Dog Pregnancy 101

Here is a crash course in dog pregnancy for dog owners:

• Normal length of a dog pregnancy is 63 days.
• Pregnancy in your dog can be detected by a belly palpitation at 3-5 weeks gestation.
• Abdominal x-rays can be used to determine exactly how many puppies at 45-50 days of gestation.
• Symptoms of a pregnant dog include increased sleeping, eating and urinating.
• The size of your dog's litter depends on her breed and that of her suitor. Larger dogs will typically have more puppies than smaller dogs.
• The pregnant dog's diet should be either a high quality or a puppy diet to meet the needs of both mom and her puppies. Feed your dog more frequently toward the end of her pregnancy to compensate for her enlarged uterus.
• Do not give additional calcium to your dog, lest she contract preeclampsia. This also includes vitamins A and D, as they are harmful to her puppies. However, calcium may be given after delivery.
• Give your dog fatty acids, folic acid and other B vitamins, as directed by your vet.
• Once your dog's pregnancy is confirmed you should make a whelping box, or a place for your dog to give birth.
• The whelping box should be in a low traffic area of your home, the laundry room, for example, to give your dog some privacy.
• About a week before birth, encourage your dog to stay in the whelping box to get acquainted with it.
• You can take a dog's rectal temperature daily during the last week of pregnancy as a drop in temperature signals the beginnings of labor. Normal rectal is 100-102.5 F.
• A week before labor your dog may have a clear mucus discharge as the mucus plug breaks down. If you notice any blood, or green or black discharge, contact your vet immediately.
• During the first stage of labor, your dog will appear restless and may begin to pant.
• Vomiting and a lack of appetite are common during the first stage of labor.
• Some dogs exhibit nesting behavior when in labor such as digging or tearing up papers.
• The first stage of labor can last anywhere from 6-24 hours and may not be recognizable to the dog owner.
• The second stage of labor for your dog is passing, or birthing, each puppy.
• The third stage of dog labor is the passing of the placenta and afterbirth. Stages two and three of canine labor alternate until all puppies are born.
• Puppies can sometimes be passed still encased in the membrane sac. The sac needs to be removed as soon as possible so the puppy doesn't suffocate. Let the mother attempt this first within a few seconds of birth.
• You can remove the sac with your fingers and rubbing the puppy to stimulate breathing.
• Puppies are born 45-60 minutes apart. Typically dogs will strain for about 10-30 minutes for each puppy.
• Dogs should not rest for more than 4 hours between puppies. If you know there are more puppies and your dog is no longer actively in labor, consult a vet.
• Dogs will have a brown to reddish discharge for about 6 weeks after birth.
• Let your dog take care of her puppies.
• Consult a vet if your dog is lethargic or does not attend to one or more of her puppies.
• After birth your dog will want to stay in a nice quiet place for a few days.

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