Preparing for childbirth is an exciting and important process, as for the owner of the dog, and for his pet. Special experiences cause future births if the animal that gave birth for the first time and the owner does not have experience tracking pet status. You can prepare by learning signs of childbirth in a dog from special literature, but you can consult a veterinarian. The second way to get information preferable since the literature describes an ideal case or an example of one animal. The veterinarian will be able to give information based on practical experience.
Content
- 1. Stages of pregnancy
- 2. Signs of an approaching birth
- 3. What you need to know before delivery
Stages of pregnancy
Each animal has a tribal memory that will help him. give birth to healthy offspring on their own. The question arises – why it is necessary to monitor the development of pregnancy if the dog herself in forces to cope with this process? Pregnancy is the period when in the body of the dog is a restructuring that promotes safe bearing, development of offspring and childbirth. 
These changes may have various, including negative consequences for animal health – exacerbation of chronic pathologies, the emergence of new diseases. Therefore, in time to identify all negative changes, you need to know the criteria, by which assess the condition of the animal and the course of pregnancy on throughout the entire period of its development.
The entire period of pregnancy from the moment of fertilization to the appearance to light puppies, averages 63 days. Fluctuations in timing or the other side depends on many factors:
- with multiple pregnancy, this period is reduced, and with pregnancy 1-2 fetuses – lengthens. This is because when a large number of fruits, they more intensively stimulate the birth activity, actively moving towards the “exit”;
- in dogs of small breeds, gestational age is reduced to 59-60 days, in females of large and giant breeds, timely may be delivery on day 56-72;
- the period of pregnancy may also depend on the age of the dog. FROM By age, the number of puppies in the litter decreases, which means that the terms are increasing.
The gestation period varies even in the same individual, therefore, it is necessary to navigate in the signs corresponding to each of the three stages into which the entire period is conditionally divided pregnancy:
- Early period (0-3 weeks) – at this stage is not observed changes in the dog’s usual way of life. Her activity remains previous, but in some cases symptoms may occur toxicosis and increase sleep time. Do not limit the dog to walks or games. Also, the usual feeding regimen does not change. IN a hot period of time must be monitored so that the bitch does not overheated, and there was no dehydration of the body. In this period (15-17 days) there is a risk of failure in the formation of the fetus, therefore it is worth paying attention to the unusual behavior of the animal.
- Medium (3-6 weeks) – during this period are observed visually changes in body proportions, physiological signs appear preparation for childbirth – swelling and pigmentation of the mammary glands, the stomach is rounded. On the term of 22 weeks it is already possible to carry out ultrasound. IN hormones are released in the body, which is accompanied by mood swings, the appearance of signs of toxicosis. Food should be reviewed – increase the number of feedings at the same time reducing serving size. Some bitches may have secretions. from the birth canal, transparent or slightly whitish. By week 6 it’s visible movement of puppies in the dog’s stomach. From now on, it’s worth limiting active female games to prevent injury to the fetus.
- The final period (6-8.5 weeks) – the weight of the dog increases, it lies more than it moves. Animal looking for a secluded place for childbirth. Characteristic feature approaching childbirth is the reflex “digging” of burrows and den device – dragging rags into the “nest”. In some cases there is a sleep disorder, increased anxiety. TO 35-36 days the dog’s appetite increases, it should be transferred to a diet high in protein. Total food increases by 10%. Food should be divided into 3 receptions, so as not to overfeed the dog. By the end of the term, signs appear approaching birth.
At the end of pregnancy, dog nutrition is of great importance. Some animals refuse food; others have increased appetite. At this time, the female should be fed small in portions. The behavior of the animal is changing – some future mothers become wary, hide. Others have a desire to snuggle up. At the last stage, the first signs of readiness for childbirth.
Find out more in the article about pregnancy dogs.
Signs of an approaching birth
The dog’s body is gradually preparing for childbirth – due to an increase intra-abdominal pressure, the animal is uncomfortable and mild pain, which leads to restless behavior. Closer time childbirth, the more pronounced signs are:
- 1-1.5 weeks before birth, puppies move closer to birth canal. In this case, the stomach falls, on the sides below the ribs cavities appear. If you look from above at the back of the animal, then it seems thinner – the rounded sides are no longer visible. In the bitches that have already given birth, fluid may be released from the nipples.
- 2-3 days before the birth, the ligamentous apparatus relaxes sacral joint and pelvis. Dog most of the time licks the external genitalia and nipples. Leaves the vagina viscous mucus is a cork.
- A day before birth, a decrease in rectal temperature (in the norm is 38.5 ° C). In dogs of large and giant breeds it drops to 37 ° C, and in small ones to 36 ° C. Normal temperature body comes after childbirth.
- Amniotic fluid leaves 0.5-1 days before delivery yellowish-straw color. Uterus opens, relaxes the loop.
- Hormones release on birth day, leading to the occurrence of contractions. If the bitch is wheezing in the box, then during she rests her paws against the front wall, and leans against her back about the opposite.
The dog behaves uneasily before the start of fights, therefore the owner should reassure her, talk to her. At this moment the animal really needs support and participation. Often the owner is nervous together with his beloved, and this condition is transmitted to the animal, exacerbating anxiety. Therefore, it is so necessary to possess information and calmly prepare for an important event.
It is very important: how to take birth with dogs.
What you need to know before delivery
Serious preparation for childbirth in a dog should include not only familiarization with the phased changes in behavior and physiology of the dog. The owner must prepare a place for the birth of puppies. It can be a sturdy cardboard box with a low front side, the size that makes the dog comfortable abut against its walls during contractions and attempts. If possible, need make a “nest” with your own hands from wood or plywood, so that there is the possibility of fixing the inside of the limit bar, preventing injury to puppies. 
The bottom of the box must be lined with a natural cloth, or put a removable hard mattress, which can then be remove and clean. Next to the box should consider the system heating, such as an infrared lamp, so that in the first few days to provide the dog and its offspring with a temperature of 28-30 ° C. Nearby with the main box should be placed smaller in which will place born puppies. She should also heat up. To do this, put a heating pad under the diaper or a bottle of warm water.
For the future: how to feed a dog after childbirth.
2 weeks before the expected birth, you should accustom the dog to the box, in which she will whelp. Need to prepare the necessary items and medicines, vet clinic phone, in case of childbirth will be heavy. Ideally, the first birth should be taken under the guidance of experienced specialist. With proper preparation, childbirth will pass OK.
