The Gestation of Chinese Pug Dogs

Gestation is the period of time from conception to birth -- the pregnancy. In dogs, the average gestation lasts between 64 and 66 days. A lot is happening within the mother dog during this time, as the fetuses grow and develop from cells to puppies in a short two months. During gestation, the mother's health can seriously affect the development of the puppies. The gestation period is divided into three trimesters, approximately 21 days each.

  1. Determining If a Dog Is Pregnant

    • It's difficult to tell if a dog is pregnant, until birth is imminent. Sometimes people wait and see, but waiting is not the best option, especially with pugs. The reason is that pugs are prone to difficult deliveries and frequently need cesareans; therefore, they require veterinary care throughout the pregnancy. An ultrasound can reveal a pregnancy as early as the 15th day after ovulation, but an ultrasound is not generally available in the average office. Palpation of the abdomen can sometimes reveal a pregnancy, but only during a short period -- starting from day 20 through day 32. An X-ray can be used most successfully in the last trimester, starting around the 43rd day.

    First Trimester

    • Your pug should continue its usual activities during the first trimester.

      The first trimester, up to day 21, is an almost impossible time to know if your dog is pregnant. Your pug will very likely experience no changes that are noticeable to it or to you. It may begin to fill out a little, but it will not be enough to indicate a definite pregnancy. Give your pug regular exercise and its typical ration of food. Near the end of the first trimester, you may notice the pug's belly expanding more and its nipples enlarging, and it may seem a little less active.

    Second Trimester

    • Treats are nice, but don't let your pug gain too much weight.

      From day 22 to approximately day 43, your pug will continue to fill out, but probably will still not show a definite pregnant abdomen. Its appetite may increase. Follow your veterinarian's advice as to how much to feed it. The pug can continue with moderate exercise and play, but respect its wishes if it slows down considerably. It may be more comfortable for the pug to have two or three meals instead of one big meal each day.

    Third Trimester

    • Pugs frequently need cesareans because of the size and shape of the fetus heads.

      Starting around day 43 to day 45, your veterinarian should be able use X-ray to confirm the pregnancy. Your pug will need much more food during this final trimester. Your pug will slow down a lot more during this trimester and may want to sleep more. Give it privacy when visitors or children are around. During the last two weeks, prepare its whelping box in the area you chose for it to whelp and raise its puppies. Give your pug free access, allowing it to sleep in it. Place it in a quiet area, free of any drafts. Around day 50, feel the puppies by placing your hands on your dog's sides.