Symptoms of Problems in Canine Pregnancy

According to Pet Place, female dogs are pregnant for between 58 and 68 days from the time of the mating to when they whelp their puppies. While most female dogs have a trouble free pregnancy and deliver the puppies without need for assistance, there are warning signs that can tell you that a pregnant dog requires veterinary care and human intervention.

  1. Rejection of Food and Water

    • A female dog needs to eat and drink well during her pregnancy. The mother's nutrition is essential to the health and survival of her puppies, and any sign that she has gone off of her food or that she is not drinking water should be taken seriously. A thorough examination should be performed to make sure that nothing is amiss.

    Bleeding

    • While bloody vaginal discharge does normally occur during the first week after a female dog is bred, there is a concern that blood in the first month after mating is a sign of uterine infection. Uterine infections can be fatal to the mother. Bleeding, especially when coupled with constant urination and drinking, is a sign that the dog should be taken to a veterinarian.

    Overdue Litter

    • If a dog is pregnant for more than 65 days after mating, she needs to be taken to the veterinarian. She may need to be induced to give birth, or it may be a sign that the litter is dead.

    Delivery Delay

    • If a dog shows signs of being in labor for two hours without giving birth to a puppy, she should be taken to the veterinarian. Signs of labor include pacing, shivering, vomiting and heavy breathing, and if these symptoms persist without any puppies being delivered, veterinary care is essential. Similarly, if more than two hours pass without a puppy appearing during labor, and you know that there are more puppies inside the dog, the dog should be taken to the veterinarian.