Many people wonder about the behaviors that appear during pregnancy in dogs, especially that pregnancy is very stressful, especially if you are new to raising dogs. It's always hard to know what to expect, and you may have a lot of questions. In this guide we answer all your questions to give you all the information you need to know. You can also find all your pet supplies from Petaholic with the best quality and lowest price.
What is the duration of pregnancy in normal dogs?
Dogs can be pregnant for 62 to 64 days, maybe a little more, which is about two months. However, predicting when dogs will give birth can be very difficult because the date of mating is not necessarily the same as the date of conception. The duration of pregnancy can also vary depending on the type of breed and the number of puppies.
When you reach the end of the first month of pregnancy, you will be able to find out that your bitch is pregnant, by hearing the heartbeats of the fetuses, and the vet can also detect this. In the second month, you will never miss knowing if the bitch is pregnant or not, because the fetuses will turn into clearly recognizable puppies. Thus, dogs will be ready to arrive in our world at the beginning of the third month of pregnancy or the end of the second month.
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How do you check if your dog is pregnant?
There are several methods that you can rely on to determine a dog's pregnancy. The most accurate way to find out is through diagnostic tests. Here are the most common personality tests:
palpation
If you know your dog's breeding history, your vet can perform abdominal palps starting at approximately 28 to 30 days. At this stage of pregnancy, the puppies will look like little golf balls or grapes depending on the size of the dogs. These balls are fluid-filled sacs that surround the fetus. Abdominal palpation should not be attempted without the assistance of a veterinarian, as this may damage the embryos. These cysts lose their distinctive shape after one month, so the timing of this test is important.
Ultrasound
Your vet can perform an ultrasound between 25 to 35 days of pregnancy to see if the canine pregnancy is healthy or not. An ultrasound scan can detect fetal heartbeats, giving you an estimate of the number of puppies your bitch is carrying. The puppies' heartbeat is two to three times faster than the mother's heartbeat.
Hormone check
Hormones are checked around 25 to 30 days of pregnancy. Your vet can perform a blood test to measure your bitch's hormone levels to see if she is producing the hormone relaxin. This hormone is only produced during pregnancy, which makes the test relatively accurate.
X-rays for detecting pregnancy in dogs
X-rays are one of the most effective ways to determine if a dog is pregnant. However, it's best to do this at 55 days or so into the gestation period, as the puppies' skeleton doesn't show up on x-rays until then. X-rays at this time allow you to get an accurate count of the number of puppies, which prepares you to know when your dog has finished giving birth.
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The most common signs of dog pregnancy
Actually, pregnancy tests at the vet clinic aren't the only way to be sure your dog is pregnant, but they are certainly the most accurate way. In fact, there are other signs that a bitch is pregnant that you can notice for yourself.
- Increased appetite
- overweight
- Nipple enlargement
- swollen belly
- Feeling tired and exhausted from the slightest effort
- The bitch becomes more affectionate
In addition, some dogs may vomit and lose their appetite for a few days in the first few weeks due to changes in hormones. Knowing the signs of pregnancy in dogs can help you prepare for the care of your pregnant dog. You will start having vaginal discharge about a month after conception. Depending on the type and size of the pregnant dog, flatulence may be a good sign of pregnancy. The abdomen usually swells by 20 to 50 percent, but this may not be noticeable until a few weeks before delivery.
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Dog behaviors during pregnancy
Your pregnant dog's behavior will change in part because of hormonal changes, and because of the same nature of motherhood that all mammals, both humans and animals, experience. Pregnant dogs may become less active and lethargic, and may not want to eat regular foods. But you have to be careful if the dog has lost her appetite completely, as this may be a sign of pregnancy complications. However, it is normal for pregnant dogs to experience morning sickness from hormonal changes that can affect appetite as well.
These behaviors that we mentioned are also signs of depression. So you may want to consult your vet if these behaviors continue. The bitch may scratch the floor and some dogs may start hoarding food and other items. This is normal behavior for pregnant dogs. A pregnant dog may also become unusually irritable to noises and strangers, while other dogs want more attention and affection.
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Finally, pregnant dogs need special care because they are a very sensitive period. You can also get all your pet supplies from Petaholic with the best quality.
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