No doubt, your dog’s pregnancy is very exciting news for you. If you want to confirm the news, a pregnancy test for dogs will confirm that your dog is expecting. From the dog pregnancy symptoms week 1 until the last stage of a puppy delivery, it’s a fascinating journey. The journey will become smoother if you know the dog gestation length and the dog signs of pregnancy week by week.
Once you get the confirmed news of your dog’s expectancy, it’s crucial to know the dog care required over time. This comprehensive blog will guide you from a pregnancy test for dogs and then identifying early dog pregnancy symptoms week 1.
Pregnancy Test for Dogs to Confirm It
A professional veterinarian has reliable tools and tests to confirm your dog’s pregnancy. Don’t apply a human pregnancy test tool or any other test on your own. Getting proper pregnancy tests for dogs, as mentioned below,is crucial for future care.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the most accurate method to detect pregnancy. This test typically detects pregnancy in 20 to 25 days after conception. It’s a most suitable and convenient method for dogs as it is a non-invasive procedure. The veterinarians visualize the fetus and its growth.
Palpitation
The palpitation in your dog’s abdomen is a sign of your dog’s pregnancy. But only a veterinarian can feel this palpitation. This palpitation becomes detectable after 20 to 30 days of gestation. A vet expert feels the puppy fetus in your dog’s uterus.
‘Relaxin’ Blood Test
This test accurately determines the dog signs of pregnancy week by week. ‘Relaxin’ is the name of a hormone. This hormone is produced during pregnancy in the placenta of your dog. The ‘Relaxin’ blood test calculates its levels that can determine pregnancy around 25 to 30 days after breeding.
If you observe some unique changes and doubt your dog is pregnant, consult your vet. After performing relevant tests, they will give you tips on caring for throughout the incubation period for dogs.
Understanding the Dog Gestational Length
The dog gestational length is the period from conception to the delivery of the puppy. It’s usually 63 days, but it ranges from 58 to 68 days. Various factors impact this period, including breed type, litter size, and some individual characteristics.
The dog parents often confuse how long is a dog pregnant in months. Commonly, it is a two-month period. However, it is recommended to keep a track of pregnancy in days from the approximate date of breeding.
Discover: French Bulldog Health Issues Every Owner Must Know
It’s essential to know the exact date of delivery, but it’s challenging. Only a vet will help you determine the exact date or narrow down the timeframe, considering breeding dates and other medical tests like ultrasound, etc.
Dog signs of Pregnancy Week by Week
This varies from dog to dog. In general, dog signs of pregnancy week by week are:
Weeks 1 to 3
A few apparent changes in your dog are appetite fluctuation, lethargy, and changes in nipple shape and color. However, these changes keep changing with time and are not definitive.
Week 4
By the fourth week, the fetus develops in size, and the abdominal size increases and becomes prominent.
Week 5
At this stage, the mother dog’s appetite increases, and she needs a nutritious diet to feed her baby.
Week 6
At week 6, the mother’s mammary glands will start growing. The X-ray will show that the puppy’s skeleton is developing.
Week 7
The mother’s belly will be prominently large, and she will be more prone to rest and be a comfort.
Week 8
The puppy is almost fully developed and ready for delivery. The mother will be uneasy and might not eat much.
Week 9
The mother feels highly uncomfortable as labor is about to start. The common signs are a drop in temperature, normally 12 to 24 hours before labor. This time of pain and distress is followed by good news of a baby puppy.
It’s vital to know these dog signs of pregnancy week by week, helps you monitor and take good care of your dog’s health and support her for birth.
The Pregnant Chihuahua
It is a breed-specific consideration. While the general philosophy is uniform for all dog breeds, there are specific considerations for smaller breeds, like a pregnant Chihuahua.
More Complications
Small breeds have specific complications like dystocia. It’s a condition that refers to the difficult delivery due to a small birth canal.
Small Litter
The Chihuahua breed has a smaller litter size due to their breed characteristics.
Explore: Irish Doodle Health Issues and How to Prevent Them
Monitoring
Every mother dog needs monitoring, but in the case of the Chihuahua, cautious monitoring is required to avoid complications.
If you are a dog parent of a Chihuahua, you must work closely with your vet for a safe pregnancy and smooth delivery.
Final thoughts
The furry friends are always charming, but you need to explore the dog universe from all aspects. After knowing that your dog is pregnant, it becomes important to know the signs of pregnancy, caring tips, and look after it at every stage of pregnancy. Taking care throughout pregnancy and then welcoming a safe arrival of new puppies is a sign of responsible dog parenthood. From day 1 of pregnancy, passing through different stages, and ending with the good news is a challenging and rewarding job.
