There may be affiliate links in this article. The businesses featured in this post may pay us or provide us with products.Do you currently have a newborn dog at home or are you planning to breed your dog?Whatever the situation, you’ll need to know everything there is to know about the canine gestation time and what to anticipate. You should use a week-by-week dog pregnant calendar to keep track of your dog’s progress throughout her whole pregnancy.Although expecting an additional litter is really exciting, it’s normal to feel a little nervous about taking care of a pregnant dog. Fortunately, dogs are extremely independent and are capable of managing pregnancy and giving baby on their own. However, you should be aware of what to anticipate and ready to assist in an emergency.
Dog pregnancies typically last 63 days, although they can last anywhere from 58 to 68 days depending on the breed. Dogs give birth far more quickly than humans do, therefore you must be prepared in order to support a safe pregnancy.
A Week-by-Week Dog Pregnancy Calendar
Congratulations if your dog is already pregnant or if you are attempting to get her pregnant! The most thrilling experiences you will have as a pet owner will be taking care of a pregnancy dog and rearing the puppies. A canine pregnancy calendar will enable you to keep track of your dog’s pregnancy week by weekly and prepare for the due date.
Week One
Ovulation and fertilization take place within the first seven days following mating. The eggs that were fertilized will descend from the uterus during this procedure and implant themselves into the wall of the uterus. You may accurately develop a canine pregnant calendar and estimate your dog’s due date by knowing when she is ovulating.Remember that ovulation is essential for effective reproduction, but it might be challenging to tell if your dog has produced eggs or not. To confirm ovulation, you can monitor your dog’s heat cycle.
Week Two
The growing embryos slowly begin to expand in the subsequent week of your dog’s pregnancy. The embryos are still extremely young at this stage and don’t require many calories for typical growth and development. As a result, there is no need to alter your dog’s diet and you can continue to feed her the same way you always did.From this point forward, you should regularly weigh your dog and take measurements of her. Up until the conclusion of week five of pregnancy, your dog’s weight should stay the same or rise no more than 10%. The puppies, however, can be in risk if your dog begins to lose weight, so call your veterinarian immediately and take your dog in for a checkup.
Since the pregnancy is still in its early stages, you can continue working out and enjoying with your dog as you normally would. Additionally, you are not yet required to alter how often you bathe and brush your dog. If your veterinarian did not prescribe any dietary supplements, there additionally exists no reason to add any at this time.
Week Three
The embryos will begin to establish themselves inside the uterine lining during the third month of your dog’s pregnancy. They will obtain all the nutrients required for healthy growth and development inside this protective layer. Since the puppies are still just a few millimeters long, you won’t see any noticeable changes to your dog’s general look.
Additionally, your veterinarian will be able to perform an ultrasound so you can receive a ballpark estimate of the number of babies your dog will have.
Week Four
So even if your dog appears to be in perfect health, you should still take her to the doctor by halfway through the fourth week. Your veterinarian will be able to detect any developmental abnormalities in the puppies in addition to examining the mother and letting you know the size of the litter to be expected. The puppies will get to be about 1.5 centimeters long by the end of week four. Their faces will begin to take shape, and their eyes and spines will also begin to form. The puppies are more at danger of developing abnormalities during the fourth week of pregnancy because it is one of the most creative times of the pregnancy. You should start limiting rough play and vigorous activities that could endanger the puppies at this point in your dog’s pregnancy. While you shouldn’t completely stop exercising your dog, you will need to take extra precautions. Therefore, choose a lengthy walk instead of bringing your dog for an early morning run, and stay away from strenuous exercises. Additionally, this is the right moment to discuss your dog’s evolving dietary requirements with the vet. Your veterinarian could propose alternative diets and supplements to assist your dog’s sensitive condition.
Week Five
The first phase of gestation, embryogenesis, ends by the fifth week, and the subsequent one starts. Now referred to as foetuses, puppies at this stage begin to develop internal organs and rapidly put on weight. The good thing is that the puppies are now less likely to experience any developmental problems.
Puppies begin to grow the claws and whiskers during this week, as well as distinct toes. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the genders of the puppies using an ultrasound since they will also grow their male and female organs.
Your dog will start gaining weight significantly at this point in the pregnancy because puppies will begin to put on weight more quickly. As a result, you will need to start giving your dog extra food and modify her diet. Start giving your dog several smaller meals rather than two larger ones.
Depending on your dog’s current diet, this may be the ideal moment to switch to a food designed specifically for pregnant dogs. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about the food you provide your dog. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on how much diet she requires at this point in her pregnancy and may even suggest the ideal food for expectant dogs.
Week Six
The development and growth of your dog’s puppies begin to accelerate around six weeks of pregnancy. The puppies will now begin to develop their distinguishing traits, and their skeletal system and skeleton will begin to solidify.
At this point, your dog’s pregnancy will be visible to everyone and her tummy will start to grow. If you haven’t altered her diet yet, you must do so right away. To prevent nutritional and calorie deficiencies, begin feeding your dog premium dog food designed for pregnant dogs.
Some dogs experience a drop in appetite at this time as a result of the discomfort the pregnancy causes. To help the still-growing puppies, your dog will need a lot of energy from the food. Start giving your dog many smaller meals if their appetite wanes, or just leave food there and encourage free eating.
If your dog’s nutrition needs to be supplemented in any way at this point, you should also speak with your veterinarian.
Week Seventh
The puppies’ hair will begin to grow at this point in the pregnancy, and the skeletons will continue to solidify. Your dog might now start shedding hair from her torso as she gets prepared for the big event. If this occurs, don’t panic—a dog preparing to give birth will typically act in this way.
You should start preparing for the arrival of your new puppies during the seventh week of your dog’s pregnancy, according to a dog pregnancy calendar. Setting up a whelping space for your dog at this time is ideal! Pick a spot where your dog is going to feel secure and at ease giving birth to her new puppies that is calm and away from foot traffic.
Choose a room that you won’t need very soon, keeping in mind that your dog will be within her home for a while after she gives birth. Warmth and ease of cleaning are required in the selected birthing area. If you don’t intend to breed your dog frequently, you can make a simple whelping box out of a cardboard box and some blankets.
Week Eight
The puppies’ skeletons should be fully developed by the eighth week. Your veterinarian can perform an x-ray at this time to check the precise size of the brood. However, this surgery might be overly invasive, so you and your veterinarian will have to decide whether it’s required or not.
After this, your dog could give birth at any moment, so make sure everything is ready. You should check to see whether you have what you need and make any last-minute alterations to the whelping space now.
Your dog will start breastfeeding around the end of eight weeks of pregnancy, which is a sure sign that she’ll give birth shortly. Since most dogs begin nursing a week before giving birth, you can predict when their puppies will be delivered.
You can think about shaving the fur from your dog’s nipples and hindquarters to make her more comfortable during whelping. This will reduce the amount of mess and significantly ease your dog’s labour and nursing experiences.
Week Nine
Be prepared to welcome the freshly born puppies because your dog may start whelping at any moment at this point. As she prepares to give birth, your dog will begin to nest in her whelping boxes and may become restless and agitated.
If your dog agrees, you can begin taking her temperature because a decrease of 1.8°F indicates that labour will begin soon. If, however, doing this will strain your dog out or otherwise bother her, don’t do it.
And after your dog enters into labour, try to remain calm and supportive rather than displaying any indications of stress. Remember that most dogs are intelligent and capable of handling every situation on their own. You can have your vet be on call in case your dog requires assistance by informing him that your dog has begun whelping. This will alleviate your mind.
