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Pregnancy in Dogs - Caring For Your Pregnant Dog

2016/5/4 10:14:08

Pregnancy in dogs can be scary for the new owner. Here are a few facts about dog pregnancy so that you can recognize and be prepared for it, when and if it happens.

When dogs become pregnant, they go through various body changes. It is possible for a dog to become pregnant during the time she is on heat. This happens approximately twice a year. You can tell when a dog is on heat as they commonly have a natural bodily discharge at this time. should you not want your dog to become pregnant, it is wise to keep her away from other dogs until the end of her season.

Pregnancy in dogs can be recognized by possible changes in behavior such as loss of appetite and lethargy. There will also be changes around the nipple area which will start to develop due to hormonal changes. After a few weeks her appetite will return and she will start to put on weight. Her abdomen will grow noticeably during this time.

The first thing that is useful, is how to tell if your dog is going to have puppies. This may be something that your vet will have to verify if you suspect that this is what is happening to your dog. Your vet may know just by looking at the dog's stomach, because they have seen it so many times before. The vet may place their hands on the dog's stomach and feel for any puppies. He will be able to tell you more about the dog's pregnancy and usually even the time that you should expect your dog to give birth. This will help you better prepare for when to watch your dog closely so that you can tell when your dog is in distress and getting ready to have puppies.

Make sure that during the time your dog is pregnant that you provide good nourishing food to your dog. You need to take as good care of her as possible during this time. If you do not know how to feed your dog during this time, your vet can help to provide you with the information you need for feeding a pregnant dog. Exercise is very important when there is pregnancy in dogs. The dog will need to go for a walk each day. You can hold off on intense exercise that would not be good for the dog until after she has had her puppies.

Pregnancy in dogs is a time to build up your dog's health for the ordeal ahead. Make sure your dog has a good diet and the proper exercise each day during their pregnancy. When the time comes for your dog to have her puppies it is essential to have someone with her because of complications that may arise. If you have a dog that is at this stage, make sure she has a comfortable area lined with blankets or towels she can use to give birth. You will know when she is ready to give birth as she will act restless and reject all food. Your dog will then commence contractions, during which time the puppies will start to appear. Most times the birth will proceed normally and your dog's natural instincts will take over. Your role is purely as an observer and to be there if things start to go wrong. Some signs that all may not be well are if your dog appears distressed. This could be due to either a puppy that is stuck in the birth canal or some other interruption in the normal birth process. Make sure to call the vet straight away if you feel that things are not going as they should of if the mother is clearly distressed, having trouble breathing or vomiting.

Pregnancy in dogs usually proceeds smoothly without any problems. Just make sure you are with your dog in case of emergency and to bring comfort and companionship.

If you own a pregnant dog, do you know enough about pregnancy in dogs to be able to handle your dog's pregnancy and the impending birth process? Visit http://mydoghealthcare.com/ to discover more information on how to care for your pregnant dog.