Referenced by pupbel team
Read time: 6 mins
In a previous article, we mentioned that spring and autumn are the seasons when dogs are frequently in heat (see here: How to Recognize the Behavior of Dogs in Heat). For families who have more than two dogs (one male and one female), a moment of carelessness can lead to a false pregnancy in the female dog, which can make many owners panic.
Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Some owners may accept this "fateful" situation, but more are ready to take their dogs to have an abortion. However, after learning that forcibly terminating the dog's pregnancy due to external factors can cause great risks, we, as owners, can only accept this outcome with tears.
Then, a bigger problem is thrown at us: What changes will the dog have during pregnancy? How long does it take? How can I take good care of her and her puppies?
Pregnancy Symptoms and Prenatal Checkups
Early Pregnancy (4-5 weeks)
Most dogs will gain weight significantly in the early stages of pregnancy, and there is no difference from usual. After three weeks, the following symptoms will appear:
- Increased appetite
- Nipples turn black
- Vaginal discharge (about the fourth week)
- Reduced activity
- Morning sickness
After 22 days, the fetus gradually takes shape. At 28-30 days, the doctor can see the puppy image and detect the heartbeat by ultrasound, and can also perform blood tests to obtain hormone levels. The owner can feel the puppies with the help of the doctor (too much force can cause the dog to miscarry).
Mid-Pregnancy (6-7 weeks)
- Significant weight gain
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal enlargement
Decreased appetite (after 6 weeks)
- Visible puppy movement in the abdomen
Around 45 days, the fetal hair grows and the bones become more solid. The doctor can check the fetal bone structure (including the number of fetuses) by X-ray.
Late Pregnancy (8-9 weeks)
- Nipples discharge milky white liquid
- Fetus enters the birth canal, waist shrinks
- Body temperature drops 12-24 hours before delivery
- Restless behavior such as pacing, panting, shivering or digging
Around 57 days, the fetus is basically fully developed and ready for delivery. (If a cesarean section is required, the doctor can determine the best time by X-ray around 55 days)
From the beginning of the dog's pregnancy until before delivery, this period is the most difficult. During the process, a moment of carelessness can cause a miscarriage, which is very harmful to the dog itself, and may even need to remove the uterus to survive.
Miscarriage Phenomenon and Causes:
During the development of the fetus, it can cause miscarriage due to the lack of progesterone in the mother dog (usually due to incomplete formation of the pregnancy corpus luteum or early degeneration of the corpus luteum), heart failure (such as heartworm disease, fatty heart and other diseases, circulatory system disorders directly affect the fetus, causing hypoxia, fetal death), infectious diseases (the most common is canine brucellosis, followed by staphylococcus, E. coli, salmonella and canine distemper virus), trauma stimulation, medical errors and improper feeding.
Note: Canine brucellosis. Highly infectious, especially in beagles, and can be transmitted to humans, causing miscarriage in pregnant women.
Once vaginal bleeding occurs, go to the nearest hospital immediately. However, generally speaking, dogs have fewer miscarriages than large and medium-sized other animals. Of course, it also depends on the careful care of the owner during pregnancy, so as to avoid the dilemma of "protecting the big or the small".
Pregnancy Care and Precautions:
Diet
Early Pregnancy. Normal diet, no need to add any nutrients to the adult dog food, which will cause the mother dog to overload.
Mid-Pregnancy. Eat less and more meals, and increase the amount of food according to the number of fetuses. Mother dogs with fewer births only need to increase their feeding amount by 30%, and those with more births by 60%. Dog food can be selected with the words "growing", "puppy" or "pregnant" (puppy food is also available).
Late Pregnancy. In order to promote milk secretion, the mother dog must ingest some high-quality protein (eggs, meat, etc.), and supplement vitamins, minerals and calcium.
Hygiene
Early Pregnancy. Do not bathe for the first two weeks after mating, you can wipe with warm water, be careful not to catch cold.
Mid-Pregnancy. You can bathe to keep clean, but be gentle and protect the dog's breasts. (Keep warm in winter)
Late Pregnancy (before delivery). In the absence of stress, you can bathe the mother dog and trim the hair on the abdomen (for easy feeding) and genitals (to prevent postpartum infection).
Others
Maintain proper exercise, avoid strenuous activities (climbing stairs, etc.) to prevent the mother dog from being too fat.
Two-thirds of the mother dog's weight gain comes from the fetus, placenta and fluid in the uterus.
During pregnancy, you can normally deworm, which will not affect the fetus.
Warm Tips:
After the end of the estrus period (1-2 months, including spayed), the mother dog will have a false pregnancy phenomenon similar to pregnancy due to hormonal imbalance, especially progesterone and prolactin, which can last for more than a month. No need for treatment, it is recommended to supplement hormones or remove the ovaries and uterus (unspayed mother dog), reduce the intake of milk, to avoid stimulating the extension of breastfeeding or licking behavior.
Conclusion
Understanding the signs and stages of dog pregnancy is crucial for dog owners to provide proper care and assistance during this delicate period. From early pregnancy symptoms to late pregnancy changes and precautions, knowing what to expect allows owners to monitor their dog's health effectively and take necessary measures to ensure a safe and comfortable pregnancy.
Pregnancy in dogs is a complex process, and any negligence can lead to complications or miscarriage. Therefore, it's essential for owners to be vigilant and proactive in their dog's care. Proper diet, hygiene, and exercise are vital components of pregnancy care, along with regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the mother's health and the puppies' development.