29 Sep How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

If your dog is currently pregnant, you probably have many questions. If the breeding was not planned, you may be wondering how far along she is, what to feed her, when you should expect puppies, and if there is anything else that you need to be concerned about. Luckily, dogs are very intuitive and most of the time will not need too much assistance as they go through their pregnancy.

Your veterinarian will be able to help you determine how far along your dog is into her pregnancy. Your dog’s heat cycle consists of four stages called proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. Proestrus is the beginning stage and is signaled by the swelling of female’s vulva along with a cloudy discharge. This stage lasts approximately 9 days, after which estrus begins.

Estrus is the stage in which the female can conceive; you will notice that swelling has gone down and the discharge now appears to be nearly clear; this stage also lasts roughly 9 days. Beyond determining pregnancy, using knowledge of the female dog’s productive cycle, puppies can often be felt using a physical exam of the abdomen. If this method is used the puppies are the most likely to be felt between 20 and 34 days of initial conception. A veterinarian may also be able to use ultrasound or x-ray to determine a verifiable pregnancy and the size of the litter.

During the diestrus period, the corpora lutea, glands that release increased amounts of progesterone, are active. The female dog will also reject any advances from male dogs. Physical changes that occur during this phase include hyperactive urine glands, vaginal secretions, and cervix contractions. The length of the diestrus period varies, but typically ranges from 70 to 80 days.

During the last stage of pregnancy, the anestrus period, sexual activity subsides. The cervix becomes increasingly constricted, and the vaginal mucosa is pale. Vaginal secretions decrease during the anestrus period as well.

Pregnant female dogs will need high-quality food that is free of fillers and byproducts. Food intake will increase during pregnancy. A veterinarian may recommend supplemental vitamins to increase the bioavailability of nutrients to the puppies. Calcium supplements can also help with the mother’s milk production after delivery.

•    Determining Pregnancy in a Dog
•    Keeping Your Dog Healthy When She is Expecting
•    The Dog’s Cycles & How They Relate to Pregnancy
•    How Far Along Is My Pregnant Dog?
•    Variables That Affect Length of Gestation in Dogs
•    Caring for the Pregnant Dog
•    Things to Know Before Your Dog Goes into Labor
•    How to Figure out When Your Dog Is Due
•    Everything You Need to Know about Dogs Regarding Estrus, Pregnancy, and Whelping
•    Feeding Your Pregnant Dog