How to Handle Dog Pregnancy

The female dog or bitch goes into heat 2x a year. A pregnancy can happen with or without a "tie". If the dogs tie it is pretty well expected there is a preganancy. The dogs can tie several times over the several week heat cycle.

If you are not prepared for a pregnancy or if you want to go through with a litter here are some steps for how to deal with your dog's new condition.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 24 hours: If a bitch ties with male and pregnancy is unwanted, a mismate shot can be given within 24 hours by veterinarian. the mismate shot is not always 100% effective, nor is it always recommended. Risks should be weighed out during your vet visit. The dog will still be in heat, so preventative measure to be taken to keep her away from male dogs.

2. 25-30 days: If your bitch ties with a male, you can wait 30 days and confirm the pregnancy with vet examination. At that time you can have the pregnancy stopped by an emergency spay. Or medications can be administered to abort the puppies. These actions carry risks for the dog. The spaying is 100% effective but the medications to abort are not always 100% effective, so you need to access the risks of each action with your vet.

3. 63 days: Gestation for pregnant bitches is 63 days. You can have the pregnancy confirmed at approximately 30 days by your vet. You will follow the vet's advice in feeding a diet for your dog that usually includes puppy food.
   Choosing to have a litter takes planning and preparation. If you do end up with a litter of puppies, make sure to be responsible about screening potential buyers. Have the puppies vet checked and up to date with vaccinations and worming before leaving your home.
   
   Socialize puppies and start their house breaking and training in basics such as sit. You can find puppy training books and even online training videos at various websites.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare long before your dog is in heat.

Resources

• Is dog pregnant or in heat?
• How to tell if dog is in labor
• Breeding a Litter : book
• List of books for Bitch owners

[karileighk]

on 10/26/2009 It's so beautiful when they give birth.

[Alrady]

on 10/17/2009 Thank you both. Jaredsgirl I had to use some of this information when my friends dogs got pregnant "accidentally".

[paulo55]

on 10/12/2009 How to Handle Dog Pregnancy. Interesting article! I've learned something hew here. Thank you! 5*

[jaredsgirl]

on 10/8/2009 Thanks for the tips on handling a dog pregnancy. I haven't had to do this yet, but now I'll be prepared if it ever happens. 5*