A pregnant dog can usually give birth to healthy puppies with minimal aid from its owners, but additional nutrition and veterinary attention will help ensure successful delivery.
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Conception
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When a male dog's sperm fertilizes the eggs of an ovulating female dog, embryonic puppies begin developing in the dog's uterine horns, a pair of tubes that lead from the ovaries to the uterus, according to PetEducation.com, the website for Drs. Foster and Smith's Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department.
Early Progress
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In the first few weeks after conception, a dog may show few signs of pregnancy other than enlarged nipples, an increased appetite and more need for attention. A clear vaginal discharge after the fourth week confirms the pregnancy.
Fetal Development
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A dog's pregnancy typically lasts around 63 days. By the 28th day, a veterinarian can usually detect the fetal heartbeats through ultrasound.
Diet
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At about the fourth week of pregnancy, a dog should switch from adult dog food to puppy food. A pregnant dog may require up to four times its usual amount of food, especially as the delivery date draws near.
Activity
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A pregnant dog should get regular, non-strenuous exercise to keep up its strength and muscle tone and to avoid obesity that might otherwise result from its increased diet.
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