How to Take Care of a Pregnant Golden Retriever Dog

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. due to their gentle nature and appeal as an ideal family dog. Breeding takes place on a large scale to supply the demand for puppies. Litter sizes range from six to 10 puppies. Gestation for a golden retriever lasts for 60 to 63 days, with the countdown starting on the day that the breeding takes place. Good prenatal care will help to insure the health of the pregnant dog and the puppies. Maintain regular contact with a veterinarian to insure your golden retriever has a safe pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

• High-quality dog food
• High-quality puppy food
• Flea products
• Deworm medication
• Heartworm preventive medication

Instructions

1. Feed your dog a normal amount of high-quality dog food for the first 30 days of pregnancy because her appetite should not increase. During the last 30 days of pregnancy, switch to a puppy food for the added protein and vitamins, and offer your dog 25 percent more food because her appetite will increase during the last half of gestation.

2. Maintain normal flea control, dewormings and heart worm prevention. Consult a veterinarian to determine the safest products to use during pregnancy.

3. Walk the pregnant dog daily for the first 30 days. Allow your dog to rest for the last 30 days of gestation.

4. Keep the pregnant dog away from other dogs to prevent any spread of disease. Do not allow the pregnant dog to smell areas where other dogs have urinated or defecated when out on a walk.

5. Allow the pregnant dog to spend time around the whelping box two weeks prior to delivery. This will encourage the dog to feel relaxed in the whelping box when labor begins.

6. Take the pregnant dog out to urinate often. As the pregnancy advances the weight of the uterus on the dogs bladder will cause her to urinate more often. Holding the urine for long periods can cause a urinary tract infection to develop.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain regular prenatal visits with the veterinarian so the puppies and mother dog can be monitored and their health evaluated.

• A day or two before a dog goes into labor her appetite will disappear.

• Watch for bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge. If these should occur, consult the veterinarian immediately.

• Many dogs experience morning sickness three weeks into gestation. Feed the dog light meals, and be prepared if vomiting should occur.

• Never leave the pregnant dog alone once delivery is two weeks away. Dogs can go into early labor, and they will often need emergency assistance to deliver.

• Be prepared to rush your dog to the veterinarian at any time if complications in pregnancy should occur.

References

• HilltopAnimalHospital.com: Taking Care of Your Pregnant Dog
• MarVistaVet.com: Care of the Pregnant Dog
• 2ndChance.info: Breeding and Caring for Your Pregnant Dog

Resources

• American Kennel Club: Golden Retriever