Who Let the Dogs Out?!?!?

Who.. Who.. Who..

Dog Gestation: Expected or Unexpected 

               We’ve all experienced the absolute panic of our pets getting loose. Whether someone dug through the fence, or a child left a door open, we all know the heart dropping feeling when our escape artist gets to running. Most times, they come back without much fuss, but if you have a female dog that hasn’t been spayed, there may be more concern for you.

               Whether you’re a new breeder considering bringing adorable little puppies into the world, or Bella took a trip across town, it is important to be informed on what to expect. If you think your dog might be pregnant, the first action that needs to be taken is a check-up from your local veterinarian. There are a few signs you can look out for, though diagnostic testing is needed just to be a hundred percent sure. If your dog has an increased appetite, experiencing weight gain, and experiencing increased nipple sized, this may mean pregnancy is in your future!

               Pregnancy in dogs happen when a fertile female mates with an intact male while in heat. A dog’s pregnancy last around 56 to 70 days, and occurs approximately 11 to 14 days after insemination. Your veterinarian can feel the swelling of the uterus approximately 3 to 4 weeks into the process to tell if your pet is in fact pregnant.

So what now?! Here’s some helpful tips to keep in mind!

-Supplements are not necessary during your dog’s pregnancy, and in many cases it may actually harm your pet and the soon to be pups. In every case avoid Calcium supplements!!

-When feeding, it is important to feed a high-quality dog food so you know your pet will be getting the correct amount of nutrients. You don’t want a malnourished mom and pups!

-Exercising is very important and you want to make sure you dog stays active during her carrying time, however nothing too strenuous!

-Topical flea and tick protection or monthly heartworm medication IS safe, and you should continue to use during pregnancy. The last thing you want is a pregnant dog with heartworms!

Always remember to spay and neuter your pets!