Caring for your pregnant
dog before and after the birthing process is a very
important development in your relationship with your pet. If
you are expecting the pitter-patter of little puppy paws,
there are a few things you can do for your mother-to-be
before and after she gives birth to your precious new
additions. Following these steps will help ensure that she
stays healthy and happy and that your puppies will grow up
strong..
It is important, as with a mother of any species, that she
has an intake of nutritious food. While your dog is pregnant
and then while she is nursing, you need to be sure she is
eating plenty of high quality food that provides solid
nutrition. While the mother is pregnant, her food
consumption will be 1 ½ times the level it was before her
pregnancy. By the time she has finished the nursing period,
her food consumption may be more than two times her
pre-pregnancy consumption. It is important for the food to
be of the highest quality in order to keep her healthy, as
well as her developing puppies. Never withhold food from
your mother-to-be. In fact, you might need to increase the
number of feedings you provide her with during the day.
You might notice some behavioral changes in your pregnant
dog almost immediately after breeding her. Many become
unusually sweet and loving after breeding, needing more
attention and affection. Others, however, become irritable.
Some even experience morning sickness.
As the pregnancy progresses, the mother-to-be will begin
looking for a place to deliver her puppies. During this
time, she might also start to become uncomfortable and, as a
result, become clingy. When labor begins, she might become
nervous as she searches for a birthing location. If she is
particularly close to you, she might not want to be left
alone during the birthing process. In fact, she may delay
delivery until she can be with you.
To deal with your dog’s anxiety, it is important to be
patient, loving, and affectionate throughout the pregnancy.
Just as with humans, pregnancy can be a very emotional time
for your pet and she needs as much reassurance from you as
you can provide.
To further help reduce your pets anxiety while she is
pregnant, you should create a birthing box, also referred to
as a whelping box. This box should be large enough for your
pet to fit in and move around in comfortably. Yet, the sides
should be low enough for her to be able to easily see out
and for you to reach in and provide assistance during the
birthing process if necessary. Be sure to line the bottom of
the box with layers of newspaper, which will absorb the
birthing fluids. You can remove the top layer of newspapers
after delivery in order to keep the area clean for the
mother and her new puppies.
After creating the birthing box, set it up in a secluded
area in the house. A closet can be a good choice, as is a
little-used room. Be sure to show the box to your pregnant
dog.
There are number of signs that a dog is about ready to go
into labor. As your pets due date approaches, keep a close
eye on her to determine when labor is eminent. Most dogs
begin panting and acting nervous when labor is near. During
the 24 hours prior to labor, many stop eating. If you
suspect labor is near, you can take your dog’s rectal
temperature. If it is below 100 degree Fahrenheit, you can
be sure your mother-to-be will be giving birth within the
day.
After the puppies have been born, you should transfer them
to a small, clean box that was prepared ahead of time. This
box should be lined with a warm towel, which can be warmed
with the microwave oven. You might also place a hot water
bottle or heating pad in the box, or have a heat lamp near
by. If you use a heating pad, keep it on the low setting and
covered with a towel in order to prevent making the box too
warm. Heat is important, but a new puppy may not be able to
move away from the heat source if it becomes too hot.
After your dog has given birth to all of the puppies, remove
all of the soiled newspaper from the birthing box. Then,
line the box with soft bedding and return the puppies to the
box.
Within 24 hours after giving birth, you should have a
veterinarian examine your new puppies and of course, the
mother. At this time, your veterinarian may give your dog a
shot to help make her uterus contract and to encourage milk
production. She will likely have bloody vaginal discharge
for 3-7 days. If it lasts for longer than this period, be
sure to advise your veterinarian.
