Some dog owners are more than welcome to discover their dog is pregnant; for others, it's something they're completely unprepared for.

Featuring everything you need from the early stages of pregnancy, the signs of pregnancy in dogs, weeks of pregnancy and the number of puppies you could expect; this is everything about dog pregnancy and how you know your dog is pregnant.

A female dog (bitch) can produce up to two litters of puppies every year, which can be a big responsibility. If you don't want to take on a litter of puppies, you should consider having your female dog neutered.

If you do decide to breed from your bitch, or you discover that your bitch is pregnant unexpectedly, there are things to consider to ensure your dog and her puppies are fit and healthy.

When Can a Dog Get Pregnant?

The first season, also known as "heat", occurs between 6 months and 18 months of age. Dogs shouldn't be allowed to have puppies until they're fully grown and mature.

However, it's not recommended to allow a bitch to become pregnant in her first season. Depending on the breed, it's generally recommended not to breed until a bitch is between 2 and 5 years old.

Can a Dog Get Pregnant When Not in Heat?

Most bitches regularly come into heat every 5 months to a year. Each time she's in heat, she goes through the oestrous cycle.

Each cycle lasts around 3 weeks, and bitches are most receptive to mating at about 10-14 days into the cycle. Bitches can only get pregnant when in heat, but some may not show any obvious signs.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Pregnant?

You may notice an enlarged abdomen, enlarged teats, teats leaking milk, weight gain and changes in their behaviour and appetite. Dogs may even experience "morning sickness" in the same way pregnant people do.

Can You Do a Pregnancy Test on a Dog?

Dog pregnancy testing is best left to your vet. It can be very difficult to be certain your pooch is pregnant. Abdominal palpation (a physical examination of the tummy using the hands) should be performed by your vet. Don't attempt this yourself, as you could damage the developing puppies and cause discomfort to your dog.

Your vet can also perform a dog pregnancy ultrasound scan around 3-4 weeks after the second mating. The scan will show if they're pregnant, and whether the puppies are alive at the time of the scan. Specialist vets with advanced scanning equipment and training may be able to provide more information if needed. 

Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs

Sometimes bitches can develop a "phantom pregnancy" or pseudopregnancy. They'll show nesting behaviour, may even show mammary development, and produce some milk, but aren't pregnant. A phantom pregnancy will last 2-3 weeks.

How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

The normal length of a dog pregnancy, also known as your dog's "gestation period", is 63 days - just over two months. But this can range from 60 to 70 days; the variation in pregnancy length makes it hard to accurately predict the due date.

The number of puppies in a litter varies by breed of dog, but expect anything from 1 to 15 puppies in a litter. That said, most litters average between 5 and 6 new arrivals.

What Are the Stages of Dog Pregnancy?

During the early stages of your dog's pregnancy, fertilised eggs are implanted in your dog's womb. You're unlikely to notice any signs of pregnancy at this stage, and it may take veterinary expertise to tell if a dog is pregnant.

Between weeks 3 and 6 of a dog's pregnancy, the developing embryos are growing and developing into tiny puppies. From week 6 to 9 or 10, the puppies continue to grow, and your dog's body prepares for giving birth.

What to Feed a Pregnant Dog

You will need to feed your dog high-quality, higher-calorie food during pregnancy, and like humans, you can expect her to gain weight.

When it comes to feeding your pregnant dog, it's important to get advice from your vet. This is especially true if your dog has any specific dietary requirements or medical conditions to consider. It's important to make any dietary changes slowly to prevent any risks of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Week-by-Week Guide to Feeding a Pregnant Dog

• Weeks 1 - 2: No extra feed is required if your dog was a healthy weight pre-pregnancy.
• Week 3: There may be a temporary reduction in your dog's appetite.
• Weeks 4 - 5: Gradually increase daily food intake. Aim for your dog to be eating around 25-50% more calories than usual by the time she gives birth. You may need to move her on to a higher-calorie food (as recommended by your vet) as heavily pregnant bitches may be unable to consume enough of a lower-energy diet.
• Weeks 6 - 9: Provide several small feeds daily because space in her tummy will get smaller as the puppies grow.

If your dog is on any medication, contact your vet to make sure it's appropriate for her to continue taking her prescription while pregnant. They'll also be able to give you advice on worming and flea treatments through the gestation period.

How Much Exercise Should a Pregnant Dog Get?

When it comes to exercising a pregnant dog, you're fine to go ahead and continue with your normal routine. But avoid hard physical activity, particularly in the very early stages and later stages of pregnancy.

How to Prepare for Your Dog Giving Birth

This is an exciting time, but preparation is everything to ensure the safe arrival of your pooch's pups!

Make sure you have a big enough whelping or birthing box for the newborn puppies. This is simply a large bed with raised sides. It should be large enough for your bitch to move about, stretch out, and have space for the pups, too.

The sides should be raised to keep the puppies in, but low enough that the bitch can get in and out easily. Prepare the whelping box a few weeks before the puppies are due so Mum can get used to sleeping in it and is settled for the birth. Water should be provided, but raised off the ground, so that puppies can't fall into it.

What Are the Signs a Dog Is in Labour?

There are three stages of labour in dogs, and each stage your dog will go through different experiences. Understanding the stages of dog labour and how long it can last will help you prepare.

Dog Labour Stage 1

Stage one usually lasts 12-24 hours. Mum may show changes in behaviour, such as restlessness and 'nesting'. She may also refuse to eat and possibly vomit. Panting and trembling may occur.

The uterus (womb) will be contracting, and the cervix will dilate. Although you might see a clear and watery vaginal discharge, you won't notice abdominal contractions or straining at this stage.

Dog Labour Stage 2

Stage two is labour and occurs separately for each puppy. It begins when the bitch starts straining and ends when a puppy is born. Typically, there shouldn't be more than 1 - 2 hours between puppies, although it varies greatly, and your dog's vaginal discharge during stage two may be clear or bloody. Typically, bitches continue to nest between deliveries and may nurse and groom puppies.

Dog Labour Stage 3

Stage three is the delivery of the placenta. The placenta is attached to Mum's womb throughout pregnancy and connects to the puppy via the umbilical cord.

After birth, the umbilical cord breaks, and the placenta then detaches from the womb and is passed out of the vagina. Bitches often deliver puppies and placenta alternately until delivery is complete, but sometimes two puppies will be born, followed by two placentae.

How Do You Help a Dog Give Birth?

Most dogs give birth naturally without human assistance, but you should stay close by to monitor your dog's health. Problems may occur if the bitch's birth canal is too narrow, the pups are too large, or they're badly positioned, or if the bitch (or her uterine muscles) becomes exhausted through a long whelping.

Keep a check that the same number of placentas and puppies have been delivered. Retained placentas can make the bitch poorly and will need veterinary attention.

When to Speak to Your Vet

Call your vet if there has been active, vigorous straining for 30 minutes without any sign of a puppy, or if a puppy is visible but hasn't been born within 10 minutes. Very bloody or dark, smelly discharge can indicate that things aren't going smoothly, and you should contact your vet.

Rarely, bitches may attack their puppies, and some may even try to eat their puppies. In this scenario, remove the puppies to a safe and warm container and call for veterinary advice.

A dog pregnancy can be a joyous time, and the safe arrival of beautiful, healthy puppies is always exciting. It's important to work closely with your vet to care for your pregnant dog. This will ensure your dog and her puppies stay in the best possible health, and you can feel confident you have the support you need, too.

Everypaw Dog Insurance

Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.

Please be aware, treatment related to pregnancy, giving birth or breeding and any complications caused by them is not covered.

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