Adopting a pregnant dog can be a rewarding experience. You will give the mother a safe, loving home to deliver her pups. You must also provide regular vet visits, consistent exercise, and proper nutrition.
Read on to learn more about how to prepare your home and life when you adopt a pregnant dog.
Dog Pregnancy Lasts About 65 Days
Dogs are pregnant for around 65 days (or about nine weeks), but the length of the pregnancy can vary by breed. For example, a Great Dane could be pregnant for 63 days before giving birth, while a much smaller Chihuahua could have pups even sooner. So, if you adopt a pregnant dog, you could have an entire litter on your hands sooner than you think.
It’s important to know the signs of pregnancy in dogs, so you can arrange for prompt veterinary care. These symptoms include:
- Nesting
- Weight gain
- Enlarged nipples
- Either increased or decreased appetite
- Less energy
- Fatigue
As noted, if you feel your dog may be pregnant, seek out a veterinarian. They can perform tests such as ultrasounds, hormone tests, x-rays, and palpitations to determine if your dog is pregnant. From there, they can answer your questions and create a care plan.
Take Your Pregnant Rescue Dog to the Vet
If you adopted a dog and suspect she is pregnant, the first thing to do is take her to the vet. Even if you knowingly adopt a pregnant dog, you must establish a good relationship between your dog and a vet so that your dog can get the proper care she needs.
A veterinarian can check your dog to make sure the pregnancy is healthy and strong. The vet may also want to go ahead and treat any underlying conditions such as fleas, ticks, infections, or parasites. Some medications may not be safe for a pregnant dog, so your vet will be able to advise you on how to deal with any illnesses or parasites that cannot be treated immediately.
You can also ask your vet any questions you may have about your dog’s pregnancy, what to expect, and how to prepare for labor and delivery.
Ensure Your Dog Gets Proper Nutrition
A healthy dog should gain around 15 to 20 percent of her weight during pregnancy. During the first and second months of pregnancy, ensure your dog gets a well-rounded diet. This may include high-quality dog food brands or mixing in grilled vegetables with her meals.
However, you mustn't overfeed your dog. Obesity can lead to prolonged labor and stress on the puppies. What’s more, a pregnant dog can’t eat as much food as before because puppies take up room in her abdomen.
So, experts advise giving a pregnant dog in the third trimester smaller meals that are easy to digest. Puppy food during those last few weeks will add many of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to sustain a healthy pregnancy. You may also opt for a homemade diet for your pregnant dog.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.
Your Pregnant Dog Needs Exercise
Pregnant dogs should continue to exercise throughout their pregnancy. Regular exercise will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and keep her muscles strong for delivery. Of course, some restrictions should be put in place for the types of exercises your pregnant dog can do. It is best to avoid intensive training, obedience school, or any rough play that may result in injuries to the abdomen.
Regular walks are a wonderful way to keep your pregnant rescue dog healthy and happy. It also helps you to create a bond with your newfound companion.
Create a Checklist for Necessary Items
Similarly to any rescue dog, your pregnant rescue will need food and water, dishes, a leash, toys, bedding, and a crate. But what other items do you need as you wait for the puppies to arrive?
The biggest item you’ll need is a whelping box, a large box where your dog can give birth and nurse her puppies for the first few weeks. There are many whelping boxes online to choose from, or you can use a large box you have at home, depending on the size of your dog. Line the bottom of the whelping box with an absorbent material, like puppy pads or newspapers.
You’ll need towels to clean up after labor and to dry the puppies. A heating pad or hot water bottles wrapped in towels should be placed beside the whelping box to keep the puppies warm.
You’ll also need to record the weight of each puppy at birth to help track whether they lose weight or not. Also, record the intervals between puppy births, so you can monitor any complications.
Make Arrangements for the Puppies
After your dog gives birth, you cannot start selling or rehoming the puppies right away. They must remain with their mother for at least eight weeks. This ensures they get socialized with their littermates and get weaned. No ethical dog breeder would think of giving away puppies before the two-month mark. However, puppy mills and backyard breeders will—all in the name of making a few bucks.
Once the puppies are of age, you may:
- Consult breed-specific rescues. Some rescues focus on finding homes for certain breeds. For instance, if your Husky had puppies, connect with a Husky rescue. Don’t worry if the puppies are mixed breed; this doesn’t matter to many organizations.
- Sell them. This is harder than it seems. You’ll need to ensure that the puppies are vaccinated, have certificates of health, and go to loving homes.
- Keep them. Do you have a large property? Then you might think about keeping the pups. Keep in mind that the mother dog will not teach your new friends basic commands or how to walk on a leash. That’s your job now!
Adopting a Pregnant Dog Requires Planning
Rescuing a pregnant dog can be both exciting and challenging. As you prepare for the puppies, be sure to get the mother dog checked by a vet. Provide her with a healthy diet and ensure she gets plenty of exercise. Be sure to provide her with plenty of affection. Pregnant dogs are often clingier and need human interaction. It is important to bond with your dog and ensure that she trusts you. You’ll need to be patient and give her a chance to adjust.
You can help encourage a relationship by spending time with her and giving her positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise. Soon, she will feel right at home.
