So, you found out the basic issues related to pregnancy, have found a suitable male for your dog and have already prepared for conception. The gestational age in dogs is about 60 days or 9 weeks during which your future puppies will develop from several creative cells up to the ideal form of a small dogs, ready to be born. This period will be exciting!
If you will use the instructions or guidance on pregnancy and follow them, you will always know that you can expect after a successful conception and right up to birth, so this can be really useful so check out our weekly pregnancy guide, it can help you in during the entire period of pregnancy.
First week: days 0-7
So your dog has ovulated and mated, although perhaps for successful fertilization, you will need to mate repeatedly. The countdown to childbirth begins with ovulation, however, independently control ovulation, without daily measuring your bitch’s temperature can be difficult. Your dog may begin to show some signs of morning sickness, also, as happens in humans. Be mindful of anyone potential signs of infection that could have been transmitted in knitting process. Light pink may appear on the dog’s vulva. discharge, which is the norm.
Maintain normal dog feeding and activity, but also consult your veterinarian regarding the use of vitamin supplements to support pregnancy and to adjust to the changing needs of the bitch.
Do not use any flea medications during pregnancy. worms without consulting your veterinarian.
Second week: days 7-14
During the second week of pregnancy, the cells that will be develop into future puppies, begin to grow and separate, after of this, these tiny embryos will sink into the uterus for the whole remaining pregnancy. Your dog during this period can continue to feed and train normally.
Third week: days 14-21
During the third week of pregnancy, the embryos will begin implant in the uterus, where they will receive vital nutrients. The fruit length at this stage is closer to one centimeter.
Continue feeding your dog normally, but start monitor her appetite increase and, with its growth, provide a dog with food corresponding to its increase. Do not harsh and unnecessary changes in her diet.
Fourth week: days 21-28
By the end of the fourth week of pregnancy, a veterinarian or experienced the breeder, with careful palpation of the abdomen, will be able to detect the presence of developing puppies. The fruits will begin eyes and spine develop, will also begin to take their shape faces. This week, the fruits will grow to a length of approximately 1.5 centimeter. Your bitch’s nipples can start to swell, and from the vulva transparent discharge may appear.
The fourth week of fetal development is considered one of the most the creative stages of pregnancy when growing puppies are most vulnerable to damage and developmental defects. At this stage for dogs should limit intense play and heavy physical load. Consult your veterinarian for possible bitch needs for food or vitamin supplements.
Fifth week: days 28-35
At this stage, amniotic fluid will increase in order to protect puppies after approximately 32 days of pregnancy, therefore you or your veterinarian will no longer be able to determine the presence of puppies with by palpation. By the end of the fifth week, puppies will become much less susceptible to defects and development problems. The fruits will begin fingers, claws and mustaches form, and also begin to develop male and female sexual characteristics.
The dog’s weight will increase markedly at this point, so you should increase feed if you haven’t already. You can start feeding more often, but little by little, and also start using food for puppies.
If you decide to get your dog an ultrasound scan during pregnancy to determine the number of puppies or identify any problems, then this, usually carried out in the fifth week.
Sixth week: days 35-42
For the sixth week of pregnancy, the dog’s stomach is significantly will increase and pregnancy will become apparent. Dog’s nipples will become noticeably darker. Puppies will begin to develop their hallmarks and skin pigmentation, which ultimately determines their color and appearance.
Increase your dog’s nutrition as much as she wants. Gradually increase the proportion of food for puppies in her diet, as well as You can add multivitamins to your food.
Start preparing a special place for childbirth and puppies (like a box), and make it comfortable and soft enough. Think about where you will place this box during childbirth and in the first weeks of puppy life, and encourage the dog to start to sleep there.
Seventh week: days 42-49
At this point, your bitch will start shedding belly hair for preparation for childbirth – this is completely normal and is not cause for concern! Puppies will continue to grow and develop, now they look almost completely formed.
By the end of the seventh week you should stop feeding the dog food for puppies and return to her usual regular diet, but with larger portions. This is a signal for the dog’s body to start stockpiling calcium, which is rich in puppy food, this The mineral is important in the late stages of pregnancy.
Eighth week: days 49-56
Be prepared for the end of the eighth week of pregnancy, puppies can be born at any time! Avoid any tense or active games that can stimulate the onset of labor, in ideally, your puppies should spend another whole week in the womb mothers. Your bitch is likely to nest at this point, and you can even see and feel the movement of puppies in her belly when she is lying.
By the end of the week, your bitch will start producing colostrum, which stands out in the last days of pregnancy and precedes the usual milk. Keep feeding her as much as she wants and get ready for childbirth!
Ninth week: days 56-64
Childbirth is coming … Make sure you cook everything necessary! By this time, your dog should know its place well. for nesting. She is likely to become calmer and closed than usual. Keep feeding your dog plenty, but be prepared that with the approach of childbirth, her appetite can greatly to decline.
A few hours before giving birth, the dog’s temperature drops about 1 – 1.5 degrees, therefore, to determine the beginning childbirth, begin to measure its temperature several times a day. AT in case the delivery is delayed for more than 60 days, check temperature every few hours day and night.
