Pregnancy Products for Dogs

A canine's pregnancy gestation period lasts 60 to 64 days. During the time of pregnancy the dog will go through many dramatic and physical changes. Most dogs experience bouts of morning sickness similar to humans from the 21st to 28th day of pregnancy. The dog will lose all hair around her breasts and her nipples will enlarge. You can do several things to help the dog have a healthy pregnancy and the developing puppies to form properly.

  1. Vitamins

    • Regular prenatal care during a dog's pregnancy will help encourage healthy puppies and a safe delivery. Many veterinarians place female dogs on vitamins during their pregnancy. The vitamins help to ensure that the dog is receiving all the adequate nutrients that she requires. You should only supply vitamin supplements that are recommended by a veterinarian. A vet will often prescribe calcium during a dog's pregnancy but you must take care when administering the supplement because it can result in preeclampsia, according to Pet Place. Only supply calcium under the supervision of a veterinarian.

      A well balanced diet will provide many vitamins the female dog will require. During pregnancy the dog's diet will increase by 25 to 30 percent.

    Parasite Control

    • Maintain parasite control for the pregnant dog. Use only products that have been shown to be safe for use during a canine pregnancy. Heartworm preventatives are safe to maintain during pregnancy, according to Pet Wellbeing.

      Ongoing flea control is very important for the pregnant dog. Newborn puppies have a weak immune system and fleas can cause serious disease to develop. Use only flea control that is safe for a pregnant dog. Consult a veterinarian for advice on the safest products to use on a canine during pregnancy.

      Female dogs also require worm medicine to prevent roundworms and hookworms from being transmitted to the puppies, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Consult a veterinarian for the safest products to use in a pregnant dog. The veterinarian may want to take a stool sample of the pregnant dog to determine if she has worms and requires treatment or not.

    Whelping Box

    • During a dog's pregnancy one of the most important things to have is a secure and safe whelping box for her to become familiar with. Purchase or make a whelping box at least two weeks prior to the expected due date so she will understand that it is the place she is going to give birth to her puppies.

      Place the whelping box in a secure, safe area of the home. Line it with newspaper and suspend a heat lamp over it in preparation for the puppies' arrival.