Care & management of a pregnant dog

Is your dog pregnant? You can get it confirmed by using ultrasonogrphic examination after 25 to 30 days after mating or by any other method advised by the veterinarian. When your dog is confirmed to be pregnant then this is the right time to take care of your dog until it delivers the pups.

• Tips to be followed for good care and management:–

1. The pregnant bitch should be shifted to a clean quite area of the house about one week prior to the whelping (giving birth) date. The normal pregnancy period is 63 days ± 2 days.
2. Some bedding in the form of folded blankets and clean old news papers should be provided after 40 days of pregnancy.
3. Strictly avoid jumping, fighting and exercise during the pregnancy.
4. Balanced nutrition is crucial for health of pregnant dog as well as proper fetal growth and development, therefore balanced diet should be provided as recommended by the veterinarian.
5. Hairs present around mammary gland (teats) and vulva should be trimmed and the area should whipped with some mild antiseptic solutions daily, during last week of pregnancy.
6. Recording the rectal temperature twice daily during last week of pregnancy is advisable.
7. Usually rectal temperature falls abruptly to 97 to 98⁰ f (normal is 101.5 to 102.5) before 24 hours of normal parturition. 

• Whelping :-

There are three stages of whelping. In stage one that lasts for 6 to 12 hours. The bitch become restless and may show open mouth breathing and nesting behavior. In stage two the bitch try to deliver pups. Normally the head of the pup comes out first and then the rest of the body. It may last until delivery of all pups. Generally time taken for delivery of all pups is 2 to 4 hours after onset of second stage.

In third stage placenta is delivered. The bitch may try to eat placenta therefore remove placenta soon after release. The bitch  get exhausted and hence relaxed and take some time to deliver the next pup. Hot tea or coffee may be offered to provide some energy.

If the bitch fails to deliver the pups, despite completion of full term or after several hours of labor, rush for veterinary assistance. Bitch which is underweight or going to whelp for the first time or bitch which has suffered abortion, pyometra or dystokia during previous pregnancies warrant medical interventions.

Pet Care tips by Pratik Deshpande,
Veterinary Doctor, Maharashtra

Reference – A Handbook Of Pet Care And Management by Amita Ranjan.