Dog Pregnancy
It is important to know that human pregnancy and dog pregnancy are two different things. This article will outline everything that you need to know about the signs of pregnancy, the cycles, and how to care for your expecting dog.
The signs of pregnancy include:
- Morning sickness
- Lethargy
- Eating less
- Weight gain
- vomiting
Your dog’s reproductive cycle (known as canine estrous) has four stages. Please see below for some descriptions of each stage and what to look for with your pet.
Proestrus – Many people refer to this stage as the dog being in “heat”. This will last nine days and during this time estrogen levels will rise, and the bleeding will occur.
Estrus – Fertility occurs during this stage. This stage will also last nine days. Blood will decrease, progesterone levels will increase, and estrogen lowers.
Diestrus – Levels of estrogen are low during this stage that lasts nearly two months. In addition, the progesterone drops to its normal amount.
Anestrus – This is the final step and can occur for about 4 months, depending on the breed. The body prepares to renew the cycle again and get ready for the next possible pregnancy during this stage.
There are several things that you can do for an expecting dog. It is important to keep them comfortable during the process as this will help yield happy and healthy puppies. Do your part to ensure that your dog is still getting the necessary exercise and that they are eating a healthy diet. Keep in mind that your dog may have nausea or morning sickness during this time, and it will be important to keep their intake consistent. The most important thing is to contact your veterinarian if you notice any extreme side effects of the pregnancy. They will be able to guide you in the right direction to ensure a successful birth.
