also need to prepare bedding to replace the one that is dirty (amniotic fluid, afterbirth comes out).

The animal must have its own place

You should not allow your pet to give birth on the sofa or bed. The furniture will be damaged. The animal is shown a box prepared for it in advance. It is advisable to place it where the bitch usually sleeps or eats. If the dog does not react to the box or does not want to get into it, they force it into it for a week, leaving it alone with its favorite toy or treat.

When does an Alabai go into heat after giving birth?

In order for future pregnancy and childbirth in Alabai to be successful, thorough preparation is required for mating. To do this, you should know what is typical for the process of puberty in a representative of this breed. Physically, a dog’s body becomes ready for mating and childbirth at the age of 8–12 months.

Nevertheless, it is better not to rush into mating dogs: at 8 months, pregnancy for an animal is a serious test that will entail stress for the body. Moreover, such a problem can affect not only females, but also males. The thing is that mating a dog, if it occurs at too early an age, also causes various diseases, which you will have to fight for quite a long time.

If you look at the recommendations of experts, it is believed that males can be bred at the age of 24 months, and females at 20 months.

There is no point in saying that these indicators are truly accurate, since much depends on the individual characteristics of the dog’s puberty. That is why, first of all, you need to pay attention to how your pet is in heat.

Most owners focus on the third heat, believing that it is during this period that the bitch is finally ready to mate and bear puppies.

All about heat

How to prepare and carry out mating

In order for an adult Alabai bitch to successfully become pregnant, it is necessary to prepare for mating. First of all, you are required to regularly keep a special diary. Here, write down in detail the features of each heat, including its frequency, the nature and intensity of discharge, the condition of the loop, as well as the reaction to the male.

In this case, you will accurately determine the moment that is optimal for planning the dog’s mating. About a month and a half before knitting an alabai, be sure to check the health status of your pet. To do this, it is advisable to conduct a special medical analysis, the main purpose of which is to identify hidden anaerobic infections. This includes staphylococci, streptococci, etc.

As a rule, your pet may not have external manifestations of these ailments. However, it is often these diseases that cause the death of puppies at an early age. A month before the start of estrus, it is also recommended to treat the bitch for skin parasites. Give preference to non-toxic drugs. The mating itself, as a rule, takes place 9–14 days after the start of estrus.

Mating is carried out in two ways:

free. This method is applicable if the bitch has already shown a clear interest in the male, and he, in turn, has some experience in this matter;
manual. There are times when a bitch does not allow a male dog to approach her. In this case, it is better to put a muzzle on her so that she does not bite him. In this case, during the mating process, you will need to hold your pet by the collar and belly.

In order for the mating of adult Alabais to be effective, the procedure will need to be repeated after 1–2 days. Dogs should be brought together in the morning after an active walk. It is not advisable to feed them before mating.

Pregnancy and dog care

The gestation period for an Alabai female is 60–65 days.

A month after mating, she gains weight and becomes quite aggressive towards other females. Already in the fifth week, changes are noticeable to the naked eye: the abdomen in the rib area increases. About a week before the onset of labor, a pregnant dog begins to look for a secluded place. Create a small corner for her where she will feel comfortable.

How to prepare for and deliver a baby

When the pregnancy is coming to an end, it is very important to competently provide assistance to your pet. What’s interesting is that Alabais have a large litter: 6–10 puppies; cases of 17–20 babies being born from one bitch are not uncommon.

As soon as you notice the first signs of labor, be sure to wash the dog’s perineum and belly with warm water and toilet soap, and then wipe dry. Typically, a dog breeder's task is to monitor a woman in labor and receive newborn puppies.

It is recommended to immediately clear their muzzle of mucus and amniotic fluid.

From the moment of acquiring a powerful dog, the owner of a female Central Asian Shepherd dog needs to know when the Alabai begins its first heat.

Future breeders will need this information to correctly determine the optimal age of the dog for the upcoming mating.

It is also very important for owners of bitches who do not plan to breed shepherd dogs not to miss periods of estrus in order to avoid unplanned pregnancy and childbirth of their pet.

What to do if the Alabai is not in heat or the heat does not stop?

There are a huge number of factors leading to the pathological course of the reproductive cycle. Estrus can be short, hidden, long or protracted. The following estrus pathologies can be distinguished.

The pathology is observed both in young females who have reached reproductive age and in mature females. In the female body, the ovaries are constantly at rest, so ovulation and characteristic changes in the genital organs and behavior do not occur. You can induce estrus with the help of hormonal drugs, which should be prescribed by a veterinarian after examining the animal.

It is manifested by the presence of bloody discharge for longer than the 21st day, a bright red color of the vulva, the appearance of symmetrical alopecia, roughening of the skin of the external genitalia, refusal to feed and lethargy of the dog. Hormonal agents are used for treatment.

A failure in the estrus cycle of an Alabai is a reason to consult a doctor

Matings do not lead to the long-awaited pregnancy. This condition is fraught with the development of pyometra and the death of the female individual. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease; the animal is prescribed a course of hormonal drugs or the uterus is removed.

With pathology, there are no characteristic changes in the vulva and the behavior of the female, the bitch continues to allow males to approach, and a small amount of mucus is periodically released from the swollen loop. Sexual dysfunction is treated with hormonal medications.

All changes in the sexual cycle are caused by hormonal imbalance, which can be caused by oncology, diseases of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland, cystic neoplasms, pyometra, and metritis. If the Alabai does not end in heat, or there is no period of sexual arousal after the age of 1.5 years, it is recommended to urgently consult a specialist.

Estrus is a very important process in the life of the Alabai bitch and her owner. While an Asian woman, under the influence of hormones, dreams of love with a male dog she likes, the owner needs to maintain hygiene in the dog’s area and prevent unwanted pregnancy. Studying the physiology and manifestations of estrus will be useful for successful mating and obtaining charming fluffy Central Asian Shepherd puppies.

Source: https://rody-beremennost.ru/rozhdenie/kogda-nachinaetsya-techka-u-alabaya-posle-rodov

How do the first and subsequent heats of Alabais go?

From the moment of acquiring a powerful dog, the owner of a female Central Asian Shepherd dog needs to know when the Alabai begins its first heat.

Future breeders will need this information to correctly determine the optimal age of the dog for the upcoming mating.

It is also very important for owners of bitches who do not plan to breed shepherd dogs not to miss periods of estrus in order to avoid unplanned pregnancy and childbirth of their pet.

Proestrus

Pre-estrus or the beginning of estrus lasts 9-12 days. During this period, the female’s body produces estrogens, which stimulate the maturation of the egg. Swelling of the vulva and the appearance of slight bleeding may be observed. Males are already beginning to show interest in females, but females react quite aggressively to males.

Estrus (estrus)

The duration of estrus in the Alabai is 10-15 days. At this time, ovulation occurs and the genitals produce a mucous secretion for better movement of sperm to the egg. Signs of estrus are:

softening of the vulva;
mucous light yellow discharge from the loop.

Males begin to actively react to the bitch.

Diestrus or metestrus

The period lasts 60 days. Regardless of whether mating has occurred or not, the hormonal levels in the animal’s body change. Females begin to be aggressive towards males. There is a decrease in swelling and a decrease in mucous discharge.

Anestrus

Anestrus lasts 200-250 days. The resting period of the ovary is characterized by a closed, dense vulva and a calm attitude of the bitch towards the opposite sex.

No heat

The pathology is observed both in young females who have reached reproductive age and in mature females.

In the female body, the ovaries are constantly at rest, so ovulation and characteristic changes in the genital organs and behavior do not occur.

You can induce estrus with the help of hormonal drugs, which should be prescribed by a veterinarian after examining the animal.

Prolonged proestrus

A failure in the estrus cycle of an Alabai is a reason to consult a doctor

Prolonged estrus

With a prolonged stage of estrus beyond the 21st day, bitches exhibit a characteristic positive reaction to males, constant secretion of pink-yellow mucus, swelling and sagging of the loop, increased thirst and temperature, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Matings do not lead to the long-awaited pregnancy. This condition is fraught with the development of pyometra and the death of the female individual. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease; the animal is prescribed a course of hormonal drugs or the uterus is removed.

Prolonged diestrus

With pathology, there are no characteristic changes in the vulva and the behavior of the female, the bitch continues to allow males to approach, and a small amount of mucus is periodically released from the swollen loop. Sexual dysfunction is treated with hormonal medications.

Source: https://ProAlabaev.ru/zdorovie/techka