Accidents happen! If you think your dog might be pregnant, each week will reveal new signs to watch for. Understanding these changes can help you prepare for her journey to motherhood.
Before diving into pregnancy indicators, let’s first discuss how to recognize when your dog is in heat. Knowing these signs can help you prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Let’s get into it.
How to Tell Your Dog’s in Heat
Your dog’s heat cycle is important to understand if you want to spot a possible pregnancy. Most female dogs go into heat for the first time between six months and two years old, depending on breed. This cycle occurs every six months and lasts about three weeks.
Spaying your dog before her first heat can prevent unwanted pregnancies and health risks like mammary cancer and pyometra.
Heat Cycle Stages
- Proestrus (7-10 days): The dog attracts males but isn’t ready to mate. You’ll notice swelling and bloody discharge.
- Estrus (5-14 days): This is the mating stage. Discharge lightens, and she may show increased affection or restlessness.
- Diestrus (60-90 days): Whether pregnant or not, the cycle ends. If pregnant, her body starts preparing for puppies.
- Anestrus (4-6 months): This is a rest period before the next cycle.
What Do I Do When My Dog’s in Heat?
Supervise her outdoor time, keeping her on a leash and away from other dogs to prevent unwanted mating or fights. Doggy diapers help manage discharge and keep your home clean, but remember to change them regularly to prevent infections. Regular vet check-ups are key to making sure she stays healthy. For long-term health, consider spaying her to prevent serious conditions like pyometra and certain cancers.
Knowing the stages of your dog’s heat cycle helps you prepare for potential pregnancy (or prevent it) and keep her safe and comfortable.
Week 1-2: Early Changes and Hormonal Shifts
In the first couple of weeks, you might not notice any visible signs. Fertilized eggs travel to the uterus (where puppies grow) and begin embedding into the lining. Some dogs may exhibit slight lethargy or a decrease in appetite due to hormonal changes.
Week 3: Early Symptoms Start
Around this time, some dogs may start showing early pregnancy signs. Watch for increased appetite or mild morning sickness. You might notice subtle weight gain or slight behavioral changes, like increased affection or tiredness.
Week 4: Confirming Pregnancy
By the fourth week, you may see a noticeable increase in nipple size and slight abdominal swelling. Sometimes, her nipples turn bright pink, called “pinking.” This is also when your vet can perform an ultrasound or palpation to confirm the pregnancy and estimate how many puppies to expect.
Week 5: Growth and Weight Gain
The puppies are developing rapidly and your dog’s belly will begin to expand more noticeably. Her energy levels may fluctuate, so allow her more rest while maintaining gentle exercise like leashed walks.
Week 6: Nurturing the Growing Litter
Around week six, your dog’s appetite will likely increase as the puppies grow. It’s essential to gradually boost her food intake. Frequent, small meals can help her stay comfortable and provide the necessary nutrition. Now is a good time to transition her onto puppy food. It has more calories, fat, and calcium to help her feed the growing babies. Puppy food should be continued through weaning for momma.
Week 7: Nesting Instincts Kick In
As her belly grows, your dog may start to show nesting behaviors—preparing a cozy spot for her puppies. Introduce a whelping box (also called the birthing area) during this time so she can become familiar with it. Place the whelping box in a quiet area with little activity. Your dog will want a safe place away from prying eyes and other pets.
Week 8: Getting Ready for Delivery
By week eight, your dog will likely start lactating. You might also see or feel the puppies moving around in her belly. Continue with small, frequent meals and monitor her closely for signs that labor might begin soon.
Week 9: Labor and Delivery
In the final week, your dog’s temperature may drop slightly—an early sign of impending labor. Watch for nesting behavior and a decrease in appetite. Ensure you’re prepared with all the necessary supplies for a smooth delivery process.
If your dog is actively in labor and pushing for more than 30 minutes without birthing a puppy, get her to your nearest emergency vet as soon as possible. Puppies can get stuck in the birth canal which puts the mother and her babies at risk.
Your Dog’s Pregnant — Know the Signs, Protect Her Health
As you navigate the weeks of your dog’s pregnancy, remember that each phase brings exciting changes. Keeping a close eye on her health and behavior will help you anticipate her puppies’ arrival and ensure she remains happy and healthy. Whether setting up a cozy whelping area or preparing for the big day, you’re in for a rewarding journey. Get ready to welcome new life into your home.
The post Your Dog’s Pregnancy Timeline: A Week by Week Guide for Owners appeared first on Sidewalk Dog.
