Dog Pregnancy

Whether your dog is pregnant or you are planning to breed her for litters, the thought of new ones is always exciting but also comes with a responsibility as an owner.

Also, Dog Pregnancy can be very emotional and expensive for you and your dog.

As soon as Dog Pregnancy Signs come by be ready to give a lot of comforting, coaxing and soothing words for your dog along with handling their stubbornness.

We will try your all questions and doubts about dog pregnancy.

How Long Are Dogs In Heat?

They start their heat when they are young like as soon as they strike 4 months they start their heat in smaller breeds but averages about six months old.

Some large breeds may not go into heat till they are 18 to 24 months old.

It is strongly suggested to not breed your dog in first and second cycles as their eggs are not mature enough.

Heat lasts between 2 to 4 weeks, it can be shorter or longer as you will know the cycle is over when all her vulva will return to its normal size or when there is no more bleeding or discharge.

After 9 to 10 days into heat, your dog is more fertile and there is a small opening that lasts up to five days and can become pregnant at the end of the cycle.

When estrus begins, it takes a while for a cycle to become regular.

Some dogs can even take up to 18 months until their cycle becomes regular.

It’s a great idea to keep track of the record during these early days.

Smaller breeds may go into heat more often as 3 to 4 times a year whereas, large breeds like Wolfhounds and Great Danes may only go into heat in 12 to 18 months.

Most pet owners choose to spay their female dogs before their first heat this reduces the risk of mammary cancer and other conditions also eliminate the possibility of unwanted litters.

<>How Long Is A Dog Pregnant?

The gestation period in a dog is approximately 63 days from conception also this varies in several days.

Conception is hard to determine as sperm can live for several days inside the female and eggs can remain fertile for 48 hours.

This also means the act of mating is not an exact measurement of gestation.

It is hard to predict the length of pregnancy without the assistance of a veterinarian.

Hormone measurement gives an exact time frame of gestation.

While breeding your dog use vaginal smears and blood tests to monitor reproductive hormones during the breeding process.

This helps them to determine the best time to breed their dog.

Gestation length according to hormone measurements:

• 56-58 days since the first day of diestrus.
• 64-66 days since the initial rise in progesterone.
• 58-72 days from the first time your dog allowed breeding.

You might wonder how many months are dogs pregnant?

Well,

Pregnancy in dogs is short as compared to humans, about 9 weeks total.

You have to keep the track of the gestation period is important for the health of the pregnant dog and the puppies it is important to monitor nutrition and veterinary care during pregnancy.

<>Dog Pregnancy Signs

If you notice your dog getting lazy or tired lately or eating fewer meals all of these can be signs of pregnancy and cute little puppies on the way.

Here are some signs that can help you:

• Your dog might be easily exhausted with little activity or might spend more time napping, it can be a sign of pregnancy as dogs are quite energetic but if your female dog has always been lazy try paying close attention to them.

• Your dog’s appetite may change drastically depending on which stage of pregnancy she is.

In early and mid-way pregnancy she may eat less or even start vomiting occasionally or she might eat more or be dissatisfied with the meals she is receiving.

• She may also have unusual behavior compared to how she daily is and even crave for your attention a lot or your pregnant dog might seek isolation and act irritable when given attention.

• A female Dogs nipples are usually small but during pregnancy, they are enlarged in size also areolas become more rounded compared to their flattened state or the color of the nipple may turn slightly dark red.

• As the puppies grow, your dog’s abdomen may expand in size this can be the most accurate sign of pregnancy especially if your dog has no other reason to gain weight however this happens relatively late in the pregnancy.

• At early pregnancy, your dog might start shredding bed and other materials to make a nest and becomes more irritable so it will be good to limit her contact from little children.

Though these signs could be from other reasons too so it is a good idea to go to your vet for a proper check-up.

Dog Pregnancy Test

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