Canine Gestation

From LoveToKnow Dogs

What can you expect during canine gestation? Quite a lot, actually. Learn more about what goes on during each week of a dog pregnancy, and get tips on caring for your pregnant bitch.

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What is Canine Gestation?

Canine gestation is just the scientific term for dog pregnancy. The gestation period begins from the day your bitch was mated and lasts until the puppies are delivered or "whelped". Gestation lasts from 58 to 67 days on average, or about eight to nine weeks depending on your dog's breed, the size of the litter and how soon fertilization occurred after the breeding took place.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? However, what's going on inside your bitch's reproductive system is anything but simple, and she needs a great deal of care to ensure not only her continued health, but the health and development of her growing pups.

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Dog Pregnancy Calendar

The week-by-week canine gestation calendar below will help you understand how the puppies are developing, as well as the outward changes your bitch is going through and how you can support her.

**Dog Pregnancy Calendar**
Week	Changes
Zero to One	Breeding takes place. Within a few days, the sperm reach the eggs and fertilization occurs.
Two	The fertilized eggs make their way to the uterus for implantation. You may notice behavioral changes in your bitch. She may become moody or more affectionate.
Three	Implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop. Your bitch may begin to display mood swings, appetite changes and breast tissue development.
Four	Fetuses can felt in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound. The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features. Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be felt again. Your bitch's appetite will likely increase, so offer her more of her food.
Five	The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to look like actual puppies. The leg buds lengthen and develop toes. Your bitch's belly will begin to look noticeably swollen as the pups take up more space. With less room for full meals, it's time to begin serving smaller meals more frequently.
Six	Pups continue to grow and pigmentation develops. The eyes now have lids and remain sealed until approximately ten days after birth. Your bitch is noticeably more uncomfortable at this point. She may vomit occasionally due to the extra pressure against her stomach. You may also notice clear fluid discharge from her vulva. This is normal.
Seven	Puppies are well-developed, and now begin attaining size in preparation for birth. You may be able to see/feel the puppies' movements in your bitch's abdomen. Your bitch's breasts are well developed and probably contain a bit of colostrum or "first milk". Your bitch is noticeably tired and may begin search for a place to whelp. Time to set up a whelping box.
Eight	The pups have fur and are now crowded in the uterus. You may notice a lot of activity as they get into position for the coming birth. Your bitch may begin digging the bedding in the whelping box. This is natural "nesting" behavior. Allow your bitch to feed freely as she is able.
Eight to Nine	The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come. Your bitch may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious. Time to begin taking anal temperature readings 12 hours apart. Normal temperature is 100 to 101 F; a drop down near 97 F held for two consecutive readings indicates labor will begin within 24 hours.

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Additional Dog Pregnancy Tips

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Nutrition

If you're already feeding a balanced diet, there's no need for additional vitamin supplements that could throw the formula off balance.
As your dog's needs increase, simply offer her more of her current diet.
You can add a spoonful of cottage cheese to her evening meal to boost calcium intake in a natural way, but refrain from giving calcium pills. They are too potent and can do more harm than good during the pregnancy.

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Activity Level

As you can tell from the dog pregnancy calendar, it's a good idea to limit any strenuous activity during the first two weeks of pregnancy to ensure implantation takes place. After this time, your bitch can resume her normal activities within reason. Once her belly begins to show, it's a good idea to limit her exercise to gentle walks to keep her well toned.

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Veterinary Care

An early pregnancy check up and good communication with your vet are generally all that is required to make sure the pregnancy develops as it should. Call your vet if your bitch displays any behavior you deem completely unusual or if she displays signs of distress. Do not give vaccinations or worm your bitch until after whelping, and only with your vet's supervision..

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Comments

Hi Debbie,

Most females come into their first heat cycle around six months old, so I would advise you to keep your male well away from your female. She could definitely become pregnant at this young age, and it could turn out to be detrimental to her health.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope this will help you separate them in time to prevent and unwanted pregnancy.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi I have a 2 dachsands and they are 6 months old now, at what age do they start to breed, because I have the male trying to mate with her now. HELP

-- Contributed by: Debbie

Hi Luz,

The aggression toward your male right now is fairly normal for a pregnant female. She simply doesn't want to be bothered with him. Since the vet feels she is in good shape, she probably just isn't feeling quite like herself due to the pregnancy hormones. Let's see if she will tolerate adding a spoonful of plained canned pumpkin to her daily diet. The pumpkin is high in fiber, and will help move her bowels if she really is experiencing a bit of constipation. This may help her feel well enough to resume eating regularly. The biggest concern is her reluctance to drink water. If this continues, it will be necessary to return to the vet for another exam. In the meantime, you might try to tempt her to drink by offering low sodium chicken broth. This would provide hydration, as well as some nutrition.

Continue to keep an eye on your bitch, and don't hesitate to call your vet if she begins to decline. Thanks for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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