First Pregnant dog

Question
Hi, this is my 1st time having a dog who is pregnant. I don't know what to look for, the vet told me a few things i could do but i think i need more info! What can i do to make this a smooth ride for her?

Answer
Hi Alex,

Congratulations on the impending puppies!

First, if you don't already know, the average gestation period for dogs is 60-63 days. Start counting from the first time you bred her.

Continue to take your dog on daily walks. It is important that she does not become overweight during this time and the walks will keep her in shape for delivery. Letting the dog run in the backyard is not equal to a walk, a walk is mental and physical exercise. During the last 3 weeks of gestation do not take her out and do not expose her to other dogs as added protection against disease.

It's important that you provide your pregnant dog with the proper nutrition. During the first 30 days of pregnancy she can eat her normal diet, as long as it is a high quality food. During the last month of pregnancy start switching her over to a high quality puppy food, make the diet change over a weeks time. Do not give vitamin supplements, a high quality food has plenty of nutrients. Also, be aware that some vitamin supplements may cause birth defects so check with your veterinarian before choosing to supplement.

After the puppies are born, let her eat as often and as much of the puppy food that she wants (and always have clean water available). Even still, it's normal for dogs to loose some weight after having a litter. If it seems excessive though, have your dog examined by your vet.

About two weeks prior to the expected delivery start to prepare a whelping box. The box should be deep enough to contain the puppies at 4 - 6 weeks of age. Cover the box with newspapers, sheets, towels, etc. Don't use anything you are attached to, whelping puppies is a dirty business. Have enough clean towels so that during the birthing process each new puppy will have it's own clean towel.

One week prior to whelping start taking the your dog's temperature rectally. A normal dog temperature will be 100.5 - 102.5, usually (but not always) about 24 hours before whelping her temperature will drop a few degrees. This will give you time to prepare.

These sites are very helpful:

http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-dogpregnant.htm

http://www.hilltopanimalhospital.com/whelping3.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/whelping.htm

Best of luck!
Patti