Daily Signs of Pregnancy in a Boxer Dog

Boxer dogs have a gestational period of about 63 days. Although this pregnancy period may seem short compared to that of humans, female boxers go through many changes in the short time while they prepare to give birth. Some of these changes, such as weight gain, can be monitored daily. Others occur at key points in the dog's pregnancy.

  1. Early Signs

    • Boxers, like other dog breeds, do not show many signs of pregnancy early on. The first sign, which usually occurs within the first three weeks of pregnancy, is mood swings. The boxer may become more affectionate toward her owner or handler, and she may get more aggressive toward other dogs, pets and humans, according to Boxer-Dogs-Guide.

    Physical Changes

    • About 14 days after mating, the boxer should show the first bodily signs of pregnancy, according to Doggies.com. Her nipples will gradually become larger and darker. Around the 20th day of pregnancy, the fur around the nipples will start to thin out. By the fifth week of pregnancy, the dog will probably secrete a clear vaginal discharge, according to the Puppy Education website.

    Weight Gain

    • As your boxer's pregnancy progresses, she will eat more and gain a considerable amount of weight. According to the UK Boxer Breed Council website, a boxer's weight usually increases 35 percent over the course of her pregnancy. By the last stages of pregnancy (and while nursing her new pups), she will eat about three times more food than usual, according to Boxer-Dogs-Guide.

    Changes in the Womb

    • Around day 25 of pregnancy, it is possible to hear the puppies' heartbeats with a stethoscope, according to Doggies.com. With some dog breeds, puppies can be felt through the abdomen as early as 30 days into pregnancy. However, because boxers are large dogs, it could take much longer before pups can be felt, according to the Puppy Education website. Usually, some movement within the womb should be noticeable after six weeks.

    Signs Nearing Labor

    • Twelve to 36 hours before the boxer gives birth, her temperature begins to fluctuate, according to the UK Boxer Breed Council. Normally, a female boxer's temperature is about 101 degrees Fahrenheit; it usually drops to about 98 degrees just before giving birth. In the days leading up to labor, she probably will secrete milky fluid from her nipples and may have increased vaginal discharge, according to Doggies.com.