Signs of Pregnancy in Chihuahuas

Breeding Chihuahuas can be risky business. There are many different concerns relating to the pregnancy and the delivery of the chihuahua puppies. This is especially true for those chihuahua bitches who become pregnant by a much larger dog. Thus, it is common for chihuahua bitches to deliver via Cesarean delivery, but only a veterinarian can tell for sure. Due to the number of complications a chihuahua pregnancy, it is vital to get the dog to the veterinarian as soon as the pregnancy is noticed.

  1. Physical Signs

    • A pregnant chihuahua will display the symptoms of pregnancy relatively quickly. These symptoms include enlarged nipples, enlarged stomach, and a hard stomach. The chihuahua pregnancy signs will present themselves very quickly. Respond to these indicators quickly by scheduling a veterinarian appointment for a prenatal exam.

    Behavior Signs

    • A pregnant chihuahua will be more tired and lethargic than normal. She may eat more than normal or ingest more water than normal. She should appear to be cleaning herself more frequently and may be displaying nesting behaviors. These nesting behaviors may include rearrangement of the dog's bed or normal sleeping areas.

    Labor Signs

    • Labor signs may include heavy panting, crying, whining, or pacing. The bitch's internal temperature will drop down to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which indicates birthing will begin within 24 hours. The average chihuahua owner should take the bitch to the veterinarian's for the rest of the labor and delivery. Experienced breeders may attempt delivery at home, but should alert a veterinarian in case there are signs of distress during delivery. The birthing process can be very difficult for a chihuahua and a bad labor can kill the bitch and the puppies.