How long are dogs pregnant?
It is Amazing to own a puppy, many dog breeders do not know how long are dogs pregnant or when they are expecting little puppies, especially if it's your first time breeding a dog.
However the gestation time frame in dogs is much shorter than the gestation time frame in humans. But what exactly is a dogs pregnancy duration?
The reproductive cycle in dogs
The reproductive cycle is made up of four different stages.
These are;
- Proestrus
- Estrus
- Diestrus
- Anestrus
Proestrus;
This is the stage that the owner starts noticing changes and it is said "the dog is in heat". This stage lasts for an average of 9 days, but can range anywhere from 0-27 days.
Estrus;
This is the stage where the female is receptive to the male. This stage usually lasts an average of 9 days based on the behavioural signs but can range from 4 - 24 days. The fertile period occurs during this time.
Diestrus;
This is the stage following estrus and the female is no longer receptive to the male. This stage lasts for about 2 months.
Anestrus;
Is the time between diestrus and the next proestrus. This stage lasts for about 4 months though certain breeds can be much longer. The vulva is no longer swollen, there is no vaginal discharge.
How to tell if a dog is pregnant?
- Morning sickness; some dogs are affected in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Appetite changes in the beginning of the pregnancy; Dogs tend to eat more and at the end of pregnancy the dog appetite will decrease.
- Weight gain is the most telling sign in a dog. The abdomen begins to enlarge as puppies grow.
- Decreased activity your dog will take more naps than usual throughout the day.
- Usual behavior due to hormones, your dog will be more lovable, moody and may also show some aggressive behavior.
- Enlarged nipples because your dog is preparing to feed puppies growing inside her.
- Nesting behavior as your dog starts to approach there due date. She will show signs of nesting right before she gives birth.
- Your dog will always get tired easily.
- Major attitude.
- Your dog will be extremely cautious.
- Your dog may be more clingy than before.
- Hormone test
- Take your dog for ultrasound
- Palpitation
Gestation period (How long are dogs pregnant)
Dogs are usually pregnant for 9 weeks, pregnancy in dogs is not the same as pregnancy in humans. Knowing the length of the gestation period is important for the dogs health and that of her puppies and it is mostly used to monitor nutrition and vet care.
Also Read; Why do dogs lick you?
Stages of dogs pregnancy
1st Month;
The first Month is usually when the embryos travel to the uterine horns usually around day 7 and the embryos get fixed firmly in the uterine lining around day 16. The fetus begins to take shape by day 22 and by day 28 a veterinarian should be able to detect fetal heartbeats through an ultrasound.
Months Two
The fetus develops quickly during the second month. Eyelids starts forming by day 32 and toes form and are visible by day 35.
Claws form by day 40. An X-ray should reveal the number of puppies in the litter.
Pregnancy signs are more obvious during this time.
- Weight gain of about 20-50%
- Increased urination
- Clear vaginal discharge
- Visible puppy movement in abdomen (Day 50).
Month Three(last Month)
Puppy development gets almost complete at the 58 which means the puppies will move into birth position in the birth canal over the last few days of dogs pregnancy.
Symptoms include;
•Nesting
•Trim waist as puppies move into the canal.
•Drop in body temperature 12 to 24 hours before labour.
•Restless behaviour.
•Excessive licking.
•Breathing heavily.
•Pacing
•The dog looks for a more comfortable place.
•Mammary glands are enlarged.
•Contractions
•Cold chills or tremors
How long are dogs in labour
Stage 1
There will be a change in her breathing and she pants a lot as she is going into the first stage of labour.
These are the symptoms to look out for:
°Changes in behaviour
°Restlessness
°Refusing to eat
°Intermittent nesting
Stage 2
During stage 2 label the dog pushes with her contractions.She tends to put herself in a very comfortable place and continues to push. A puppy shows up in the birth canal.
Stage 3
This stage is when the placenta is delivered. Stage three is complete when all the placentas have been delivered, this usually occurs when stage 2 is finished. If the labour takes more than 24 hours, your veterinarian's should be contacted as this could be a sign of serious complication.
How can I prepare my dog for birth
- Antibacterial hand wipes. This is important to avoid the risks of infection.
- Suctions-they'll be used to clear out the puppies away and help them have their first breath.
- Iodine pads-iodine pads will be used to prep anything that will be removed from the puppy they are cleaner than alcohol wipes and are safer when there are open wounds.
- Unwaxed floss-these are two type of the umbilical cord to minimise bleeding.
- Syringe this is important to help feed the puppies.
- Creating a whelping box or bed.
- Be ready for an emergency.
Also Read; How long do dogs live
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