A Guide to Dog Pregnancy

There’s nothing quite as cute as a fluffy little puppy. We want to help ensure that all puppies are not only cute but have a healthy start to life. Dog pregnancy is an exciting and central period for dog breeders and owners. Understanding the process from breeding to whelping helps ensure a safe and healthy experience for both the mother and her puppies.  

At Vitalize®, our team of dog lovers wants to ensure your dog’s pregnancy goes without a hitch. If there is one thing we know, nutrition for pregnant dogs is vitally important – not just for the mama, but also for those developing pups. But nutrition is just one aspect of dog pregnancy. Care that comes full circle is at the heart of everything we do. Therefore, we wanted to share this information with our fellow canine caretakers.  

Remember, Vitalize is a line of supplements for dogs with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. Our goal is to make an undeniable impact on every animal.  

This guide covers everything you need to know about dog pregnancy, from signs and stages to care and delivery. 

Understanding Dog Pregnancy  

Dog pregnancy, or gestation, lasts about 58 to 68 days, averaging around 63 days. The duration varies depending on the breed, health, and individual dog.  

You might wonder when can dogs get pregnant in their heat cycle? Pregnancy typically occurs during estrus, which happens about a week after the onset of heat.  Once the female dog is settled, that is when her gestation begins. Knowing the signs and stages of pregnancy helps ensure proper care throughout the journey. 

Signs of Dog Pregnancy  

Recognizing pregnancy in dogs can be challenging initially. Their mood and appetite both fluctuate so and can go either way. Here are some common signs: 

• Behavioral Changes: Increased affection or withdrawal 
• Physical Changes: Enlarged abdomen, weight gain 
• Appetite Fluctuations: Increased or decreased food intake 
• Enlarged or Darkened Nipples: Preparing for milk production 
• Decreased Activity: Increased tiredness and rest 

Diagnosing Dog Pregnancy  

Even before you breed your dog, we recommend establishing a relationship with your veterinarian. Your animal doctor knows what’s best for your dog. Listen to him or her, and make sure to have your dog examined annually. That is the best way to build a veterinary-client relationship between your dog and the vet. That also helps with dog anxiety, and the dog won’t think going to the vet has to be just for troubleshooting or sickness.  If you suspect your dog is pregnant, a veterinarian can confirm it through: 

• Palpation: Feeling for developing puppies in the uterus, from 28-30 days 
• Ultrasound: Detects pregnancy as early as 25 days 
• Hormone Tests: Measures relaxin levels, confirming pregnancy 
• X-ray: Best for determining the number of puppies, after 45 days 

Stages of Dog Pregnancy 

Dog pregnancy is divided into three trimesters 

First Trimester (0-21 Days) 

Fertilization and embryo implantation occur. Signs of pregnancy are minimal. 

Second Trimester (22-42 Days) 

Notable physical changes happen to the female, including a growing belly. Her appetite increases. 

Third Trimester (43-63 Days) 

Rapid fetal development takes place. The mama dog begins nesting in preparation for labor. 

Caring for a Pregnant Dog  

Proper care is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. Nutrition is always important to a pregnant animal. Wondering what to feed a pregnant dog? Provide a high-quality, protein-rich diet and consult your veterinarian about prenatal vitamins. 

Pregnancy doesn’t stop exercise. Moderate activity is recommended; however, avoid excessive exertion. You don’t want to wear out that mama. Visit the vet regularly for health monitoring. 

Provide a quiet and stress-free space for your expectant mama. Make sure the whelping box is in a quiet, warm, low-traffic area. Your dog will likely nest in the whelping box during her last week of pregnancy. 

Whelping 

Whelping is the technical term for when a female dog gives birth. This is an exciting time for both you and the dog, but you should remain calm to keep the new mother calm, too. We have created a whelping supply list for your convenience: 

Supplies Checklist 

• Clean towels and blankets to clean off and dry the puppies. 
• Sterile scissors and umbilical clamps to cut umbilical cords if necessary. 
• Disposable gloves for handling the pups.  
• Thermometer to monitor the temperature of the whelping box for comfort. 
• Heating pad or heat lamp – help keep the new puppies warm and safe. 
• Clipboard or notepad to record births and weights. 
• Digital scale for weighing puppies so you can monitor their growth and performance or weight loss if they get sick or weak. 

Preparing for Whelping 

• Create a Whelping Box: A whelping box is a comfortable, clean and warm space for delivery. These can be made from a variety of materials. The primary thing to remember is to make sure there is a soak-proof pad lining it, and a comfortable bed for the mama and her puppies. 
• Monitor Body Temperature: A drop in temperature below 99°F signals labor is near. Keep an eye on the mama. Be sure to have supplies like dry towels available and a notepad to record births. 
• Recognizing Labor Signs: Restlessness, panting, nesting and contractions indicate labor is forthcoming.  

The Whelping Process  

Labor occurs in three distinct stages. Although most births go unassisted it is a good idea to remain with your dog during Stage 2 to ensure that she has no issues and to account for all the placentas. Let’s explore the stages: 

Stage 1  

Restlessness, contractions, and nesting behavior (lasting 6-12 hours) 

Stage 2  

Active delivery of puppies. Each birth takes 20-60 minutes, with up to 2-hour gaps between pups.  

Stage 3  

Expulsion of the placenta after each puppy. We recommend recording each pup and placenta to ensure that your mama dog ejects each placenta. Retained placentas can cause serious health issues for the mother. 

Vitalize Plays a Role in a Healthy Dog Pregnancy 

Dog pregnancy is a short-lived part of your dog’s journey; however, it is important in welcoming new puppies to the world! Hopefully, before your mama dog was even bred, her diet included a product from Vitalize. 

Vitalize is a line of supplements with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing.  

Vitalize products are powered by two proprietary ingredients: AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility, and MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid.   

Studies show that dogs fed Amaferm experience better health outcomes during birthing, early life care, and breeding.    

Vitalize offers 5 products for a healthy dog. There are two products we highly recommend for healthy mamas and their pups, and the other three target specific needs. 

Vitalize® Dog Gel 

Vitalize® Dog Gel is great for trips to the vet, especially for the new pups – or any new, stressful situation. A healthy dog starts with a healthy gut. Vitalize Dog Gel is a prebiotic and nutrient-rich gel for dogs designed to give immediate support to the digestive and immune systems. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility and MOS, which helps normalize gut microflora and supports the immune system. The Vitalize Dog Gel works fast to support appetite and hydration. Consider giving it to the new mother after whelping or to any dog during a stressful situation. 

Vitalize® Dog    

Vitalize Dog is a granular vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs designed to support breeding and performance. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, omegas for healthy skin and hair and a high-quality blend of vitamins and minerals for daily support of any diet.     

For GI Health 

Vitalize® Alimend® K9     

Vitalize Alimend K9 is a liquid product for dogs that supports gastric health and GI tissue and may relieve occasional gastric issues. In addition to Amaferm, it contains MHB3®, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that coats the stomach and supports GI tissue integrity. It also contains beta-glucans to support the gut and immune system.     

For Joint Health 

Vitalize® Trixsyn® Canine     

Vitalize Trixsyn Canine is a liquid product for dogs. Trixsyn products feature MHB3, a patented high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This ingredient supports hip and joint health and boosts mobility.     

Vitalize® Trixsyn® Canine Performance     

Vitalize Trixsyn Canine Performance is a liquid product for dogs that supports total mobility utilizing hyaluronic acid. It supports hip, joint, and soft tissue health. The performance formula helps maintain a normal inflammatory response and supports normal exercise recovery.   

Get your Vitalize Today!      

Up the game on your dog nutrition, by providing it Vitalize as part of its daily diet. Get your Vitalize today. We have made purchasing Vitalize as easy as possible.     

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