What to Expect When My Chihuahua Is Pregnant

Chihuahuas are confident, alert animals, often known as "purse dogs" because of their small size, according to the American Kennel Club. They come in long- and short-haired varieties, rarely exceed six pounds and require little exercise, making them great city dogs. If you're looking to buy a Chihuahua puppy, they are great for one-person owners and families who have gentle, patient children. When your chihuahua is pregnant, make sure everyone is very gentle with her.

  1. Signs of Pregnancy

    • There are several tell-tale signs that your Chihuahua is pregnant. She will most likely lose energy and act lethargic and tired. Your Chihuahua's stomach will be hard and enlarge very quickly, as will her nipples. Like many other dogs, your chihuahua will start to clean herself more frequently and nest when pregnant, which means she'll be creating a den or safe place to give birth and keep her young puppies.

    Care

    • The average Chihuahua pregnancy lasts nine weeks, which means you will have to start preparing as soon as you begin to see signs she is pregnant. As soon as she starts exhibiting signs, take her to the veterinarian. Provide her with a quiet, clean place where she can rest and feel comfortable. She will also need more food as her pregnancy progresses, so feed her a nutrient-rich, healthy diet.

    Labor

    • Your Chihuahua's internal temperature will drop below 100 degree Fahrenheit about 24 hours before she is ready to give birth. She may also vomit or cry, which is when you should comfort and soothe her. If you aren't an experienced breeder, make sure you keep a close eye on your Chihuahua so you can bring her to a veterinarian before the puppies arrive.

      The puppies will arrive right after one another or in periods of up to two hours. The mother will try to clean the puppies, eat her amniotic sac and chew off the umbilical cord. The average litter size is about three, according to Go Pets America.

    Warning signs

    • Keep your eyes out for the following warning signs, such as a pregnancy lasting more than 70 days and more than 24 hours passing between her temperature drops and the onset of labor, according to PetChiDog.com. Also make sure more than two hours don't go by in between the arrival of puppies. Your veterinarian can do an ultrasound earlier in the pregnancy so you know how many puppies she is expecting.