My dog is pregnant!

Question
I have 1 year old Red Nose Pit and she is pregnant I do not know ANYTHING about this I've never had a female dog, I've always gotten a male. So I need to know -everything- about this. Will it hurt her being so young? Will she lose the litter because it is her first? How do I care for newborn puppies? I didn't want her to get pregnant I kept her away from all the other dogs during heat but when I was at work my mother in law let her male pit in with her.

Answer
Hi Hayley.

I will not make mother in law jokes but I will think them.

Do you know the lines of both the dogs for at least 3 generations?  That's where you need to start.

Also with Pits, they are not prone to issue with whelping BUT they do have a higher rate of Demodex Mange which could be an issue.  I don't anticipate any issues unless she's a unhealthy dog to begin with.

You shouldn't be required to care for the pups, as the dam will do all the work.  

A healthy diet, exercise and plenty of fresh air is a good place to start.  Reading as much as you can on whelping is something else I would recommend.  

Good luck.