Dogs and Pregnancy

An aspect of caring for the family dog includes how we care for her when she is pregnant. This is a time when dietary needs will change, behavior will be different, and she will need to feel secure as she, and you, prepare for her expected arrival.

Consideration should be made for your dog before pregnancy occurs. If pups are unwanted or you can't support them, a dog should not be in a position to be exposed to a male for breeding. As there is animal overcrowding in areas, if its determined the dog should never have pups, spaying is the only fool-proof option.

Mating in dogs occurs when a female dog in heat attracts a male. Female dogs usually go into heat about twice a year. Dogs remain in heat for about two weeks to 30 days. Gestation lasts approximately nine weeks, or 63 days . The dog should be on good, quality feed.

A dog's diet should not change noticeably for about five weeks. New vitamins or minerals should not be added now as babies can get birth defects from too much of certain nutrients. Around three weeks, the dog may experience some upset stomach and loss of appetite temporarily, similar to morning sickness. At about five weeks, she should have her food increase by about 25%, adding 25% weekly until birth. A prenatal vitamin may be added at about week five, provided by the veterinarian. By week seven, she will begin to sleep more.

The final three weeks she needs to be isolated from other dogs or animals and children should not have access to her either. She will be nesting. Another reason for the isolation from other dogs is canine herpes virus that can cause the mother a minor cold, but can cause her to abort or cause death in newborn puppies. This isolation should continue three weeks after birth. Continue feeding high-quality food for pregnant dogs for the full time she is breastfeeding her pups.

Caring for newborn puppies should be the exclusive task of the mother dog for at least the first three to four weeks, unless one of the pups needs care the mother cannot give. Make certain each pup is able to nurse . If any are not, bottle feeding of replacer milk may be necessary. Otherwise, puppies should not be handled except for to inspect to make sure they are healthy.

Vaccinations should be current before pregnancy, but it can be fatal to the puppy to vaccinate during pregnancy. When dogs are already properly vaccinated and healthy, she can pass on her immunity at birth and in the first milk (colostrum) and in the milk thereafter.

Parasite control is vital. Heartworm medicine should be continued as it is approved for pregnancy. Only approved flea control should be used, but it is very important so newborn pups are safe. Treating for roundworms and hookworms should be coordinated by vet so worm-free puppies may be born.

Caring for a pregnant dog can be quite a task and considerations must be made. But she is your family and she deserves it. She needs your forethought to give her and her pups the safest and most comfortable beginning possible.