SIGNS OF A DOG PREGNANT

Of course, if you think your dog may be pregnant, you have a much happier reason to bring her to the vet! Here are 6 signs to watch for:

• Decreased Activity
• Changes in Appetite
• Unusual Behavior
• Enlarged or Discolored Nipples
• Weight Gain and Enlarged Abdomen
• Nesting Behaviors

Compared with humans, dog gestation periods are a relatively short 56-70 days. As a result, acting quickly on signs of pregnancy is crucial to ensuring a comfortable, safe birth for your new puppies. After a proper examination, your local veterinarian can provide you with all of the instruction you need to properly care for your pregnant pet

A slight mucus discharge may occur around one month after mating. Also her teats may become more prominent in colour and size around 30 days after mating, and you may also see them produce a semi-clear fluid.

You should be able to notice her swollen tummy from around day 40, although first-time mums, and bitches carrying a small litter, may not show as much. She may act a little quieter than usual, or her appetite might drop. These signs can also indicate a problem, so speak to your vet if you’re concerned.

Your vet can confirm a pregnancy with either a dog pregnancy test, which measures her hormone levels, from days 21-25 of her term, or by ultrasound from day 20-22. From around day 30 your vet will be able to carry out a physical examination to count how many puppies your dog is having. This may not always be accurate, so be aware that you could have more puppies on the way than you thought!

In the first few weeks, there are very few outward signs, so you may not notice a change. Your dog will seem like her normal self, although she may gain some weight. Morning sickness affects some dogs, but only for a few days during the 3rd or 4th week. (It's caused by hormone changes.) Your pet may seem tired, and she may eat less than usual. Some dogs throw up a little.