Author: Daniel McFerrin
If you are thinking of breeding your dog, you should be prepared to face certain challenges. It is not always easy to notice that your dog is pregnant, however, there are some signs you can spot. You can notice that your fur friend isn’t as active, and easy activities tire them quicker, they can develop different eating habits, or occasionally vomit. The behavior can change, too. Other signs can include larger and more round nipples and a bigger abdomen. If you observe any of those signs appearing, best to get a check-up or you can check this dogs health & care guides. If the pregnancy is confirmed, keep reading how you can prepare yourself to meet new puppies.
Consult with a Vet
If you do not have a regular veterinary, now is the time to find one. Your vet will be able to tell you how far along your dog is in her pregnancy, the health of the puppies, and what you can expect while she is expecting. It is also important to meet with a vet to make sure that your dog is ready for the pregnancy and any complications that may occur.
Arrange for Visits From Your Vet Now that you have a vet, it is important to arrange for visits to check on your dog’s progress. Your vet will be able to provide better care for your dog if they visit her regularly throughout her pregnancy. They will also be able to detect any complications that may arise during this time and help you better take care of your dog.
Provide A Sturdy, Comfortable Bed For Your Dog
Your dog will no longer be able to sleep or rest comfortably on the floor once she is pregnant, so it is important to provide an elevated surface where she can rest comfortably. You can use another dog bed or pillow but make sure it is sturdy enough to handle your dog’s weight. You should also make sure that the bed has some give in it since your dog will be putting pressure on it as her belly grows larger.
Consider Purchasing A Collar And Leash That Is Padded
During your dog’s pregnancy, it is important to always keep her on a leash when you are out and about since she will be too tired from all the activity to be able to stay close by your side. Because of this, it is important to purchase a collar and leash that has some padding to prevent discomfort or irritation while she wears them. Best to purchase a collar that will fit snugly around her neck but not too tight so that it restricts blood flow. As for the leash, purchase one that has some give in it so that it is not pulled when she starts walking around more and is no longer able to walk calmly by your side.
Get A Crate For Your Dog
It is important for you to provide a safe place where your dog will be able to relax and sleep during her pregnancy. If you have not already done so, now is the time to get a crate for your dog where she can feel safe and comfortable. This crate will be her den where she can lie down when she needs rest. You should put a pillow in the crate for her to rest on and a blanket on top as well so that she feels comfortable and secure inside. You should also put a litter box inside the crate for her so that she can relieve herself whenever she needs to without having to go outside to do so.
Take Your Dog To Socialize
The last thing you want is for your dog to feel isolated during her pregnancy so that she does not develop separation anxiety or feel depressed about being alone. It is important that you take your dog out with you when you go out so that she socializes with other dogs and people. She will also be less bored since she will be able to run around and play with other dogs as well as get exercise while being out in public. If you are worried about straining yourself to take your dog out during her pregnancy, consider hiring a pet sitter who will come over during the day instead so that she gets plenty of socialization and exercise.
Know your dog’s state
Your dog is carrying puppies and that is great news but, it means she needs to be monitored constantly. The dog needs help with basic tasks like eating and drinking, as well as constant supervision when off the leash. You need to know if the dog is having any complications during pregnancy or after delivery. If you have no experience, it is best to call a veterinarian for advice.
Prepare a safe haven
The pregnant dog should be placed in a place where she can rest calmly, away from the crowd of dogs and other pets. It is also better to put her in a place where she cannot jump or climb stairs. It would be best to put the dog on soft bedding, but make sure that it can’t move around too much. If you have a kennel, that would be ideal.
Go for daily walks
The mother-to-be should not stay inactive and walks are important. It will not only keep her fit but also stimulate the development of your puppies’ muscles. However, because of her condition and the number of puppies inside her, walks should not last more than 10 minutes. Furthermore, avoid jolting movements that can disturb the puppies inside her belly.
Take care of yourself
Do not forget about yourself! Remember that once the puppies are born, you will need to care for them too! This means you have to take proper care of yourself too so that you can be ready for this new challenge.
Keep her calm
It is normal for a dog to feel nervous when she has just found out about her pregnancy or when she knows something is going to happen soon. She could be scared of taking on new challenges and it is up to you to support her through this time. Do not let your dog do anything stressful or unusual activities; just keep her calm with regular walks and comfort her with petting and gentle words.
Summary
Caring for a pregnant dog can be a challenge for both the dog and the owner. It is important to remember that there can be several situations that require immediate attention from you. Remember to make regular checkups with the vet especially if your pet starts to show any signs of distress or pain. Sometimes, there might be blood discharge, which can be either normal or abnormal, call a veterinarian immediately if you notice anything unusual. It is also your responsibility as an owner to make sure that your dog is comfortable during her pregnancy. This includes creating a comfortable place for your dog to lay down on, upgrading her collar and leash to something with padding, purchasing a decent-sized crate for your dog to get some alone time, and making sure that she is getting the right nutrients in her food. Hopefully, after reading this article, you feel more prepared for how to look after your pregnant dog.
