Pregnant dogs need special attention and care to ensure their health and the health of their upcoming pups.
1. Regular vet check-ups
Regular vet visits are key to ensuring the health of your pregnant dog. Veterinarians can monitor the health of dogs and fetuses through ultrasound and other tests. These tests can help identify and address potential problems in a timely manner, ensuring a smooth pregnancy.
Ultrasonic examination
Ultrasounds are an important test for pregnant dogs and can help veterinarians confirm pregnancy, estimate the number of fetuses, and check the development of the fetus. This information is important for monitoring your dog’s health and preparation for delivery.
Blood test
Blood tests can help monitor your dog’s overall health and make sure she’s not malnourished, anemic, or having other health problems during pregnancy. Regular blood tests can help identify potential problems and take action.
2. Eat a balanced diet
During pregnancy, dogs need high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to choose a dog food specially designed for pregnancy and lactation, which is rich in nutrients and can support the health of dogs and fetuses.
Protein requirement
Protein is one of the most important nutrients in your dog’s diet during pregnancy. Protein helps the development of the fetus and the maintenance of the dog’s strength. Choose high-quality protein sources such as chicken, Turkey, beef, and fish.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for a pregnant dog’s health. Nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, iron and Omega-3 fatty acids can promote healthy fetal development and prevent birth defects. Adequate vitamin and mineral intake can be ensured through dog food or supplements.
Homemade healthy dog eating advice
If you prefer homemade dog food, add protein-rich foods such as chicken, Turkey, fish, etc., to your diet. At the same time, don’t forget your intake of vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, squash and blueberries, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
3. Exercise properly
During pregnancy, your dog still needs proper exercise, but avoid strenuous exercise. Daily walks can help your dog maintain a healthy weight and improve blood circulation. But pay attention to the dog’s state, if she seems tired or unwilling to exercise, to reduce the amount of exercise.
Walking and light exercise
Light walking and exercise are suitable for dogs during pregnancy, which not only helps maintain weight, but also improves digestion and blood circulation. Short walks two to three times a day are ideal.
Avoid strenuous exercise
Strenuous exercise can be harmful to pregnant dogs, so you should avoid high intensity activities such as jumping and running. Ensure a safe exercise environment to avoid slipping or injury.
4. Provide a comfortable environment
It is important to provide a quiet, comfortable resting space for your pregnant dog. Make sure she has a clean, warm place to rest and avoid distractions from other pets or family members.
Comfortable resting space
Prepare a soft, comfortable bed for your dog to rest in. Choose a quiet room that avoids excessive noise and traffic to make her feel safe and relaxed.
Warm environment
Make sure the room is warm and your dog does not get cold. During pregnancy, your dog’s ability to regulate body temperature may be somewhat reduced, so it is important to keep room temperature within a comfortable range.
5. Be hygienic
It is important to keep your dog’s living environment clean. Clean her bed and toys regularly to prevent bacterial growth. During pregnancy, your dog’s immunity may decrease, so a hygienic environment is essential to prevent infection.
Regular cleaning
Wash your dog’s beds and toys regularly, using non-toxic cleaners to ensure there are no harmful substances left. The cleaning process should be gentle and avoid excessive use of chemicals.
Personal hygiene
Your dog’s personal hygiene is also very important during pregnancy. Groom your dog regularly to keep the skin and coat clean and prevent skin infections. When necessary, bathe your dog with a gentle pet care product.
6. Monitor your health closely
During pregnancy, check your dog’s weight, appetite, and behavior regularly. If you notice anything unusual, such as loss of appetite, abnormal fatigue, or abnormal discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately. These symptoms may indicate that the dog needs professional medical help.
Weight monitoring
Monitor your dog’s weight gain or loss regularly to ensure she maintains appropriate weight gain during pregnancy. Being underweight or overweight can have an adverse effect on pregnancy and childbirth.
Appetite change
Observe the changes in your dog’s appetite. During pregnancy, your dog may experience an increased appetite. If there is a significant decrease in appetite or anorexia, a veterinarian should be consulted in time.
Behavior observation
During pregnancy, your dog’s behavior may change, such as becoming more clingy or withdrawn. These are normal phenomena, but if the change in behavior is too drastic or abnormal symptoms occur, attention should be paid.
7. Prepare for delivery
In the final weeks of pregnancy, start preparing your dog for delivery. Prepare a quiet, warm birthing box so that the dog feels comfortable and safe during birthing. Make sure the delivery box is placed in a quiet corner of your home to avoid interruptions.
Preparation of the delivery box
Choose a good sized birthing box and line it with a clean, soft mat. The birthing box should be placed in a warm, quiet room away from other pets and foot traffic.
Understand the birth process
Understanding your dog’s labor process can help you provide support if she needs it. The birth of a dog is usually divided into three stages: the first stage is the contraction of the uterus, the second stage is the delivery of the pups, and the third stage is the expulsion of the placenta. Knowing what these stages normally look like can help you determine if labor is going smoothly.
Stage 1: Uterine contractions
The first stage usually lasts from 6 to 12 hours, and the dog displays behaviors such as restlessness, panting, and digging. At this point, the uterus begins to contract in preparation for labor.
Stage 2: Giving birth
The second stage is the birth of the pups, usually 30 minutes to an hour apart. If no pups have been born for more than 2 hours, a veterinarian should be contacted.
Stage 3: Expulsion of the placenta
When each pup is born, it expels its placenta. Make sure each pup has a placenta discharge, undischarged placenta can lead to infection.
Support during delivery
During labor, stay calm and try to avoid disturbing the dog. Make sure she has enough water and food supplies. Observe the birthing process and record the birth time and condition of each cub. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
8. Postpartum care
Dogs need special care after delivery. Make sure she has enough food and water to help her regain her strength. Check her breasts to make sure there are no infections or blockages. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet immediately.
Help your dog recover
During your dog’s post-partum recovery period, it is important to provide a nutrient-rich diet and proper rest time. Keep her environment clean and free of distractions from other pets, allowing her and the pups plenty of time and space to rest.
The care of the young
Newborn pups need to be kept warm and dry. Check the health of the pups regularly to make sure they are feeding properly and gaining weight. Keep an eye on the pup’s behavior and health, and contact a veterinarian if there are any abnormalities.
9. Dorwest Raspberry Leaf Tablets
that Dorwest Raspberry Leaf Tablets are a beneficial supplement to help your dog maintain its natural hormonal balance. This is especially important for dogs during pregnancy, as the balance of hormones is essential for a smooth pregnancy and labor. In addition, raspberry leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals Helps to improve your dog’s overall health. Using this natural supplement can provide your dog with additional support to help her have a healthy, happy pregnancy.
Sum up
Caring for a pregnant dog requires care and patience. By providing proper nutrition, proper exercise, a comfortable environment and regular veterinary visits, they can ensure that their pregnancy goes smoothly. Understanding the birthing process and the essentials of post-natal care will help you provide the best support for your dog throughout the process. I hope this guide has been helpful to you and will make you more comfortable taking care of your pregnant dog.
