Pregnancy Process in Dogs
The gestation period and pregnancy process can differ from one dog breed to another, but many characteristics of this process are the same regardless of the breed. There are a lot of different considerations to make when it comes to the pregnancy, labor and delivery process for a dog. Although dogs are largely capable of handling the birthing process themselves, help is sometimes necessary.
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Time Frame
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The typical gestation period for a dog can vary depending on the breed as well as how many puppies are developing inside. The average gestation period lasts from around 58 to 63 days. For most dog breeds, the labor period itself can last between 12 and 24 hours. The labor period can be sped up significantly if the dog is carrying a small litter, or lengthened if the litter is larger than average.
Diet Considerations
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The diet that you feed a pregnant dog should be based on the stage of her pregnancy because she has different nutritional needs as the developmental needs of her puppies change. The foods that you choose for your dog while she is pregnant should be high in calories and proteins, especially in the last two to three weeks of the process because she is passing many of these nutrients on to her developing puppies. Choose dog food products that are rich in proteins from meat and eggs rather than fillers like rice and corn.
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Physical Changes
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During the pregnancy process, the dog will go through a number of physical changes. She may exhibit a loss of appetite in the first weeks of her pregnancy, followed by an increase in appetite as her pregnancy progresses. She will gain weight and her abdomen will become firmer as the puppies develop within. How much weight she gains will depend on how many puppies she is carrying. Her nipples will begin to swell as she produces milk for her puppies, and she will be fully prepared to feed her puppies before they are even born.
Behavioral Changes
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It is normal for a pregnant dog to seem tired or lethargic for much of her pregnancy. This is because much of her nutrients and energies are going to nurturing the puppies in her womb. Another behavioral change is that she will begin to nest in the later weeks of her pregnancy. You should prepare to help your dog find a proper nesting spot before she goes into labor. Near the end of her pregnancy, her temperature will drop from between 101 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit to closer to between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, which indicates that she will go into labor within approximately 24 hours.
Labor and Delivery
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During the labor process, it is common for the dog to refuse food and water. She will pace in slow steps as her uterus begins to open up in preparation of delivery. During this process, the dog should be left alone completely. She will choose the ideal place for delivery and will nest until she is ready to deliver. The dog will lie on one side as she goes into labor, and should be left alone for at least eight hours when this process begins. If a period of more than four hours passes and she is not delivering puppies, veterinary intervention may be necessary. Otherwise, she will deliver the puppies on her own and will dispose of the placentas after the puppies are born. Once labor is over, you can intervene as necessary.
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References
- Photo Credit puppies image by Bobi from Fotolia.com
