How long does the pregnancy last in dogs?

The owners of four-legged pets, who do not have experience with the maintenance of a pregnant dog, ask certain questions. How long gestation lasts, what difficulties can be encountered in the process, etc. Today we will try to understand together, we will highlight the main aspects affecting pregnancy in large and small individuals.

Peculiarities of pregnancy in dogs

1. Conception in females occurs about 5-6 days from the time of mating. The ovum is ready for fertilization with active spermatozoa, which are located in the female genital tract. Regarding the length of gestation, this condition lasts about 63 days. If deviations are noticed, the period varies from 56 to 73 days.
2. Puppies that were born after a specified time, viable.If the pregnancy is prolonged and exceeds 73 days, it is important to immediately go to the clinic so that the doctor can examine the nurse. Serious pathological processes are not excluded.
3. There are some differences between small and large individuals. But usually a bitch walks pregnant about 2 months. However, it is important to understand that it is difficult for an inexperienced person to discover that conception has happened. Experts recommend to pay attention to the signs that the female shows.
4. So, her nipples and the area around them increase. The dog feels lethargic, moves less, plays not so willingly as before. Appetite may be absent or, on the contrary, selectivity is manifested in feeds. With all this, the animal does not want to communicate with the person, may behave detached. As for the abdominal area, the belly becomes round and enlarged. Urination frequent, vaginal transparent discharge comes out.

Varieties of pregnancy in dogs

To date, there are several main varieties. Let us examine each of them in more detail.

1. Physiological. Normal pregnancy, puppies in the womb develop without deviations, gestation proceeds without complications in the bitch. Duration is average, indicators are normal.
2. Pathological. Bearing proceeds with abnormalities. There are difficulties in the development of babies in the womb. Typically, pathological carrying is accompanied by massive toxicosis, fever, unwillingness to eat. Brownish mucus may come out of the vagina, which is not normal. Need to go to the vet.
3. False. According to the signs, such carrying is similar to physiological pregnancy. According to external data and general behavior, the female believes that she is pregnant and everything is fine. But experienced specialists immediately identify pathology and try to interrupt it as soon as possible. Usually, false pregnancy arises due to incorrect mating or disruptions in the hormonal system of the dog. In extreme cases, mastitis develops, the animal at the psychological level can prepare for motherhood. The help of professionals is required.

Pregnancy in large breed dogs

1. With regard to the duration of gestation, these figures vary in the range of 55-73 days.If the embryonic amount is usually higher, then the gestation period will be reduced.
2. In cases where there are about two puppies in the womb, the pregnancy will be delayed. Usually, dogs of large breeds carry a small number of puppies, so the period is about 70 days.
3. It is advisable to undergo an examination in a veterinary clinic so that the specialist will orient you in terms of the time and amount of the expected replenishment in the family.
4. A timely diagnosis will not only allow the female to give birth to healthy offspring, but also to correct the management of the pregnancy as a whole.

Pregnancy in small breeds

1. Pregnancy in young dog representatives can last up to 2 months. Consider, in such a period, the female needs to adjust the nutrition. This should be done because the pet in an interesting position begins to push the uterus on the stomach and intestines.
2. In this case, food should be made of high-calorie foods. Consider that you do not need to overfeed the animal. This must be strictly followed. Otherwise, the dog may have serious problems during childbirth.
3. It is imperative that the pregnant dog have free access to clean filtered water.Allowed to give mineral water without gas. In addition, the animal should be regularly fed special vitamin complexes. The composition should be selected based on the breed.
4. Small breeds of dogs are more sensitive to temperature extremes, in contrast to larger relatives. During pregnancy, the pet's temperature will drop by 1-2 degrees. Therefore, the dog needs a warm secluded place to rest. If the pet is a short-haired, additionally install a heater.

Pregnancy Calendar

A specially plotted chart shows the development of embryos throughout the duration of pregnancy. The development of systems and the formation of organs are also indicated.

1. 1. From 1 to 14 days after the first mating, the embryos begin to actively attach to the walls of the uterus. Each one has a formation of the placenta.
   2. From 15 to 20 days the formation of the spinal column, internal organs and nervous system. During this period, any drugs are prohibited. It is also forbidden to give your pet any injections. Otherwise, miscarriage may occur.
   3. From 21 to 29 days, experts recommend doing ultrasound. The study will show whether pregnancy is proceeding normally.From 30 to 40 days, individual embryos can be easily felt with your fingers.
   4. From 40 to 45 days, an active growth of the formed organs occurs in embryos. During such a period, a high-quality and high-calorie diet is important for a pregnant dog. The ideal option would be a fractional diet.
   5. From 45 to 50 days you can feel through the belly of all puppies. At this time should be made X-ray. A snapshot will show how well the fruits have developed. The skin of puppies covered with hair.
   6. From 51 to 58 days, a colostrum begins to appear in a dog in the position. The female is prepared for childbirth. From 59 to 64 days, the animal will be disturbed and look for a place to give birth. The dog may decrease body temperature to 36 degrees.

Consider that 9-11 days before the onset of labor it is recommended to remove some products from the animal’s menu. Among those should be distinguished protein dishes. If you left food rich in protein in small quantities.5 days before delivery such products must be excluded.

Separately, it is worth mentioning that in the middle of the pregnancy the female should be fed more often. Only portions should be reduced. If the dog eats more than normal, it will have obesity. Because of this, problems will arise during childbirth.

Now you know exactly how long the pregnancy lasts for four-legged friends. Watch out for your pet in a difficult period. Adhere to a special calendar and do everything necessary that your dog may need. If you notice a deterioration in the condition of the female, contact your veterinarian.

Video: pregnancy and childbirth in dogs