Pregnant Puppy Care

Pregnant dogs typically carry their litter for about 65 days, according to the Marvista Vet website. Young dogs, especially those pregnant with their first litter, may need more reassurance than others who have gone through the process before. There are several things to do to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the pregnancy, as well as to help prepare the mom-to-be for birth. These steps can help provide a comfortable environment for newborn puppies.

  1. Diet and Exercise

    • According to the Puppy Education website, dogs should be given high-quality puppy food or performance dog food at about the fourth week of pregnancy. Puppy food is designed for growing dogs and typically has a higher protein and vitamin content. Dogs' calorie intake should be increased gradually throughout their pregnancy. Take dogs on light, nonstrenuous walks throughout their pregnancy to keep muscles strong for birth.

    Parasite Control

    • Fleas, heartworms, roundworms and hookworms are all dangerous for pregnant dogs and puppies. Contact the veterinarian for pregnancy-approved flea medications. Heartworm medications can be used during pregnancy. Take dogs to the veterinarian if roundworm or hookworm infestation is suspected.

    Labor Preparation

    • Prepare the whelping box three to four weeks before delivery. Choose a durable container that can easily be wiped down. The sides of the box should be large enough to keep puppies inside, but mother dogs should be able to get out easily. Keep food and water nearby for the mother. A heat source should be nearby because newborn puppies have difficulty controlling their body temperature. In a home with multiple dogs, mothers should be isolated for the final three weeks of their pregnancy to prevent the spread of the herpes virus.

    Delivery

    • There are three stages to canine labor, according to the Pet Place website. Labor stages include contractions, the birth of the puppy and the expulsion of the afterbirth. Monitor the rectal temperature of a dog because 24 hours before delivery, the temperature will drop below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also common for two puppies to be born and then two placentas to be expelled. Contact a vet if the dog appears to be in intense pain or if no puppies are born after four hours of labor.

    Puppy Care

    • After newborn puppies are born, mothers should instinctively clean away the membranes associated with birth. This also helps stimulate puppy's breathing. Contact the veterinarian if a dog does not begin to clean newborn pups and wipe off membranes manually. Keep the temperature of a whelping box containing mom and puppies between 86 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the first week and around 75 degrees Fahrenheit over the subsequent three weeks, according to the Pet Place website. Puppies should begin feeding within 12 hours of birth. It is important that puppies start feeding right away in order to obtain the necessary antibodies present in a dog's milk after giving birth.