Dogs
Normally, the dogs achieve sexual maturity at the age of 6-12 months. However, some large breeds have their first estrous cycle at the age of 12-24 months. There are four stages of estrous cycle in dogs such as proestrus stage, estrus stage, diestrus stage and anestrus stage. During the estrous stage, the female dog allows the male dog to mate. If the eggs are fertilized by the sperms from the male dog, then the female dog gets pregnant and an embryo is formed. You should consult the veterinarian to confirm the dog's pregnancy. Generally, normal gestation period in dogs is approximately 58-68 days, with an average period of 63 days. There are certain conditions that can confuse with pregnancy such as mammary gland neoplasia (cancer), pyometra (infection of the uterus), mastitis (inflammation of mammary glands), false pregnancy, or abdominal enlargement due to fluid accumulation or organ enlargement.
There are certain signs and symptoms, from which you know about dog pregnancy. Knowing the symptoms, you will be able to take care of your dog. For the first three weeks of dog's pregnancy, you might not notice any symptoms. The pregnancy symptoms can be divided into different stages. Here are some symptoms of pregnant dog:
Early Signs
Reduced appetite is one of the earliest signs of a dog's pregnancy. The dog feels exhaust easily and becomes less active during gestation. It happens because there are certain changes in the hormonal levels to support the process of embryo production. Growth of nipples is another good indication of dog pregnancy. The nipples of unbred female dog are quite small and the area beneath them is flat. Once the pregnancy is in progress, the breast material is developed beneath the nipples to prepare for eventual milk production. You can also notice some behavioral changes in most female dogs during the pregnancy period. They either show affectionate behavior or desire to be left alone.
Progressing Signs
After one month of pregnancy, the dog shows some progressive signs. You will notice an increase in appetite and decrease after ending the heat period. There is a remarkable weight gain and the dog's abdomen becomes thick. If you gently check the abdomen, you will find it firm and thick.
Late-term Signs
The signs of pregnancy increase remarkably in the last weeks of pregnancy. There is a significant increase in abdomen size. It becomes firm and hard. If the dog carries only one or two pups, then the abdomen is slightly increased, but it is firmer. Smaller breeds generally show more abdomen size as they have small space to hold the puppies. The abdomen of some small breeds literally drags the ground at the end of pregnancy period.
You can notice movement of the puppies during last weeks of gestation. A few days before delivery, there is a definite increase in their movements, as they get into position for birth. Milk production starts and colostrums, the first milk, may leak as the time of delivery comes near. You will notice the nesting behavior of female dog. She will prepare the area where she wishes to deliver the pups.
Knowing these symptoms, you can take a good care of your pregnant dog. You need to feed a special, nutritional diet for healthy mother and puppies.
- How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant
Most dog owners are at a loss when it comes to determining whether their dog is pregnant. If you have involved your pet in a breeding program, the news of her pregnancy must be something that you must have been expecting. On the other hand, many...
- False Pregnancy In Dogs
Female dogs undergo alternate periods of 'heat' and quiescence after every 8 to 9 months. The heat period is called estrus cycle and is characterized by increased sexual urge. During estrus period the female dog is at her most fertile state...
- Female Dogs In Heat
Heat in female dogs is considered to be equivalent to menstruation experienced in human beings. This is said to be the most fertile period in dogs during which reproduction can occur, if the female dog has intercourse. Though it is a known fact that...
- Canine Pregnancy Calendar - Signs And Stages Of Dog Pregnancy
The term pregnancy in dogs depends upon their breed. In small breeds, the heat cycle or estrus usually begins when they are 4 to 6 months old, and in larger breeds it starts between 12 to 24 months of age. An interesting fact about female dogs is...
- Labrador Pregnancy
Like we humans, even dogs require that special care during the time of their pregnancy. Being the proud owner of a Labrador dog, it is the duty of the master to provide all the comforts to his dog. Pregnancy, always needs to be handled with care,...
Dogs
Pregnant Dog Symptoms
Normally, the dogs achieve sexual maturity at the age of 6-12 months. However, some large breeds have their first estrous cycle at the age of 12-24 months. There are four stages of estrous cycle in dogs such as proestrus stage, estrus stage, diestrus stage and anestrus stage. During the estrous stage, the female dog allows the male dog to mate. If the eggs are fertilized by the sperms from the male dog, then the female dog gets pregnant and an embryo is formed. You should consult the veterinarian to confirm the dog's pregnancy. Generally, normal gestation period in dogs is approximately 58-68 days, with an average period of 63 days. There are certain conditions that can confuse with pregnancy such as mammary gland neoplasia (cancer), pyometra (infection of the uterus), mastitis (inflammation of mammary glands), false pregnancy, or abdominal enlargement due to fluid accumulation or organ enlargement.
There are certain signs and symptoms, from which you know about dog pregnancy. Knowing the symptoms, you will be able to take care of your dog. For the first three weeks of dog's pregnancy, you might not notice any symptoms. The pregnancy symptoms can be divided into different stages. Here are some symptoms of pregnant dog:
Early Signs
Reduced appetite is one of the earliest signs of a dog's pregnancy. The dog feels exhaust easily and becomes less active during gestation. It happens because there are certain changes in the hormonal levels to support the process of embryo production. Growth of nipples is another good indication of dog pregnancy. The nipples of unbred female dog are quite small and the area beneath them is flat. Once the pregnancy is in progress, the breast material is developed beneath the nipples to prepare for eventual milk production. You can also notice some behavioral changes in most female dogs during the pregnancy period. They either show affectionate behavior or desire to be left alone.
Progressing Signs
After one month of pregnancy, the dog shows some progressive signs. You will notice an increase in appetite and decrease after ending the heat period. There is a remarkable weight gain and the dog's abdomen becomes thick. If you gently check the abdomen, you will find it firm and thick.
Late-term Signs
The signs of pregnancy increase remarkably in the last weeks of pregnancy. There is a significant increase in abdomen size. It becomes firm and hard. If the dog carries only one or two pups, then the abdomen is slightly increased, but it is firmer. Smaller breeds generally show more abdomen size as they have small space to hold the puppies. The abdomen of some small breeds literally drags the ground at the end of pregnancy period.
You can notice movement of the puppies during last weeks of gestation. A few days before delivery, there is a definite increase in their movements, as they get into position for birth. Milk production starts and colostrums, the first milk, may leak as the time of delivery comes near. You will notice the nesting behavior of female dog. She will prepare the area where she wishes to deliver the pups.
Knowing these symptoms, you can take a good care of your pregnant dog. You need to feed a special, nutritional diet for healthy mother and puppies.
- How To Tell If Your Dog Is Pregnant
Most dog owners are at a loss when it comes to determining whether their dog is pregnant. If you have involved your pet in a breeding program, the news of her pregnancy must be something that you must have been expecting. On the other hand, many...
- False Pregnancy In Dogs
Female dogs undergo alternate periods of 'heat' and quiescence after every 8 to 9 months. The heat period is called estrus cycle and is characterized by increased sexual urge. During estrus period the female dog is at her most fertile state...
- Female Dogs In Heat
Heat in female dogs is considered to be equivalent to menstruation experienced in human beings. This is said to be the most fertile period in dogs during which reproduction can occur, if the female dog has intercourse. Though it is a known fact that...
- Canine Pregnancy Calendar - Signs And Stages Of Dog Pregnancy
The term pregnancy in dogs depends upon their breed. In small breeds, the heat cycle or estrus usually begins when they are 4 to 6 months old, and in larger breeds it starts between 12 to 24 months of age. An interesting fact about female dogs is...
- Labrador Pregnancy
Like we humans, even dogs require that special care during the time of their pregnancy. Being the proud owner of a Labrador dog, it is the duty of the master to provide all the comforts to his dog. Pregnancy, always needs to be handled with care,...