Caring for Pregnant Dogs
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Oh no! It happened! You tried to keep your dog away from the boys but she got pregnant. Now what?
Unlike humans, dogs are only pregnant for roughly 63 days and a LOT is going to happen during that short amount of time. A few tips to help ensure your soon to be mama dog and future puppies arrive safe and healthy.
- Ensure that clean, fresh water is always available
- If possible, increase the amount you are feeding your dog. Growing a litter of puppies is hard work and you may notice an increase in appetite. Feeding puppy food is a great option at this point and towards the end of the pregnancy small, more frequent meals may be more comfortable for your dog
- Look for a warm, safe, quiet place that she can use to deliver the puppies. Dry, clean towels or blankets in the area will help her feel more comfortable. If possible this area should be in a more quiet area of the house
- As delivery day gets closer you may notice your dog is less active and needs some alone time. A quiet, safe place that she can rest is important
- You may notice that your dog is trying to build a “nest” as the time gets closer. She will want to ensure that her puppies are born in the safest place she can find
- Remind children in the home and neighbourhood to treat her gently and with care. She may seem a bit more irritable and not want to interact in the same way she used to. Once the puppies arrive, she may be a bit protective of them. It will be important that she has a quiet, safe space to take care of them
- Newborn puppies need constant care from mom. She normally won’t leave them for long periods of time and they should remain with her for 7-8 weeks
