Pet Dogs Information

Pregnancy or gestation period in a dog normally lasts for about 9 weeks or 63 days. This gestation period may vary from dog to dog depending on the breed of the dog. The delivery of the puppies ranges between 58 and 64 days. At present, there is no specific blood or urine test that may help you to determine if the dog is pregnant. In order to get the confirmation that your dog is pregnant, taking hime to a vet is the best option. The vet can simply feel his abdomen and detect any signs of pregnancy. Some tests like radiography (X-Ray) may be performed after 45 days in order to determine whether a dog is pregnant or not. In the following article you can learn about the various changes that are visible in the dog during the gestation period.

The following changes are observed during Gestation Period :

Physical Changes :
 

Generally, its difficult to tell if a dog is pregnant even after 5 weeks of conception. No noticeable physical changes occur during this period. There may be some kind of weight gain after 5 weeks, if the litter is big enough. There may also be some noticeable breast enlargement. If the litter has just a couple of pups, the dog might gain a little weight just 2-3 weeks prior to delivery. In fact, the abdomen gets considerably enlarged only three weeks before delivery and the mammary glands produce milk about 6-7 days prior to delivery.

Behavioral Changes :
 

Various behavioral changes can be noticed in the pet during the gestation period. During the last few weeks of her pregnancy, the pet might display symptoms like anxiety, restlessness and may also seek solitude. The bitch might also get a bit aggressive because of the growing discomfort of an enlarged abdomen during the last three weeksof her pregnancy. In this situation, the bitch should be kept away from little children as they might be prone to an attack by the bitch. During this period, she might also soil the house and tear papers and clothes with an obvious attempt of 'nest building' for her brood.

Some Tips :

The gestation period of your pet is quite challenging for the owner as well. As a responsible owner, one should see to it that the dog gets all the required comfort and attention that she deserves. She should be provided with a well-balanced and nutritious diet during this period. Her diet should containg lots of high protein supplements like eggs, meat and liver in the right proportion. She should be fed with several small meals and cater to her increased nutritional needs, especially during the last 5 weeks. It is to be seen that the bitch takes lot of fluids. Its better to consult a vet and plan a proper special diet chart for the pregnant dog.
 

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